Netflix’s 2024 holiday movie Meet Me Next Christmas, directed by Rusty Cundieff, combines festive cheer with romance and adventure as Layla (Christina Milian) races against time to find tickets to a Christmas Eve concert in hopes of meeting her dream guy. Although the film is set in the iconic streets of New York City, most of the production was actually shot in Toronto, Canada. Here’s a look at the primary filming locations and some fun details about how Toronto was transformed to replicate the magic of Christmas in New York in Meet Me Next Christmas.
Netflix’s ‘Meet Me Next Christmas’: Where Was the Film Shot? – Filming Locations & Other Details
Prime Filming Location: Toronto, Ontario
While Meet Me Next Christmas unfolds in NYC, its lively scenes were primarily captured in Toronto, which has become a go-to location for productions needing a New York vibe at a lower cost. The production spanned from March 27 to May 1, 2023, with downtown Toronto’s Entertainment District standing in for Manhattan’s bustling streets.
To create the winter wonderland look in the spring, the crew set up elaborate holiday decorations, artificial snow, and sparkling lights, making the warm Toronto days look like a cozy NYC winter. This attention to detail turned Toronto into a festive, NYC-like backdrop for Layla’s Christmas journey.
Key Filming Locations
Entertainment District, Toronto
The vibrant Entertainment District in Toronto was transformed into New York’s bustling holiday streets. With festive decor and lights, this area effectively mirrored the holiday spirit of Manhattan.
Royal Alexandra Theatre
This historic theater, located at 260 King Street West, doubled as a quintessential New York landmark. In one scene, Layla encounters a Santa Claus on its snow-dusted steps, adding a whimsical holiday touch. The Royal Alexandra Theatre, one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in North America, lent a timeless quality to the film’s atmosphere.
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Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio
The production also used Cinespace Studios to recreate NYC-style interiors, bringing cozy, urban holiday scenes to life indoors. Known for its large, state-of-the-art soundstages, this studio has hosted multiple Netflix productions, including Stranger Things. With over 25,000 square feet of space, the studio was ideal for crafting the warm, festive look of NYC interiors.
Why Toronto?
Toronto is increasingly popular for productions needing to emulate New York City, thanks to its versatile architecture, established film infrastructure, and more budget-friendly filming options. Netflix has invested heavily in Canadian studios, making Toronto an even more attractive location. This strategy not only reduces production costs but also supports Toronto’s film industry, transforming the city into a kind of “second Hollywood” for various film and TV projects.
