The Finnish Line Filming Locations: 7 Magical Spots That Brought Hallmark's 2024 Christmas Movie To Life

Step into the Arctic Circle! As of this December 2025 update, fans are still captivated by the stunning, snow-covered landscapes featured in Hallmark Channel's 2024 holiday hit, The Finnish Line. This romantic comedy, which premiered as part of the "Countdown to Christmas" lineup, broke the mold by capturing authentic winter magic, leading many to wonder: was the movie *actually* filmed in Finland, or was it studio magic? The answer is a resounding yes—the production team traveled to the real-life home of Santa Claus and beyond to film this unique story.

The commitment to authenticity is what sets The Finnish Line apart from many other holiday films. Instead of relying on artificial snow and backlots, the movie was shot on location across two stunning Nordic countries: Finland and Iceland. This deep dive reveals the exact, specific locations that served as the backdrop for Anya’s journey to compete in the Joulurauha race and find romance with an unexpected travel companion.

Meet the Stars: The Finnish Line Main Cast Biography

The heart of The Finnish Line lies in its charming cast, led by three talented actors. To truly appreciate the film, it helps to know the professional journeys of the stars who braved the Arctic conditions.

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Kim Matula (Anya)

• Full Name: Kimberly Marie Matula
• Role in Film: Anya, a Finnish-American woman inspired by her father's legacy to compete in the Joulurauha race.
• Born: August 23, 1988, in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
• Career Highlights: Best known for her role as Hope Logan on the CBS daytime soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful (2010–2016). She also starred as Ronnie in the Hulu comedy series LA to Vegas (2018) and had a recurring role on the Fox medical drama The Resident.
• Hallmark Connection: A familiar face on the Hallmark Channel, making her a perfect fit for the 2024 Christmas movie slate.

Beau Mirchoff (Liam)

• Full Name: William Beau Mirchoff
• Role in Film: Liam, the romantic lead who accompanies Anya on her adventure.
• Born: January 13, 1989, in Seattle, Washington, USA, and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
• Career Highlights: Gained widespread recognition for his role as Matty McKibben in the MTV series Awkward. (2011–2016). He has also starred in films like Scary Movie 4 and the Netflix series Good Trouble.
• Other Works: Known for his work on the ABC drama Desperate Housewives and the Netflix thriller Narcos: Mexico.

Nichole Sakura (Supporting Role)

• Full Name: Nichole Sakura O'Connor (formerly Nichole Bloom)
• Role in Film: Key supporting role, adding depth and humor to Anya’s journey.
• Born: December 15, 1989, in Santa Clara County, California, USA.
• Career Highlights: Best known for her main role as Cheyenne Thompson on the NBC sitcom Superstore (2015–2021). She also voices the character of Judy in the animated series Central Park.
• Film Roles: Appeared in films such as Project X and Laggies.

The Two Main Countries That Hosted The Finnish Line Production

The production of The Finnish Line spanned two Nordic nations, both known for their breathtaking winter landscapes and dramatic scenery. The dual locations were essential to capturing the epic scope of the Joulurauha race and the intimate, cozy feel of a Christmas story.

1. Finland: The Heart of the Story (Lapland and Rovaniemi)

True to its title, the bulk of the filming took place in Finland, specifically in the northernmost region of Lapland. This area, famous for being the official home of Santa Claus, provided the perfect setting for a magical holiday film.

• Rovaniemi: The Official Home of Santa Claus: The city of Rovaniemi served as a primary location. This Arctic capital is known for its stunning Northern Lights displays and its deep connection to Finnish Christmas traditions. The production team utilized the city's unique, snowy environment to establish the authentic atmosphere of the Joulurauha race.
• Santa Claus Village: The Iconic Backdrop: Perhaps the most recognizable location is the legendary Santa Claus Village, situated right on the Arctic Circle line in Rovaniemi. This iconic tourist destination, complete with Santa’s office and post office, provided the quintessential festive backdrop for several key scenes in the movie. This choice firmly grounds the film in Finnish folklore and holiday spirit.
• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: The Glass Igloos: Another stunning Lapland location featured is the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. This world-famous resort is known for its unique glass igloos, offering unparalleled views of the night sky—a perfect setting for a romantic, snowy scene. The inclusion of this location adds a luxurious and aspirational element to the film's visual appeal.

2. Iceland: The Dramatic Landscapes

While Finland provided the cozy, Christmas-centric locations, filming also took place in Iceland. This island nation, known for its volcanic activity, geysers, hot springs, and dramatic black sand beaches, offered a complementary, rugged, and epic landscape for the film's outdoor adventures.

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• Scenic Spots for Adventure: Iceland’s diverse and often starkly beautiful scenery provided the perfect setting for the more challenging and adventurous aspects of the Joulurauha race. The use of Iceland’s terrain helped to emphasize the physical and emotional journey of Anya and Liam as they navigate the competition.
• Cinematic Contrast: The contrast between the soft, deep snow and wooden cabins of Lapland and the dramatic, icy, and mountainous backdrops of Iceland gives The Finnish Line a richer, more cinematic look than many traditional Christmas TV movies.

Why The Finnish Line Was a Hallmark Channel Milestone

The Finnish Line, directed by Dustin Rikert, was a significant addition to the 2024 "Countdown to Christmas" lineup. The production's decision to film primarily on location in the Arctic Circle marked a major commitment to realism and global storytelling for the network.

Authenticity and Topical Authority

By focusing on the Joulurauha race, a fictional competition rooted in Finnish culture, the film introduced millions of viewers to the unique traditions and stunning natural beauty of Northern Europe. The film's title itself is a clever play on words, referencing both the finish line of the race and the country of Finland. Key entities and concepts that cemented the film's topical authority include:

• Joulurauha Race: The central plot device, translating to "Christmas Peace," highlights the spirit of the Finnish holiday season.
• Arctic Circle: The physical location is a major character in the film, providing genuine snow, ice, and cold-weather challenges.
• Husky Sledding and Snowmobiling: The movie features authentic Arctic activities, utilizing local resources and expertise for the race sequences.
• Finnish-American Heritage: The protagonist’s background connects the story to a broader cultural context, making the journey home a central theme.

A Fresh Approach to Holiday Romance

The film moves beyond the typical small-town American setting, offering viewers a true travelogue experience. The stunning visuals of the glass igloos, the festive atmosphere of Santa Claus Village, and the rugged beauty of the Icelandic wilderness elevate the standard romantic comedy format. This focus on exotic, genuine winter locations is a major reason why The Finnish Line continues to resonate with audiences long after its December 1, 2024 premiere.

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For those looking to experience the magic for themselves, a trip to Rovaniemi, Lapland, offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of the cast and crew, experiencing the real-life locations that made The Finnish Line an unforgettable part of the 2024 holiday season.