Holiday spirit takes over Orangeville as Hallmark movie films on Broadway

A new Hallmark Christmas movie is being filmed in Orangeville this week, creating plenty of excitement in the town.

'Trading Up For Christmas' is a story about finding love in a small town, and it is being filmed on Broadway. The area between First Street and Second Street is lined with artificial snow and ice, showcasing the film's holiday theme.

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The interiors of Suzanne Gardner Flowers, Lavender Blue Catering and Pear Home are being used as sets for the film and are temporarily closed as a result. However, most other businesses on Broadway are operating on regular schedules and welcome the commotion.

"I think it's really great," said Marilyn Rolfe, a thrift shop volunteer at Seconds Count. "It's going to put Orangeville on the map."

The storefronts of Aardvark Music and Culture and Fire and Flower Cannabis are also being transformed for the set.

"It's great for the town," said Perry Joseph, the owner of Aardvark Music and Culture. "Anything that gives the town a little bit more visibility is a good thing for everybody here."

Fire and Flower Cannabis was decorated with artificial ice in its windows.

"It's just cool," Nagel Spencer from the dispensary. "Having a cannabis store used [on a film set] is pretty interesting. I don't think that happens too often."

No roads have been closed, but the filming is causing some parking restrictions on Broadway.

The large production crew and residents stopping by to see the area also means more customers for local restaurants.

"More and more people are coming in just to see the shoot. And most are hungry and thirsty, so they are coming to us," said Jasnoor Singh from Cafetown.

Town officials are happy to see Orangeville becoming a popular choice for filming.

"It's a great destination for filmmakers and for visitors," said Katrina Lemire, Orangeville's manager of economic development and culture. "We have public art, we have beautiful landmarks. I think, really just a great destination, very walkable."

Filming in the town will take place until Sunday.

Drivers on Broadway are advised to use caution in the area as traffic will stop intermittently during filming.