Sparks Fly When a Pilot Finds Love in Hallmark's 'Christmas Island'
Christmas Island
There are so many holiday movies out there, it's a wonder the creative teams behind them haven't run out of ideas. While viewers know the two leads will fall for each other in the end, it's the details that keep audiences coming back for more. In Hallmark Channel's latest Countdown to Christmas movie, Christmas Island, a variety of familiar elements come together for a rom-com the whole family can enjoy.
Here's everything we know about Christmas Island, include its release date, cast details, and an exclusive sneak peek.
Related: See Hallmarks 'Countdown to Christmas' Lineup
What is Christmas Island about?
Kate Gabriel (Rachel Skarsten), a talented commercial pilot, is excited for the opportunity to spend her holiday break flying the Sharpe family on a luxurious vacation to Switzerland and hopes this gig will turn into a full-time job as their private pilot. During the flight, a snowstorm forces her to make an unexpected landing at a small airport in the Maritimes, Canada. Kate is hesitant to divert the plane; however, Oliver Macleod (Andrew Walker), the pragmatic Air Traffic Control Officer in charge of guiding them to safety, insists it’s the only option.
Kate and the Sharpes are all taken in by host families in the nearby community of Christmas Island, where the locals are known for their Maritime hospitality. In order to keep her hopes for a full-time job alive, Kate must ensure the increasingly anxious Sharpes find their holiday spirit and embrace the local holiday traditions. Much to Kate’s chagrin, it just so happens that Oliver and his family are the community organizers of these beloved festivities. They’re forced to team up, and together help the Sharpes discover the joys of the Maritimes, such as the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony honoring local fishermen who have fallen.
Through their experiences on Christmas Island, can Kate’s efforts—aided by Oliver and the local traditions—help bring the holiday spirit to the Sharpes and perhaps reveal to Kate that romance can be found in unexpected places? Watch to find out!
Meet the cast of Christmas Island
Courtesy of Hallmark Media
Rachel Skarsten (Kate)
Skarsten starred in last year's royal romp, The Royal Nanny, opposite her Reign costar Dan Jeannotte. She's best known for her role on that show, in which she played Queen Elizabeth I, and on Batwoman, where she played Alice/Beth Kane.
Courtesy of Hallmark Media
Andrew Walker (Oliver)
No one can deny Walker's popularity on Hallmark Channel. He starred in last year's uber-popular Three Wise Men and a Baby as well as the Curious Caterer mysteries opposite Nikki DeLoach on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. He's also starred in Bottled with Love, Snowed-Inn Christmas, and A Maple Valley Christmas.
Fun fact: He and his wife helped to found Little West, a cold-pressed juice company. The company is worth millions now. Nice side hustle!
Related: The Whole Family Will Enjoy Hallmark's Festive Whodunnit 'Mystery on Mistletoe Lane'
When does Christmas Island premiere?
Christmas Island premieres on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.
When can I watch Christmas Island again?
Sunday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. ET
Thursday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. ET
Monday, Nov. 20 at 10 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 2 a.m. ET
Friday, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 6 a.m. ET
Saturday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. ET
Sunday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. ET
Does Parade.com have a sneak peek of Christmas Island?
You don't have to feel like you're on an island by yourself! We have a wonderful Parade.com exclusive first look at Christmas Island to share with you. Check it out below.
Enjoy some first-look images, too!
Christmas Island
Courtesy of Hallmark Media
View the 17 images of this gallery on the original article
