Northern Lights of Christmas (2018): Cast & Ratings
Northern Lights of Christmas is a 2018 romantic drama directed by Jonathan Wright, starring Ashley Williams as Zoey Hathaway, Ron Lea and Alix Sideris. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes. Its Echo Score is 70/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 24m (84 min)
- Director
- Jonathan Wright
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Howard Braunstein Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Northern Lights of Christmas About?
The premise of Northern Lights of Christmas without spoilers.
Zoey Hathaway dedicated years to achieving her dream of becoming a pilot, but her plans change when she unexpectedly inherits a reindeer farm and meets Alec Wynn, the attractive ranch hand. Overwhelmed with Christmas responsibilities and reindeer care, Zoey finds her life unexpectedly complicated. Alec, who has faced skepticism in the past, finds encouragement in Zoey's trust, and the pair begin to develop feelings for each other amidst the festive season. Can they discover happiness in such an unusual situation?
Northern Lights of Christmas Themes & Keywords
· 25 tags- christmas
- christmas romance
- female airplane pilot
- seattle washington
- parents daughter relationship
- grandfather granddaughter relationship
- aurora alaska
- ranch
- inheritance
- reindeer
- caretaker
- festival
+13 more Show fewer
- motorcycle
- reference to charter airplane
- photography
- selling property
- barn dance
- first airplane flight
- mail run
- aurora borealis
- road blocked by fallen tree
- interrupted kiss
- transaction declined
- kiss
- first airplane ride
Northern Lights of Christmas Cast & Characters
Ashley Williams leads the cast as Zoey Hathaway, with Ron Lea as Doyle Hathaway and Alix Sideris as Joan Hathaway. Directed by Jonathan Wright; 28 actors are credited in all.
- Director Jonathan Wright
- Ashley Williams as Zoey Hathaway
- Ron Lea as Doyle Hathaway
- Alix Sideris as Joan Hathaway
- Corey Sevier as Alec Wynn
Also Starring in Northern Lights of Christmas
· 24 more- Art Hindle Otto Bismer
- Genelle Williams Karen Yazzi
- Bill Lake Chuck Baker
- Jefferson Brown Brock Parker
- Chris Farquhar Phil
- Alexander Nunez Danny
- Tianna Nori Samantha
- Laura Miyata Anya Parker
- Andrea Senior Ginny Peters
- Precious Chong Tracie Walker
- Emily Shelton Nellie
- David Gingrich Ryan Upson
- Melody Johnson Melissa Upson
- Jenna Weir Sally
- Christopher Seivright Geoff Peters
- Sharon Canovas Jennifer
Show all 28 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Daina Barbeau Aurora Passerby (uncredited)
- Carter Belanger Taxi Driver
- Cheri Maracle State Trooper
- James Hawksley Kevin Alcon
- Barbara Rajnovich Linda
- Learah Hand Girl on Santa's Lap
- Nakita Portelance Passerby #1
- Alexander Katt Passerby #2
More from Jonathan Wright
More films directed by Jonathan Wright, best-rated first: Awakening the Zodiac, True Justice: Family Ties, A Not So Royal Christmas and Family History Mysteries: Buried Past.
Northern Lights of Christmas Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).
Northern Lights of Christmas Echo Score Breakdown
Northern Lights of Christmas delivers a familiar Hallmark romance anchored by an upbeat lead performance and scenic Alaskan visuals. Reviewers note the film’s dependable community charm, attractive scenery, and the lead’s energetic presence, while also highlighting predictable plot twists and occasional over‑acting that diminish depth. The net effect is a comfortably enjoyable holiday entry that satisfies genre expectations without breaking new ground.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of visual craftsmanship, the film benefits from striking Alaskan landscapes and aurora borealis sequences that reinforce its seasonal atmosphere. Critics commend the snowy backdrops and production design for creating an inviting setting, though a few note unrealistic lighting conditions. Overall, the art direction supports the story effectively and earns a solid rating.
- Character & Emotion 70
Character work centers on a charismatic lead whose warmth and optimism are repeatedly praised, while supporting performances are described as likable and restrained. Several reviewers, however, point out a lack of chemistry between the protagonists and instances of over‑acting that lessen emotional nuance. The mixed feedback results in a moderately positive character assessment.
- Story & Flow 65
The storyline follows a conventional Hallmark formula of hometown return, community rally, and romance, which many find comfortably familiar. Critics appreciate the feel‑good premise but criticize its predictability and formulaic pacing. While the narrative engages genre fans, its limited originality tempers the overall score.
- Sensory Experience 80
Sensory experience is anchored by vivid cinematography that showcases Alaskan terrain and the Northern Lights, creating a cohesive visual style. Reviewers note the film’s pleasant soundtrack and sound design as adequate, without drawing attention to any flaws. The strong visual cohesion elevates the sensory rating.
- Rewatch Factor 55
Rewatch potential is divided; some viewers express willingness to see the lead actress again, while others doubt they would return to the film itself. Predictable plot elements and occasional over‑acting reduce long‑term appeal, though the seasonal setting may invite occasional holiday viewings. Consequently, the rewatch factor receives a modest score.
Northern Lights of Christmas Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Northern Lights of Christmas.
Cars in Northern Lights of Christmas
9 cars on screen, including the 2016 GMC Yukon XL and the Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy.
-
2016 GMC Yukon XL Important role -
Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy Important role -
Jeep TJ Important role -
2004 Ford Crown Victoria Minor role
Northern Lights of Christmas Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “Hviezda na vianočnom nebi” and “Mon Noël en Alaska”.
- Also known as
-
- Hviezda na vianočnom nebi
- Mon Noël en Alaska
- Luces del Norte de Navidad
- Im Norden strahlt der Weihnachtsstern
- Hvězda na vánočním nebi
- Коледно сияние
- Ritorno ad Aurora: Un Natale speciale
- Luminile nordice ale Crăciunului
- Luzes de Natal no Norte
- Északi fény karácsonykor
Seen Northern Lights of Christmas?
Movies Like Northern Lights of Christmas
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Christmas Under the Northern Lights, Christmas Beneath the Stars and Christmas Takes Flight.
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Christmas Under the Northern Lights 2024 -
Christmas Beneath the Stars 2021 -
Christmas Takes Flight 2021 -
Christmas Ever After 2020 -
Christmas in the Rockies 2020 -
Christmas by Starlight 2020 -
The Christmas Edition 2020 -
A Christmas Movie Christmas 2019 -
Cross Country Christmas 2020 -
Project Christmas Wish 2020 -
Christmas in Wolf Creek 2022 -
Christmas Under the Stars 2019
Northern Lights of Christmas FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Northern Lights of Christmas, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Northern Lights of Christmas?
Northern Lights of Christmas runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).
When was Northern Lights of Christmas released?
Northern Lights of Christmas was released on December 15, 2018.
Who directed Northern Lights of Christmas?
Northern Lights of Christmas was directed by Jonathan Wright.
More films by Jonathan Wright Who is in the cast of Northern Lights of Christmas?
Northern Lights of Christmas stars Ashley Williams as Zoey Hathaway, Ron Lea as Doyle Hathaway and Alix Sideris as Joan Hathaway, among 28 credited actors.
Does Northern Lights of Christmas have a post-credit scene?
No. Northern Lights of Christmas has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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