The Hallmark movie “’Tis the Season for Love” is a cozy Christmas favorite, and a big reason it works is its warm, familiar cast. If you’re searching for a clear, complete “’Tis the Season for Love cast” breakdown, this guide walks you through every major character, the actors behind them, and where you might have seen them before.
Below you’ll find the main cast list, character descriptions, key crew, and quick FAQs, all in one place.
Who are the main stars of ‘Tis the Season for Love?
“’Tis the Season for Love” is a 2015 Hallmark Channel holiday romance directed by Terry Ingram and written by Nina Weinman. It stars: IMDb+2rottentomatoes.com+2
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Sarah Lancaster as Beth Baker
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Brendan Penny as Dean Hubert
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Gwynyth Walsh as Shirley Baker
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Andrew Francis as Barry McCormick
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Jessica Harmon as Eileen McCormick
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Garry Chalk as Santa
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Anna Van Hooft as Nicole
These names show up consistently across Hallmark, TV Guide, Rotten Tomatoes and Apple TV listings, so you’re getting the canonical cast list one place. TVGuide.com+2rottentomatoes.com+2
Quick look: full main cast of ‘Tis the Season for Love
Here’s a simple cast table you can scan quickly:
| Actor | Character | Role type |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah Lancaster | Beth Baker | Lead |
| Brendan Penny | Dean Hubert / Dean | Lead |
| Gwynyth Walsh | Shirley Baker | Supporting |
| Andrew Francis | Barry McCormick | Supporting |
| Jessica Harmon | Eileen McCormick | Supporting |
| Garry Chalk | Santa | Supporting |
| Anna Van Hooft | Nicole | Supporting |
| Steve Makaj | Principal Harold Hyde | Supporting |
| Mackenzie Gray | Tom | Supporting |
| Vanessa Walsh | Alexis Avery | Supporting |
| Arien Boey | Noah | Supporting child |
Cast and character names compiled from TV Guide, Apple TV, Rotten Tomatoes and other major databases. Justdial+3TVGuide.com+3rottentomatoes.com+3
What is ‘Tis the Season for Love about?
At its heart, “’Tis the Season for Love” follows Beth, an aspiring but struggling New York actress who comes back to her small hometown for the holidays. Everyone assumes she’s a big city star, but she’s secretly wondering if she made the right choices. Back home, she reconnects with Dean, an old friend, and begins to question whether her real dream is fame—or a simpler life filled with love, family, and Christmas traditions. IMDb+2TVGuide.com+2
In classic Hallmark style, the movie mixes romance, family warmth and Christmas magic, with the cast carrying most of that cozy feeling.
Sarah Lancaster as Beth Baker
Who is Beth Baker in ‘Tis the Season for Love?
Beth Baker is the main character: a small-town girl who moved to New York City to chase an acting career. When work dries up and the holidays feel lonely, she heads back home for Christmas. There, she faces the people she left behind, including her mom, her ex, and the boy-next-door type who never really left her heart. IMDb+1
About Sarah Lancaster
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American actress known for playing Ellie Bartowski in “Chuck” and Rachel in “Saved by the Bell: The New Class.” Wikipedia+1
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Frequently appears in Hallmark movies and TV dramas, often in warm, family-focused roles.
Her calm, grounded performance makes Beth feel relatable—torn between ambition and home, just like many viewers.
Brendan Penny as Dean Hubert
Who is Dean in ‘Tis the Season for Love?
Dean is Beth’s childhood best friend and quiet romantic interest. He stayed in the hometown Beth was so desperate to leave. When she returns, Dean has built a life there—steady, kind, and rooted—making Beth wonder whether “making it big” is the only way to be happy. rottentomatoes.com+2rottentomatoes.com+2
About Brendan Penny
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Canadian actor with a strong Hallmark presence.
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Known for playing Kevin O’Brien in the family drama “Chesapeake Shores.” Hallmark Channel+1
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Has starred in multiple Hallmark originals like “The Wedding Cottage” and “In Merry Measure.” Hallmark Channel
Penny’s easygoing charm is a big part of why fans love this movie—it feels like you’re watching a real hometown guy fall in love.
Gwynyth Walsh as Shirley Baker
Who is Shirley Baker?
Shirley is Beth’s mom—supportive but honest. She’s proud of Beth, but she also knows that success is not always what it looks like on paper. She gently pushes Beth to really look at what makes her happy, not just what sounds impressive. rottentomatoes.com+2TVGuide.com+2
About Gwynyth Walsh
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Canadian actress best known to many fans as B’Etor, one of the Duras sisters, in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Generations.” Wikipedia
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Has had a long career in film, TV, and theatre.
Her presence adds a mature, grounding energy that balances the romance with family heart.
Andrew Francis as Barry McCormick
Who is Barry McCormick?
Barry is part of Beth’s circle of hometown friends, helping show how much life has changed since she left. His scenes help highlight the contrast between Beth’s big-city dreams and the quieter, more stable paths her old friends chose. rottentomatoes.com+2rottentomatoes.com+2
About Andrew Francis
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Prolific voice and screen actor with roles in shows like “Ninjago,” “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” and Hallmark series “Chesapeake Shores.” Wikipedia+1
He brings a light, friendly energy that makes the group scenes feel lively and believable.
Jessica Harmon as Eileen McCormick
Who is Eileen McCormick?
Eileen is Barry’s wife and part of the hometown couple that represents a “settled down” life—house, family, and routine. Through Eileen and Barry, Beth sees that choosing stability over chasing the spotlight can be its own kind of happy ending. rottentomatoes.com+2rottentomatoes.com+2
About Jessica Harmon
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Canadian actress known for TV roles in series like “iZombie” and multiple TV movies. IZombie Wiki
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Appears often in genre TV and Hallmark-style projects.
Her role is small but important: she helps round out the town’s social circle and show what Beth might be missing.
Garry Chalk as Santa
Who is Santa in the movie?
Garry Chalk plays Santa, a character who leans into the magical side of Christmas. He’s more than just a guy in a suit—he shows up in those little moments that nudge Beth toward the right path, adding a gentle, whimsical touch to the story. IMDb+2TVGuide.com+2
About Garry Chalk
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Veteran actor and voice actor, with roles in many animated series and TV movies.
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In this film, he embodies the “Christmas guardian angel” type character without ever saying it out loud.
Anna Van Hooft, Steve Makaj and other supporting cast
Beyond the leads, ‘Tis the Season for Love has a solid lineup of supporting players that fill out the town:
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Anna Van Hooft as Nicole – A polished, confident character linked to Beth’s past and choices. Apple TV+1
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Steve Makaj as Principal Harold Hyde – Represents Beth’s old school days and the life she left behind. Apple TV+1
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Mackenzie Gray as Tom – Adds more local color and small-town familiarity. Apple TV+1
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Vanessa Walsh as Alexis Avery – Connected with the community and Beth’s professional opportunities at home. Apple TV+1
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Arien Boey as Noah – A younger character that adds a family-friendly, heartwarming note to several scenes. Apple TV+1
These characters make the town feel alive instead of generic, which is key for a small-town Christmas romance.
Who directed and wrote ‘Tis the Season for Love?
A good Hallmark cast needs a solid team behind the camera too. Across TV Guide, Rotten Tomatoes, and other databases, credits line up like this: TVGuide.com+2rottentomatoes.com+2
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Director: Terry Ingram
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Writer / Screenwriter: Nina Weinman
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Producer: Harvey Kahn
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Executive Producer: Anne Carlucci
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Original Music: Hal Beckett
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Cinematography: Adam Sliwinski
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Film Editing: Rick Martin
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Casting: Jackie Lind
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Production Design: Jill Scott
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Set Decoration: Mark Boyko
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Costume Design: Valerie Halverson
Knowing the director, writer and key crew helps fans follow similar movies and gives your article stronger E-E-A-T and detail.
FAQs about ‘Tis the Season for Love cast
Who plays Beth in ‘Tis the Season for Love?
Beth Baker, the lead character and struggling New York actress, is played by Sarah Lancaster. IMDb+2rottentomatoes.com+2
Who plays Dean in ‘Tis the Season for Love?
Beth’s childhood friend and love interest Dean (often listed as Dean Hubert) is played by Brendan Penny, a familiar face from many other Hallmark movies and the series “Chesapeake Shores.” rottentomatoes.com+1
Is ‘Tis the Season for Love a Hallmark movie?
Yes. “’Tis the Season for Love” is a Hallmark Channel original Christmas movie that first aired in 2015 and is frequently included in Hallmark’s holiday lineups. Hallmark Mystery+1
Where can I watch ‘Tis the Season for Love?
Availability changes by region, but listings often show the movie on Hallmark-related services (like Hallmark+), some live TV streamers, and digital purchase/rental platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon. In some regions it also appears on ad-supported services like Plex. JustWatch+2Apple TV+2
How long is ‘Tis the Season for Love?
The movie runs for about 1 hour 25–38 minutes, depending on the source and whether ads are included in the broadcast. TVGuide.com+2rottentomatoes.com+2
