It’s that time of year when the air gets crisp and we all start craving something sweet, both on our plates and on our TV screens. Honestly, the Lifetime holiday movie marathon is basically a sport at this point. One movie that always seems to pop back up in the rotation is Christmas a la Mode. It’s got that classic recipe: a struggling family business, a cynical outsider, and enough fake snow to cover a small country. But what really keeps people coming back isn't just the plot about a boutique ice cream farm—it's the Christmas a la Mode cast.
The chemistry here is actually pretty decent for a TV movie. You’ve got Katie Leclerc and Ryan Cooper leading the charge, and they bring a certain groundedness to a story that could easily have felt like a sugar overdose.
Meet the Leads: Katie Leclerc and Ryan Cooper
If you feel like you’ve seen the face of Emily White before, you probably have. Katie Leclerc is the heart of this movie. Most people recognize her immediately from her breakout role as Daphne Vasquez on Switched at Birth. She has this incredibly expressive way of acting that makes you actually root for her to save the farm, even if the "science" of her holiday ice cream flavors is a bit questionable. Leclerc has become a bit of a staple in the world of TV movies, but she brings a level of sincerity here that feels real.
Then there’s Charlie. Ryan Cooper plays the guy sent to basically tear her world apart—or at least, that’s how it starts. Cooper is an Australian actor who has done everything from One Life to Live to Rough Night with Scarlett Johansson. He has that "corporate guy with a secret heart of gold" thing down to a science. In Christmas a la Mode, his job is to represent his sister’s interests in the family farm, which naturally means he and Emily butt heads until the inevitable happens.
Their dynamic works because they don't just fall in love over a scoop of vanilla. They argue. They have different visions for the business. It’s that classic tension that drives these movies. Without the right actors, it's just two people standing in a kitchen; with Leclerc and Cooper, it feels like a genuine (if predictable) connection.
The Supporting Players Who Make the Farm Feel Like Home
You can’t have a holiday movie without a supporting cast that provides the "homey" vibes. Jennifer Ellis plays Holly, Emily’s sister. She’s the one who actually wants to sell her share of the farm, which provides the central conflict. Ellis is a veteran of the Boston theater scene, and you can tell she’s got that stage-trained presence. She doesn't play Holly as a villain, just someone who is tired and wants a different life, which is a nice bit of nuance for a Lifetime flick.
💡 You might also like: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby
Then we have the legendary Caroline Keeler as Mary, the matriarch. She brings that warm, "everything is going to be okay" energy that every Christmas movie requires.
Some other faces you might spot:
- Kathy Harum plays Mrs. Higgins, adding to the small-town charm.
- Nick Verina shows up as Edgar.
- Caroline Portu takes on the role of Megan.
- Charles Van Eman appears as Mr. Gidley.
It’s a tight-knit ensemble. Most of these actors have deep roots in New England theater or independent film, which makes sense considering the movie was filmed on location in Massachusetts.
Why the Christmas a la Mode Cast Works Better Than Most
Let’s be real for a second. A lot of holiday movies feel like they were cast in five minutes by a computer program. But here, the Christmas a la Mode cast feels like they actually like each other. There’s a scene where they’re all in the kitchen—which, by the way, is a real farmhouse kitchen—and the banter feels unscripted.
The movie was directed by John Stimpson, who is a pro at these regional holiday films. He often works with the same pool of actors, which creates a sense of community on screen. When Emily talks about the history of the dairy farm, Leclerc delivers those lines with a weight that makes you believe the place has been in her family for generations. It's not just a set; it's a character in itself.
📖 Related: Kate Moss Family Guy: What Most People Get Wrong About That Cutaway
The Real Star: Nashoba Valley Winery
While not an actor, the location itself—Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton, Massachusetts—is a huge part of the cast's world. The actors weren't on a soundstage in Los Angeles or a backlot in Vancouver. They were actually in the cold, dealing with real New England winter vibes. This authenticity helps the actors. When you see Ryan Cooper shivering in a scene, he’s probably actually cold. That translates to a better performance.
Addressing the "Ice Cream in Winter" Logic
One of the funniest things about this movie is the premise. Emily is trying to save a dairy farm by selling specialty ice cream in the middle of a Massachusetts December. On paper, that sounds like a terrible business plan. Who wants a frozen treat when it’s 20 degrees outside?
But the cast sells it. They treat the creation of "Christmas a la Mode" ice cream like it’s the most important invention of the 21st century. This is where the acting really matters. If the actors don't believe in the stakes, the audience won't either. Katie Leclerc’s passion for her craft—even if that craft is just mixing peppermint into cream—is what makes the movie watchable.
Where Are They Now?
Since Christmas a la Mode premiered back in 2019, the cast has stayed busy. Katie Leclerc continues to be a queen of the TV movie genre but has also branched out into producing. Ryan Cooper has stayed active in both film and television, often appearing in similar romantic leads where his charm is put to good use.
If you're looking to follow the cast, here is the quick breakdown of their most notable work:
👉 See also: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
- Katie Leclerc: Check out Switched at Birth (all 5 seasons) if you want to see her serious acting chops. She also popped up in The Big Bang Theory as a love interest for Raj.
- Ryan Cooper: He’s great in the TV series Eye Candy and had a memorable role in the digital series Confess.
- Jennifer Ellis: She is still a powerhouse in the Boston theater world, winning multiple Elliot Norton Awards. If you're ever in New England, there's a good chance you can see her live on stage.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Rewatch
If you’re planning to sit down with this movie during the next holiday season, or just a random Tuesday when you need a "pick-me-way," keep these things in mind to enhance the experience:
- Look for the chemistry: Watch the small glances between Leclerc and Cooper in the background of scenes. It’s better than the dialogue sometimes.
- The Massachusetts Connection: Notice the scenery. Unlike many "New York" or "Small Town USA" movies filmed in Canada, the light and the architecture here are distinctly New England.
- DIY Your Own "A La Mode": The movie focuses on a specific flavor. Why not try to recreate it? Mixing high-quality vanilla ice cream with apple pie spices, gingerbread crumbles, or peppermint bark is actually a great way to watch.
The Christmas a la Mode cast managed to take a standard holiday premise and turn it into something that feels like a warm hug. It’s not Shakespeare, but it’s not trying to be. It’s a story about family, legacy, and the weird idea that ice cream can solve your financial problems. And honestly? We’re here for it.
To get the most out of your holiday movie marathons, keep an eye on the production credits. Many of the same people who worked on this film—both in front of and behind the camera—collaborate on other Lifetime and Hallmark projects. If you enjoyed the vibe of this one, looking up the director John Stimpson’s filmography is a great way to find your next favorite cozy watch.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Katie Leclerc's social media for behind-the-scenes stories; she often shares throwbacks to her holiday filming days.
- Verify the current streaming status on the Lifetime Movie Club or Peacock, as these titles rotate frequently depending on the season.
- Support local dairy farms in your own area—the central message of the movie about the struggle of independent farmers is a very real issue that persists today.