If you’ve ever scrolled through the endless grid of holiday movies on a rainy Sunday in December, you’ve probably seen the poster for The Rooftop Christmas Tree. It’s one of those films that people tend to find by accident but end up watching every single year. Why? Honestly, it’s mostly because the story is weirdly grounded for a made-for-TV movie. It isn't just about a magical reindeer or a prince in disguise. It’s about a guy who refuses to take a tree down from his roof and the legal drama that ensues.
The cast of The Rooftop Christmas Tree is really what keeps the whole thing from floating away into "too cheesy" territory. You have veteran actors who know exactly how to play these roles without winking too hard at the camera.
The Heavy Hitters in The Rooftop Christmas Tree Cast
The movie centers on a specific neighborhood dispute that feels like something out of a real-life suburban nightmare, but with more tinsel. At the heart of it is Tim Reid.
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you know Tim Reid. He was Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati and Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister. In this movie, he plays Mr. Wright. He’s the guy who puts the tree on the roof. Every year. And every year, he gets arrested for it. Reid brings a level of dignity to the role that makes you actually care about his strange protest rather than just thinking he’s a nuisance. He doesn't play it like a "crazy old man" trope. He plays it like a man with a secret, which is exactly what the script needs to keep the mystery alive.
Then we have Michelle Morgan. She plays Sarah Wright, a lawyer who also happens to be Mr. Wright’s daughter. Morgan is a staple of Canadian television—you likely recognize her as Lou Fleming from the long-running series Heartland. Because she’s used to that grounded, rural drama style, she fits perfectly here. She has to play the balance of "I am a professional attorney" and "My dad is currently in a jail cell because of a Douglas fir." It’s a specific kind of frustration that she nails.
Then there is Stephen Huszar.
Huszar is basically the king of the "handsome love interest" in holiday cinema. You’ve seen him in A Homecoming for the Holidays or Ruby Herring Mysteries. Here, he plays John Ketchum, the prosecutor who is technically the antagonist for the first half of the film. The chemistry between Morgan and Huszar is what provides the romantic backbone of the story. It’s slow-burn, it’s predictable, and it’s exactly what fans of this genre want.
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Why the Supporting Players Matter
A lot of people overlook the smaller roles in The Rooftop Christmas Tree cast, but they fill out the world of the fictional town of Landis.
- Peter Mensah makes an appearance as the Judge. This is actually a fun bit of casting because Mensah is usually known for much more intense, physical roles in things like Spartacus or 300. Seeing him in a courtroom setting, dealing with a festive zoning violation, is a great change of pace.
- Nneka Elliott plays the news reporter. In real life, Elliott was actually a news anchor and reporter in Toronto for years (CP24), so she isn't "acting" like a reporter—she just is one. This adds a layer of realism to the media circus surrounding the tree trial.
The movie was directed by David Winning. If you follow this niche of television, Winning is a name you see everywhere. He has directed dozens of these films. He knows how to pace a scene so it doesn't feel bogged down by the legal jargon, and he knows how to light a Christmas tree so it looks like it’s glowing with the spirit of the season.
The Story Behind the Script
It’s worth mentioning that this movie isn't just a random fever dream from a screenwriter. It’s based on a book by Landis Wade.
Wade was an actual trial lawyer for over 25 years. This explains why the "legal" parts of the movie—while still very much "TV legal"—have a bit more bite than your average holiday fluff. The story was actually inspired by a real-life neighbor of Wade’s who used to put a tree on his roof. It wasn't a legal battle in real life, but Wade took that visual and ran with it.
The film explores the idea of "The Spirit of the Law" versus the "Letter of the Law." Mr. Wright is technically breaking a city ordinance. He’s a repeat offender. But he’s doing it for a reason that is deeply personal and rooted in grief.
Where the Movie Hits and Where it Misses
Let’s be real for a second. Is this Citizen Kane? No. It’s an Up TV movie (though it often airs on other networks like Hallmark or Lifetime depending on the year and the country).
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Some of the dialogue is a bit on the nose. The transition from "I am prosecuting your father" to "Let's grab a coffee and fall in love" happens pretty fast. But the performances from the The Rooftop Christmas Tree cast elevate it. Tim Reid and Michelle Morgan actually feel like father and daughter. They have those quiet, tense moments that feel authentic to families who haven't quite figured out how to talk about the "big thing" that happened in their past.
The cinematography is standard for the genre. Lots of soft lighting. Lots of red and green sweaters. It’s cozy. It’s meant to be watched while you’re wrapping presents or half-asleep after a big meal.
How to Watch and What to Look For
If you’re planning a rewatch, pay attention to the courtroom scenes. They were filmed in a way that highlights the absurdity of the situation. You have a room full of serious people arguing about a tree. It’s almost a satire of small-town politics, even if the movie plays it straight.
The film is frequently available on:
- Up Faith & Family (The primary streaming home).
- Amazon Prime Video (Often available for rent or purchase).
- Local Cable Syndication (It usually pops up on W Network in Canada or various holiday-themed channels in the US during November).
Actionable Insights for Fans of the Movie
If you enjoyed the cast and the vibe of this film, there are a few specific things you should check out next to get a similar "fix."
Follow the Lead Actors' Careers
If you liked Michelle Morgan, you absolutely have to watch Heartland. She’s been on that show since 2007, and it has that same wholesome, family-centric energy. If Tim Reid was your favorite part, go back and watch Sister, Sister or hunt down old episodes of Frank's Place—the latter is a cult classic that really showed off his acting chops.
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Read the Original Source Material
Landis Wade’s book, The Rooftop Christmas Tree, goes a bit deeper into the legal nuances and the backstory of the characters than a 90-minute movie can. It’s a quick read and gives you a bit more "meat on the bones" of the story.
Visit the Filming Locations
Like many holiday movies, this was filmed in Canada—specifically in and around Almonte, Ontario. Almonte is basically the "Christmas Movie Capital" of the north. They have a very specific, old-school downtown area that looks exactly like a movie set because it frequently is one. If you’re ever in the Ottawa area during the winter, a drive through Almonte will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of the Wrights' neighborhood.
The enduring popularity of The Rooftop Christmas Tree cast and their performances comes down to sincerity. In a world of cynical holiday content, this movie actually tries to say something about community and the importance of holding onto traditions, even when they seem a little bit crazy to everyone else.
Next Steps for Your Holiday Watchlist
- Verify the Schedule: Check the Up TV or Hallmark "Countdown to Christmas" schedules, as this movie often moves time slots.
- Explore Landis Wade: Look into his other "Christmas Courtroom" stories if you enjoy the blend of legal drama and holiday themes.
- Watch for the Cameos: Keep an eye out for local Canadian actors in the background; many of them are regulars in the Ottawa theater scene and bring a lot of charm to the minor roles.
This movie remains a staple because it reminds us that behind every "weird" neighbor, there is usually a story worth hearing. Whether you're there for the legal drama or the romance between Morgan and Huszar, the film delivers exactly what it promises.