You know that feeling when you're scrolling through the Hallmark Channel during a snowstorm and a movie just clicks? That’s exactly what happened for a lot of people with this one. It’s got all the tropes we love—the small-town charm, a fight to save a local landmark, and that inevitable "will they, won't they" tension. But honestly, the cast of A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado is what actually carries the weight of the story. Without the chemistry between the leads, it’s just another movie about a tree.
Released in 2020 as part of the "Countdown to Christmas" event, the film centers on Erin, a public servant trying to pull off the ultimate holiday celebration. She needs a specific tree. That tree happens to be on the property of a guy named Kevin who isn't exactly in the holiday spirit. It sounds simple, but the actors bring a level of sincerity that makes it stick.
Rochelle Aytes as Erin Chambers
Rochelle Aytes isn't a stranger to the screen. Before she was scouting for the perfect spruce in Brooklyn (the fictional Colorado town, not the borough), she was a powerhouse in several major TV dramas. You might recognize her as Savannah Hayes from S.W.A.T. or from her leading role in Mistresses.
In this film, Aytes plays Erin, the Director of Community Development. She’s ambitious but not cold. That’s a hard line to walk in these movies. Often, the "career woman" character is written as a bit of a robot who needs to be taught the "meaning of Christmas" by a guy in flannel. Aytes avoids that trap. She plays Erin with a genuine warmth and a sense of duty to her town. You actually believe she cares about the town's centennial celebration, rather than just checking a box for her boss. Her performance is grounded. She makes the stakes feel real, even when we're just talking about a decorated tree in a town square.
Mark Taylor as Kevin Snyder
Then there's Kevin. Mark Taylor takes on the role of the standoffish firefighter and adoptive father. If you’ve watched much Canadian or American television over the last twenty years, Taylor’s face is probably familiar. He was a series regular on Instant Star and had a memorable run on Flashpoint.
In A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado, Taylor has the job of playing the "grumpy" half of the romantic duo. Kevin is protective of his daughter and his home. He isn’t just being mean for the sake of the plot; he’s got reasons. Taylor plays him with a quiet, rugged sensitivity. The chemistry between him and Aytes is the engine of the movie. It’s not explosive or over-the-top. It feels like two adults actually getting to know each other while navigating life's complications.
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The Supporting Players Who Round Out the Town
A Hallmark movie is only as good as its supporting cast. You need the quirky neighbors, the demanding bosses, and the cute kids to make the world feel lived-in.
Grace Sunar plays Claire, Kevin’s adopted daughter. Child actors can be a coin flip, but Sunar is charming without being "stagey." Her relationship with Kevin provides the emotional backbone of the film. It adds a layer of stakes—Erin isn't just winning over a guy; she's fitting into a family unit that is already fiercely protective of one another.
Peter Bryant appears as the Mayor. Bryant is a veteran actor with a resume that stretches back decades, including roles in Riverdale and The X-Files. He brings a bit of gravitas to the "town politics" side of the story. He’s the one putting the pressure on Erin to deliver the perfect Christmas, and he plays the "well-meaning but demanding" boss perfectly.
Other notable faces in the cast of A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado include:
- Liza Huget as Mary, who adds that necessary "neighborly" vibe.
- Jason McKinnon as DJ, Kevin’s friend and fellow firefighter.
- Matt Hamilton as Tyler, providing some of the lighter, comedic beats.
Why This Specific Cast Works So Well
Usually, these movies feel like they’re filmed in about twelve days. Sometimes it shows. But here, the casting directors—likely overseen by the production team at Hallmark and Front Street Pictures—hit on a specific vibe.
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It’s about the "small town" feel. The actors don't treat the dialogue like it's a joke. They play it straight. When Erin talks about the history of the town tree, Rochelle Aytes gives it the same weight she’d give a dramatic scene in a police procedural. That’s the secret sauce.
Also, it’s worth noting the diversity of the leads. While Hallmark has moved toward more inclusive casting in recent years, this 2020 release was a standout for having two Black leads in a primetime Christmas slot. It felt modern and reflective of the real world, which honestly made the fictional town of Brooklyn feel more authentic than some of the more "cookie-cutter" settings we see in the genre.
Behind the Scenes in "Colorado"
Here is a fun fact: it wasn't filmed in Colorado. Like roughly 90% of these holiday films, it was shot in British Columbia, Canada. Specifically, much of the filming took place in and around Hope and Abbotsford.
The cast had to deal with the "fake snow" struggle. Even though Canada is cold, filming schedules often mean they’re wearing heavy wool coats and scarves while it’s actually 60 degrees out. The actors have to pretend they’re shivering while sweat is dripping down their backs under those layers. Mark Taylor and Rochelle Aytes have both mentioned in interviews the weirdness of "Christmas in July" (or September) filming, but you’d never know it from the final product. They look perfectly cozy.
The Director's Vision
Jason Bourque directed the film. He’s a pro at this. He has directed dozens of TV movies, and he knows how to frame the cast to maximize that "warm and fuzzy" feeling. He leans into the close-ups during the emotional beats between Kevin and Erin, letting the actors' expressions do the work rather than relying on a heavy-handed script.
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The pacing is also better than average. Often, these movies drag in the second act, but the chemistry within the cast of A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado keeps things moving. You’re genuinely rooting for them to figure out a way to keep the tree and the romance alive.
What to Watch Next if You Loved the Cast
If you’re a fan of Rochelle Aytes after seeing this, you really should check out her work in S.W.A.T. It’s a completely different vibe—much more intense—but she brings that same grounded energy.
For fans of Mark Taylor, Flashpoint is a classic. It’s a Canadian tactical drama, and it shows off his range as a dramatic actor. Seeing him in a high-stakes action role after watching him decorate a Christmas tree is a fun contrast.
Real-World Takeaways for Your Watchlist
If you're planning a holiday movie marathon, here is how to get the most out of this one:
- Check the Chemistry: Pay attention to the scenes where Kevin and Erin are just talking. It’s some of the most natural dialogue in the 2020 Hallmark lineup.
- Look for the Scenery: Keep an eye out for the "Colorado" landscapes. Try to spot the British Columbia landmarks hidden in the background.
- Support the Cast: Follow Rochelle Aytes and Mark Taylor on social media; both are active and often share "behind the scenes" tidbits about the making of these movies.
- Watch for the Supporting Stars: Peter Bryant is a treasure. Once you recognize him, you'll start seeing him in almost every show filmed in Vancouver.
The movie isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a story about community, family, and finding a compromise when things get tough. But because of the specific people involved, it feels a little more special than the average holiday flick. It’s a solid pick for any "Christmas in July" or December rewatch.
To dive deeper into the world of holiday cinema, check out the official Hallmark Channel website for air dates, or look up the actors' filmographies on IMDb to see where their careers have taken them since their time in "Brooklyn, Colorado." Keep an eye out for seasonal marathons, as this specific title remains a high-rotation favorite for the network.