The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a holiday movie filmed in Winnipeg and directed by Dallas Jenkins, opened to enthusiastic audiences, securing the No. 3 spot at the box office this past weekend.
The film earned an impressive $10.8 million in the U.S. and Canada, trailing just behind Venom: The Last Dance with $15.9 million and Heretic with $11 million.
Winnipeg shines as a festive film location
Based on Barbara Robinson’s best-selling book, the movie follows the humorous journey of the Herdman siblings, notorious troublemakers who inadvertently become the stars of their town's Christmas pageant.
Alongside veteran actors Pete Holmes and Molly Belle Wright, the cast brings to life this heartwarming tale that’s quickly finding its place as a holiday favourite.
Director Dallas Jenkins, known for his storytelling, worked with producer Kevin Downes to capture Winnipeg’s unique wintery charm.
Downes reflected on the cold shooting days, joking about Winnipeg’s minus-40 temperatures and marvelling at how locals took it in stride.
A new holiday classic with Canadian roots
With its successful debut, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is on its way to becoming a staple of the holiday season, bringing a touch of Winnipeg to audiences across North America.