Hallmark Christmas movie Bethlehem Winnipeg Lehigh Valley production famous local name

Bethlehem native Daniel Roebuck returns home to film a holiday movie, "Saint Nick of Bethlehem," to be released by Christmas 2024.

Daniel Roebuck, a Bethlehem native and filmmaker, has announced his latest project, a holiday movie entitled "Saint Nick of Bethlehem," which is set to be filmed in the city and other locations in the Lehigh Valley. The film is scheduled to be released in time for Christmas 2024.

Roebuck, along with the cast and crew of "Saint Nick of Bethlehem," gathered at Hotel Bethlehem to commence filming. Dressed as Santa Claus, Roebuck expressed his excitement in making a holiday movie about Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley. He also humorously critiqued the upcoming Hallmark Channel movie, "Miracle in Bethlehem, PA," which was not filmed in the Lehigh Valley, despite its name.

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Iannelli were in attendance, emphasizing the sense of community that Roebuck has brought to the city through his work.

The film is a collaboration between Roebuck and Pennsylvania filmmaker Spencer Folmar, who was inspired by the story of Allen Smith, a man from central Pennsylvania who began dressing up as Santa Claus to spread joy in his community after experiencing personal loss. The movie aims to bring Smith's story to life and share it with audiences as a classic Christmas film.

Filming locations for "Saint Nick of Bethlehem" include Hotel Bethlehem, the city's Main Street business district, Christkindlmarkt at SteelStacks, St. Luke's Children's Hospital in Fountain Hill, the Kiffle Kitchen Bakery in Bath, and the Star of Bethlehem. The film will also feature a predominantly local cast and crew, supporting the community.

Tammy Roebuck, Daniel's wife and co-producer of the film, mentioned that the holiday footage will be filmed this week, with additional filming scheduled for early next year. The production companies involved in the film include Hard Faith, Magic Bean Entertainment, Scatter Bros., and the Marlow-Pugnetti Co.

"Saint Nick of Bethlehem" aims to capture the spirit of the holiday season and bring a heartwarming story to audiences for years to come. By choosing to film in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley, Roebuck and Folmar hope to create a film that resonates with the local community and beyond.

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