Emilie Ullerup Shares How "A Danish Christmas" Brings Her Country, Holiday Traditions, & Hygge to the Screen!

Did you know that Hallmark star Emilie Ullerup is from Denmark?

Ullerup headlines and executive produces the 2026 Countdown to Christmas movie A Danish Christmas, which premieres on Hallmark Channel on November 1, at 8pm Eastern.

Ullerup sits down for a Q&A and includes a list of her family members to watch for in the movie!

How Did This Project First Come About?

The opportunity came as a wonderful surprise! Producer Linda Corolei, whom I’d worked with before called after discussing me with Tim Johnson. She’d always dreamed of making a movie about Denmark and hygge and thought I’d be the perfect person to help bring it to life. I was honored to share a piece of my home country and excited to be involved creatively to ensure its authenticity.

Hallmark loved the idea, and within just three weeks, we had a script ready and were off to Denmark. It was a whirlwind, but we made it happen! 

Why Was Filming in Denmark at Christmastime So Important to You?

From the start, I knew we had to film in Denmark in December. You simply can’t recreate the magic of Christmas in Copenhagen especially when the lights, decorations, and atmosphere are so special.

As a first-time Hallmark producer telling a story about my home country, I wanted to make sure we captured it authentically. After all, how often do you get the chance to make a Danish Christmas movie? 

How Did You Work with Writer Juliana Wimbles to Bring Those Traditions into the Story?

Juliana and I had a wonderful conversation about Danish Christmas traditions, and she was eager to learn everything. We loved the idea of experiencing Denmark through the eyes of a newcomer so the audience could discover its traditions alongside him. I wanted to highlight authentic customs Danes would recognize, like dancing around the Christmas tree and leaving porridge for the little Christmas elf who lives in the attic.

Having Juliana on set was especially valuable because she could experience it all firsthand.

How Do You Capture Something as Hard to Explain as Hygge? 

Hygge is difficult to explain because it’s more of a feeling, and that’s exactly what I wanted audiences to experience. We focused on warm lighting, candlelight, natural decorations, and all the little sensory details that create that cozy atmosphere. Our director of photography was wonderful in helping bring that vision to life, even on a tight schedule. It’s those small touches coming together that make hygge so special.

What Did It Mean to Film in the Places Where You Grew Up?

There were moments when I was overwhelmed with emotion. I grew up on these streets, and after leaving Denmark to build a career abroad, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to share my home country in such a meaningful way. Filming in Copenhagen’s most iconic locations at Christmas was truly a full-circle moment. It was unforgettable. 

Food Plays a Big Role in the Movie. Why Was That Essential?

When Tim read the first script, he joked that we were making a cooking movie! But food is such an important part of a Danish Christmas. It brings everyone together, whether it’s cooking family recipes, enjoying traditional pastries, sharing Christmas lunches throughout December, or sipping Danish mulled wine. Those traditions are some of my favorite childhood memories and just had to be part of the film. 

What Was It Like Sharing Those Experiences with Your Costar, Corey Sevier?

Corey was such a good sport. He was experiencing so much for the first time, just like his character. Some of those reactions were happening in real time. He was nervous about trying the mulled wine, and then he took a sip and was completely sold. He was like a kid in a candy store. Every day he was asking questions and saying how amazing everything was. This meant so much to me and having a costar who was right there with me made it even more special.

What Was the Atmosphere Like Behind the Scenes? 

We spent the first couple of weeks filming at a beautiful old manor house that served as our family hotel, creating such a cozy atmosphere. Then we headed into Copenhagen, exploring the city together. Since much of the crew was experiencing Denmark for the first time, I became the unofficial Danish expert, helping ensure the decorations and traditions felt authentic. Everyone worked incredibly hard, and I even brought in a relative to help decorate! It was truly a team effort. 

Was the Tower Scene as Challenging to Film as It Looks?

Yes! Filming on the church tower’s narrow, winding staircase was quite an adventure, especially with the crew maneuvering cameras and sound equipment! Safety was our priority, but the reward was incredible.

The sun came out, revealing a breathtaking view of Copenhagen. It was one of our final filming days and especially meaningful because, despite growing up there, I’d never been to the top!

You Also Brought Your Own Family into the Movie. Who Should Viewers Look For?

It really was a family affair! My mom, sister, nephew, cousin, and her son all appear in the film, along with my husband, whom Hallmark viewers may recognize from Chesapeake Shores. My cousin even plays my boss in the opening scene! My dad politely declined. Since I rarely get to film near my family, I thought, why not bring them along for the fun? 

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