Christmas in Canaan
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The premise
DJ and Rodney don't like each other from the start; Rodney thinks DJ is an ignorant white farm boy, and DJ thinks Rodney acts too smart for his own good. After a school-bus scuffle between the two, DJ's father and Rodney's grandmother come up with a clever solution that brings the boys closer than either of them want. Living in Canaan, Texas in the 1960s does not make it easy for a Black boy and a white boy to forge a friendship. It is only amid the magic of an unforgettable Christmas that DJ and Rodney discover a land of milk and honey where hope and love make all the difference.
How unusual is it?
Honestly? Not very — and that's the charm. It plays the hits, which is exactly the point for a cozy night in.
Who’s in it
Behind the camera
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Directed by
Written by
The backstory
- Filmed in Vancouver.
Christmas in Canaan is a 2009 drama film starring country music singer Billy Ray Cyrus. The film is based on the book of the same name written by country music artist Kenny Rogers and Donald Davenport. Filming began at the end of August 2009 and finished in mid-September. It was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
How it stacks up
Where this one’s rating lands against every other rated Hallmark movie.
Higher-rated than 66% of every rated Hallmark movie. The median is 6.4.
Meet the characters
Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.
Older DJ
LeadNarrator recalling his boyhood friendship
reflectivewarmopen-heartedDaniel Burton
SupportingDJ's father, a farmer
Father who fosters the friendship
principledlovingfairYoung DJ
SupportingFarm boy
DJ as a child
stubborngrowingYoung Rodney
SupportingBoy in Canaan
DJ's eventual best friend as a child
smartproudOlder Rodney
SupportingRodney grown up
DJ's lifelong friend
reflectiveEunice
SupportingRodney's grandmother
Elder who helps the boys bond
wiseloving
Questions people ask about Christmas in Canaan
Where can I watch Christmas in Canaan?
Christmas in Canaan is available via UP Faith & Family Apple TV channel, UP Faith & Family Amazon Channel, and Xumo Play. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.
Is there a sequel to Christmas in Canaan?
Yes. Christmas in Canaan is followed by Christmas Comes Home to Canaan.
How long is Christmas in Canaan?
Christmas in Canaan runs about 1 hour and 36 minutes, and was released in 2009.
More like this
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“This Hallmark Christmas movie is aggressively stupid”
Data and sources
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