9 Fun Facts from Once Upon a Christmas Wish That Are Sure to Make You Smile This Holiday Season

Once Upon a Christmas Wish is Great American Family‘s latest holiday film that is sure to delight fans. With a stellar cast, great plot, and a dash of Christmas cheer, Once Upon a Christmas Wish is one film you won’t want to miss. Starring Mario Lopez and Courtney Lopez, the film premieres December 7, 2024 during the network’s Great American Christmas event.

Take a look below at some of the exciting behind the scenes photos and videos from filming, what it was like for Mario and Courtney to work together, and the special moments that made the experience worthwhile for all.

9 Fun Facts About Once Upon a Christmas Wish

1) Once Upon a Christmas Wish is a real-life dream come true for Mario and Courtney

Mario Lopez and Courtney Lopez don’t just play a couple in Once Upon a Christmas Wish – they are married in real life too! The couple tied the knot in 2012, and have three children together. They apparently met on Broadway in 2008. Mario was performing in A Chorus Line, and Courtney came in during the last run of the show. From their first meeting, sparks flew. It’s no wonder they’ve now been happily married for 12 years.

2) It’s a Family Affair

Mario and Courtney Lopez aren’t the only ones in their family to be working on this new Christmas film. Their son, Dominic, also has a part in Once Upon a Christmas Wish. Dominic portrays Joey DeLuca. His character is a young kid who connects with the mayor during the holidays.

3) Dancing All the Way – Mario’s Got Moves!

Mario got to show off his dancing skills in this movie. (You can see a sneak peek at the musical number below). But, that’s not the only time fans can see his moves. The Lopez family often does TikTok videos together, including dance numbers. Mario, Courtney, Dominic, as well as Dominic’s siblings Gia and Santino are often featured in the videos.

4) This Isn’t Mario and Courtney’s first time working together

While this may be the couple’s first Great American Family film together, it’s not the first time they’ve worked side by side. Mario and Courtney co-host ON With Mario Lopez and they also do Access Hollywood segments together.

5) It was truly an out of this world experience

Mario and Courtney experienced something truly magical during the filming of Once Upon a Christmas Wish – the solar eclipse! On April 8, the couple posted a video to their Instagrams watching the total eclipse take place (complete with safety glasses, of course!). It was a blink and you’ll miss it moment. But it was cool for them to see something that won’t happen again until 2044!

6) Location, Location, Location

Location plays a big part in this movie. Mario Lopez’s character, Brian, is the Mayor of Long Grove. Not to mention, Courtney’s character, Nina, returns to town and reunites with Brian, her childhood friend. But, did you know they filmed in the real-life Long Grove village in Illinois? And not only that, but Mario got to meet the real mayor of Long Grove, a dog named Lincoln. Lincoln was elected as the first-ever dog mayor for Long Grove in 2021. He seems to be doing a doggone good job – he’s got Mario’s stamp of approval!

7) Sock Monkeys over Sock Puppets any day of the week

Yes, you read that right: Sock Monkeys. Not only are they seen in the background of the sneak peek clip below, but they are a fixture in real life too. Long Grove, Illinois is where the world’s largest collection of handmade sock monkeys are. Established in 2019, the museum allows people to explore the history of the toy and make their very own. Mario’s son, Dominic enjoyed his time there too.

8) The holiday spirit is in full swing for this film

Snow doesn’t usually happen in the spring. While on location, however, Mother Nature truly did, “let it snow.” Mario posted a video back in April 2024, when they were filming, of the real snow falling on the ground in Chicago. “I’m not used to this [being from Southern California],” he quipped. Sometimes for movies, they aren’t always able to shoot on location. But, in this case, they got lucky and were able to not only film in Long Grove, but in one of Illinois’ major cities (Chicago).

Filming took place in spring 2024, during the months of March and April. Mario, Courtney, and the rest of the cast and crew were in the city from approximately March 25 to April 16.

9) Family first, both on set and off

While Once Upon a Christmas Wish definitely has a romance, it’s not the only important theme. The ways in which we define family is truly the takeaway here. It’s all about making those genuine connections with people you care about, and not taking those in your life for granted.

Mario was honored to have his wife Courtney and son Dominic be in the film with him. He told Great American PureFlix that “This is a very special project, and it’s come together great. And I’m very proud of them.”

Once Upon a Christmas Wish premieres December 7 at 8/7c during Great American Christmas 2024, on Great American Family.

A 90s Christmas on Hallmark Channel (2024) Cast & Photos

8 Enchanting Secrets from A Cinderella Christmas Ball That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet

Kari