High River is about to look like a full-on Christmas movie set. Netflix is filming The Bodyguard, its new holiday rom-com starring Leighton Meester, Jared Padalecki, and Andie MacDowell, and the cast will be in town December 4 to 6.
And yes, they will be filming during the 40th Annual Santa Claus Parade on December 5, which means this year’s parade is about to have some very unexpected celebrity sparkle.
Think real-life Hallmark energy with the entire town lit up for the holidays.
A Holiday Rom-Com Coming to Life in Small-Town Alberta
The Bodyguard is based on Katherine Center’s bestselling novel and follows Hannah, a serious, no-nonsense bodyguard played by Leighton Meester. She is assigned to protect Jack Stapleton, a Hollywood star played by Jared Padalecki, who is hiding out on his family ranch for the holidays.
To keep his ailing mother from worrying, Jack convinces Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend. Cue the holiday lights, the small-town charm and the slow-burn chemistry. Andie MacDowell has joined the cast too, adding even more rom-com royalty to the mix.
Netflix is recreating Montana for the movie, and High River’s historic streets and Christmas parade make it the perfect backdrop.
Expect a Bit of Movie Magic at the Parade
The town will be glowing as usual, but this year comes with a twist. Crews will be filming during the parade, capturing real crowds, real floats and real small-town holiday chaos. One of the stars is even expected to perform on a float.
There will be extra snow machines, a few road closures after the parade and plenty of opportunities to spot filming happening around the core.
If you are heading down, expect hot chocolate, lights, carols and the chance to watch a Netflix holiday rom-com being filmed in real time.
Why It Matters for Local Film and Local Holiday Spirit
High River has doubled for Christmas towns before, but having a major Netflix production shoot during one of the community’s biggest annual events is next-level. It is the kind of moment that makes the whole town feel like it is in the movie.
Filming continues December 4 to 6. The Bodyguard is expected to hit Netflix in 2026.