Ryan McPartlin on Silver Bells at Christmas: Chemistry, Music and Kindness
For Ryan McPartlin, the challenge of a Christmas romance is finding something unexpected within a story audiences may think they already understand. Returning to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media, the actor and executive producer discussed how Silver Bells at Christmas approaches that challenge through a meaningful love triangle, music, and a character whose first impression does not tell the whole story.
The film follows Ginny as she tries to protect her late mother’s Christmas shop while facing a determined buyer and the return of her first love. McPartlin plays Nick Day, opposite Laura Osnes as Ginny and Chuck Wicks as Tyler.
Giving the romance a real choice
McPartlin explained that the creative team wanted the love triangle to present two believable possibilities. Rather than making one romantic option an obvious villain, they worked to give Ginny a choice viewers could understand.
That approach also informed his performance as Nick. McPartlin described looking for the experiences that would have shaped the businessman’s decisions, then considering how Ginny begins to challenge what Nick thinks he knows about Christmas and his own priorities.
For McPartlin, romantic chemistry begins with enjoyment of the other person’s company.
“I always say humor is the best entry into romance,” he told us.
He described laughter as the beginning of an emotional connection: enjoying time together creates room for a relationship to deepen. That perspective also means allowing his character to step back rather than trying to manipulate someone else’s feelings.
Working with Laura Osnes and Brandon Clark
McPartlin said his scenes with Osnes benefited from conversations about their characters and the freedom to explore moments beyond what they first found on the page. He credited collaboration with Brian Bird, Taylor Bird and director Brandon Clark with helping open up those possibilities.
His connection with Clark stretches back more than 20 years. In the interview, McPartlin also shared how the director helped coordinate schedules so he could film the Christmas movie in Kentucky while working on an MGM+ Bosch prequel in Los Angeles.
McPartlin recalled the collective investment of the cast and crew during a Main Street sequence, where chilly weather and white twinkling lights helped the story feel alive. He also laughed about trying to stay focused when two friends appeared as extras in the background.
Music—and a little reluctance to sing
The film’s Songfest storyline draws Nick into a musical world outside his usual business interests. McPartlin spoke warmly about Osnes’s voice and the original music, which he felt brought a traditional Christmas quality to the film.
His enthusiasm for the music came with a playful caveat: he was happy to let Osnes and Wicks handle the singing. Asked what he would choose if Nick entered Songfest, he picked “Little Drummer Boy” and joked that his own version would involve a Neil Diamond-style delivery.
Kindness that stays with you
The conversation also explored faith, giving, and the influence of people who offer help at the right time. McPartlin encouraged viewers to step outside their comfort zones, accept invitations, and get involved in efforts that support others during the holidays.
Looking back on his own life, he recalled teachers, a trainer, and a university professor who offered guidance and opportunity. He connected those experiences to the importance of remembering the people who helped us—and supporting those who come after us.
Watch the interview and the movie
Watch our full Ryan McPartlin interview below for more on Silver Bells at Christmas, the creative process, and the stories behind the scenes.
Silver Bells at Christmas premieres on Great American Pure Flix on October 15, 2026, followed by Great American Family and GFAM+ on October 17 at 8 p.m. ET.
