Pickleball’s rise has been nothing short of incredible. What began as a simple backyard game in 1965 has grown into a nationwide—and now mainstream—phenomenon. Today, pickleball isn’t just filling courts across the country; it’s officially stepping into the spotlight with its very own holiday movie.

Yes, you read that right. Pickleball is heading to the silver screen.

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“A Pickleball Christmas” Premieres on Lifetime This December 

This holiday season, pickleball fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. A Pickleball Christmas is part of Lifetime’s festive movie lineup and premieres Saturday, December 20. A prime-time holiday movie centered around pickleball is a major milestone—and a clear sign that the sport has captured the mainstream imagination.

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A Reluctant Star Finds the Court

The film stars James Lafferty, best known for his role as Nathan Scott on One Tree Hill, as Luke Hollis—a tennis pro who returns home to Florida only to discover that his family’s beloved racquet club is about to be sold. His mission to save it leads him into an unexpected partnership with a local pickleball coach, played by Zibby Allen (Virgin River).

To bring authenticity to the role, Lafferty had to swap basketball instincts for pickleball skills—fast. Cast just five days before filming began, he trained in intense two-hour sessions to learn the fundamentals of the game.

“I was cast in the role five days before the shoot… [Coach] James [Chan] brought us all up to speed on the nuances of the game,” Lafferty shared.

Zibby Allen came in with real-life pickleball experience, even playing in a local league, helping bridge the gap between the script and realistic on-court action. The result? A feel-good mix of holiday magic, competitive pickleball, and a touch of romance.

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Why This Movie Matters to Pickleball

This isn’t just another holiday film—it’s a pop culture moment.

Pickleball has already earned its place on major sports networks like ESPN and CBS. Now, a dedicated Christmas movie on a major network confirms what players already know: pickleball is more than a trend. It’s a lifestyle, a community, and a social hub worth celebrating.

With over 36 million players and counting, the sport’s explosive growth is driven by its accessibility, social nature, and pure fun. The momentum is so strong that some movie theater chains are even building pickleball courts inside their multiplexes to attract players.

Pickleball isn’t just growing—it’s redefining how people connect through sport.

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Mark Your Calendar 

Don’t miss this festive celebration of the game we love, complete with exciting rallies, smart dinks, powerful serves, and even a show-stopping trick shot.

What: A Pickleball Christmas
When: Saturday, December 20 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
Where: Lifetime

Let’s celebrate how far pickleball has come—and get ready for the next rally.

Have you caught the pickleball bug yet? Maybe this holiday movie will inspire you to grab a paddle and hit the courts this season!