What do you get when you put a Christmas-hating auditor in a small town hosting what it hopes will be the world’s largest Nativity scene? A lot of holiday hijinks and a slow-burn romance, of course. In the Spanish holiday romantic comedy 1000 Miles from Christmas (A mil kilómetros de la Navidad), our grumpy protagonist Raúl arrives at the mountain town of Valverde, where Christmas isn’t just a holiday season once a year — it’s the entire local economy. Despite his best efforts, and thanks to the relentlessly friendly townspeople and the charms of a woman named Paula, Raúl ends up embracing new Christmas traditions — and potentially a brand new life. 

Fans of Spanish television will no doubt recognize members of the 1000 Miles from Christmas cast, but for those new to the scene, here’s what you need to know: 

Tamar Novas as Raúl

If you’ve scoured Netflix’s Spanish titles, you’ve probably seen Tamar Novas before. In 1000 Miles from Christmas, Novas plays Raúl, an auditor who hates Christmas but gets into the spirit when he’s sent to Valverde for a job right before Christmas Eve. 

Before taking on the role of Raúl, Novas starred in Elisa Y Marcela and two Netflix series, The Mess You Leave Behind (with Elite’s Arón Piper) and High Seas. He’s also appeared on the big screen, notably playing Diego in Pedro Almodóvar’s Broken Embraces, among other roles.

Follow Novas on Instagram and Twitter. 

Andrea Ros as Paula

In 1000 Miles from Christmas, Andrea Ros plays Paula, a local woman who is dead set on getting Valverde into the Guinness Book of World Records for its living Nativity scene. 

But before donning the role of Paula, Ros got her start in television — her resumé includes turns in Mar de fons, BuenAgente and the Netflix series If I Hadn’t Met You. She also appeared in the horror sequel Rec 2 and recently starred in Netflix’s Who Would You Take to a Deserted Island? opposite Elite alums María Pedraza and Jaime Lorente.

Follow Ros on Instagram. 

Peter Vives as Mateo

Taking on the role of Mateo, owner of the Yuletide fudge company — the confectionery Raúl has been sent to audit — Peter Vives is almost too charming. The Yuletide factory employs most of the town and helps keep it afloat, but Mateo’s got his eyes on bigger things, including finally wooing Paula.

Prior to 1000 Miles from Christmas, Vives starred in the Spanish dramas You Cannot Hide and Velvet, both of which are available on Netflix. A regular on Spanish television, Vives also appeared in the pandemic-themed series Jo també em quedo a casa and recently starred in Sentimos las molestias. 

Follow Vives on Instagram and Twitter. 

Verónica Forqué as Blanca

Verónica Forqué has been working in front of the camera for 50 years, winning four Goya Awards over the span of her career. In 1000 Miles from Christmas, the veteran actor plays Blanca, Paula’s mother who runs the inn where Raúl stays. She’s immediately drawn to Raúl and is eager to see her daughter settle down with the handsome visitor, even if he is a bit of a Grinch.

Before making her Netflix debut, Forqué was best known for starring in Pedro Almodóvar’s Kika (1993). She also recently competed on Season 6 of Spain’s MasterChef Celebrity.