Tabitha Lupien did her own basketball moves.
When Mollie (Kirstie Alley) is working as a mall elf, she says to a girl waiting in line "No, I'm a Vulcan." This is an obvious reference to Alley's memorable movie debut in Viaje a las estrellas II: La ira de Khan (1982) where she played Vulcan Lieutenant JG Saavik.
The Charles Barkley doll that Julie owns was a custom made prop. When Charles Barkley came in for his cameo the prop department were freaking out they realized that they had made it five shades too dark and they were worried he would be offended, or think that they did it on purpose. It turned out that he loved it and didn't care.
Olivia Newton-John was considered for the role of Samantha, but she turned it down because of her then-battle with breast cancer.
Kirstie Alley missed the Boston celebration and Tonight Show appearance by the cast and crew for the Cheers finale to film this movie but she did greet them by video from the set.