Daisy’s Country Store serves as the social mainstay in a fictional town in Vermont from ‘Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy,’ 2019.Photo: David Strongman/2018 Crown Media United States LLC
Have you ever dreamed of starring in your own Hallmark Christmas movie? Well, here’s your chance!
No, this isn’t a casting call — it’s a real-life guide to where Hallmark holiday magic is created. The Countdown to Christmas movie series is a staple of the season, with a lineup of films featuring picturesque towns and expertly decorated houses all strung up in twinkle lights. Fortunately, it’s not all too good to be true!
Bethany Joy Lenz as Lucy Hardgrove in Hallmark’s ‘A Biltmore Christmas’ (2023).The Hallmark Channel
The Hallmark Channel
The 2023 movieA Biltmore Christmasfollows screenwriter Lucy Hargrove (Bethany Joy Lenz) after she’s hired to write the script for the remake ofHis Merry Wife, a 1947 Christmas movie. When she visits Biltmore House, where the original movie was filmed, for a little extra inspiration, she discovers an hourglass that transports her back in time to the movie set. The movie also features Kristoffer Polaha as Jack Hudson, one of the stars ofHis Merry Wife.
A Biltmore Christmaswas filmed at the sprawling Asheville, N.C., estate over a 13-day period.Biltmore Houseis open to the public and features elaborate decorations during the holiday season — including a 35-ft. Fraser fir,a tradition that first startedwhen the home opened in 1895. Though the Biltmore was decorated to fit the 1940s time period during filming, many areas of the mansion were featured in the movie, including the library, the Tapestry Gallery, the Banquet Hall, and the Winter Garden, according to theExplore Ashevillevisitors' website.
Jesse Schram as Juniper and Chandler Massey as Sawyer in Hallmark’s ‘Mystic Christmas’ (2023).The Hallmark Channel
As the title might suggest, the 2023 movieMystic Christmaswas filmed in Mystic, Conn. It stars Jessy Schram and Chandler Massey as exes who unexpectedly cross paths during the holidays, seeing each other for the first time in 10 years.
The film is set in the downtown area of Mystic, and visitors will recognize several cute shops and eateries that made cameos in the movie, as well as the iconicMystic AquariumandMystic Seaport. The restaurantAbbott’s Lobster(which is technically in Noak, not Mystic) is also featured in the film.
Filming locations forMystic Christmasare included as stops on the Connecticut Tourism Office’sConnecticut Christmas Movie Trail, a self-guided tour that allows visitors to easily find areas featured in 22 different holiday movies.
A scene from the Hallmark film ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,’ 2024.Joshua Haines/Hallmark Media
Joshua Haines/Hallmark Media
Not only is Kansas City, Mo., the setting of 2024’sHoliday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, but it’s also home to the Hallmark headquarters in the downtown Crown Center complex. The film followsHunter Kingas Alana Higman — a longtime fan of the NFL franchise Kansas City Chiefs — andTyler Hynesas Derrick Taylor, a Chiefs director of fan engagement who has the tough decision of picking the team’s “fan of the year” winner.
Other filming locations that are a must-visit include Crown Center (and its Ice Terrace) and downtown Independence Square.According to Kansas City’s official visitors' guide, theNelson-Atkins Museum of Art, West Bottoms neighborhood,Charmed House InteriorsandThe Mercury Roomcocktail bar in the Crossroads Art District all come to life during the most wonderful time of the year.
A scene from Hallmark’s ‘Meet Meet at Christmas’.hallmark
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Hallmark’s ‘Wedding at Graceland’.hallmark
Graceland, the mansion of the lateElvis Presley, is an iconic tourist attraction in Tennessee and the primary setting for the aptly titled 2019 Hallmark sequelWedding at Graceland. After reuniting in 2018’sChristmas at Graceland, Laurel Cooper (Kellie Pickler) and Clay Shepard’s (Wes Brown) love story continues. This time, the couple faces the pressure of planning their dream wedding at the Memphis estate in three weeks, with family drama threatening to derail the big day.
In addition to the Graceland stables and trophy building — where Elvis' ex-wife,Priscilla Presley, makes a surprise cameo —The Commercial Appealreportedthat filming took place at the following locations, all of which are perfect Southern destinations to explore: Harbor Town neighborhood in Memphis, the roof of thePeabody Memphis hotel,Collierville Town Square,B.B. King’s Blues Club, a boat ride on the Mississippi River and theMiramichi golf coursein Millington, Tenn.
From left: Antonio Cayonne as Elliot Lee, Rukiya Bernard as Hannah, Paul Greene as Ben, Maggie Lawson as Katie, Michelle Martin as Megan, Patty McCormack as Nan, Colin Lawrence as Thomas and Holly Robinson Peete as Michelle in ‘Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy,’ 2019.David Strongman/2018 Crown Media United States LLC
Think towns that unabashedly love Christmas only exist in movies? Think again!
Hallmark
The picture-perfect family-run inns at the center of 2019’sCheck Inn to Christmasbring the New York City-based lawyer Julia Crawley (Rachel Boston) and her family’s competitor, Ryan Mason (Wes Brown), together in their cozy hometown near the Rocky Mountains.
Danica McKellar (center) as Rachel Davis in ‘Christmas at Dollywood,’ 2019.Curtis Hilbun/Crown Media United States LLC
This one should come as no surprise: The 2019 Hallmark classicChristmas at Dollywoodwasfilmed at the actual Dollywoodin Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The famed amusement park dedicated to country singer-songwriterDolly Partonis at the center of the movie, as N.Y.C.-based event planner Rachel Davis (Danica McKellar) is tasked with organizing Dollywood’s 30th Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration.
The annual event isn’t just part of the movie — it’s part of the park’s real-life charm as well. Plan a visit to take in the 50-foot Christmas tree, twinkling lights and holiday musical productions.
After a long day at Dollywood, you can book a room and relax at theInn at Christmas Placein Pigeon Forge. The all-inclusive themed hotel showcases festive decorations in the common areas and suites and a winter-friendly heated pool. Plus, a singing St. Nick typically makes an appearance during the holiday season.
‘Our Christmas Love Song’.hallmark
In addition to filming at Dollywood, Hallmark featured yet another country music staple in 2019’sOur Christmas Love Song:The Grand Ole Opry.
Just as the movie kicks off with rising country star Melody Jones (Alicia Witt) debuting her new Christmas song at the historic venue, the actual concert hall welcomes up-and-comers and hall-of-famers every week, making it a must-see stop during a trip to Nashville.
Hallmark’s ‘Hope at Christmas’.Hallmark
Newly divorced mother Sydney (Scottie Thompson) and daughter RayAnne (Erica Tremblay) head to the fictional town of Hopewell, N.C., where Sydney used to visit her grandparents as a child during the holidays. While there, she attempts to sell the house she inherited but has a change of heart after meeting and falling for local elementary teacher Mac (Ryan Paevey).
From left: Alexa PenaVega (standing) as Gretchen, Jonathan Bennett as Steven, Jacob Young as Jeff, Bailee Johnson as Paige and April Matson as Kirsten in ‘Christmas Made to Order,’ 2018.Fred Hayes
The 2018 movieChristmas Made to Order was also filmed around Farmington, Utah, following along as Gretchen (Alexa PenaVega) pursues her side job and true passion as a decorator through her company, Holidays Made to Order — and winds up creating her own love story with architect Steven (Jonathan Bennett) in addition to some Christmas cheer.
A festive downtown Squamish, B.C., from ‘Christmas Cookies,’ 2016.Bettina Strauss/Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States LLC
A Cincinnati home featured in ‘A Christmas Melody,’ 2015.Crown Media United States LLC
Queen of Christmas songstressMariah Careymade her feature directorial debut with 2015’s star-studdedA Christmas Melody. The film follows single mother Kristin Parson (Chabert) and her former high school rival, Melissa McKean-Atkinson (Carey). The two face off upon Kristin’s return to their hometown in Ohio after she closes her trendy clothing boutique in Manhattan.
Though the movie is set in the fictional town of Silver Falls, it was actually filmed in Cincinnati, a city on the Ohio River famous for its 19th-century architecture and historic downtown. Scenic sights such asHyde Park Squareand theKilgour Fountainwill put you in the Yuletide spirit when visiting.
Candace Cameron Bure (left) as Holly and Barbara Niven as Ginny in ‘Moonlight & Mistletoe,’ 2008.E.J. Camp/Hallmark Media
E.J. Camp/Hallmark Media
While Chester is the perfect location for the fictional Santaville, in real life it’s just as magical during the holiday season. Whether indulging in a Christmas package for a stay at theInn Victoriabed-and-breakfast, participating in the annual tree lighting ceremony or visiting thehistoric train depot, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic New England town.
Alice Evans as Faith Spelman and John Newton as Sgt. Cody Cullen in ‘The Christmas Card,’ 2006.2018 Crown Media United States LLC
After receiving a touching anonymous holiday card while serving in Afghanistan, soldier Cody (John Newton) tracks down the sender in Nevada City, Calif., upon his return to the U.S. — and, in classic Hallmark fashion, promptly falls in love with her (Alice Evans).
Beyond the movie’s heartwarming plotline, there’s certainly cause for love at first sight in Nevada City, a hamlet outside of Sacramento, Calif., that was first settled in 1849 as a mining camp and has retained much of its original charm. Victorian-era buildings line thetown’s historic district, home to antique shops, restaurants, gift shops and arailroad museum.
source: people.com