Flannel shirts, Christmas tree farms, and town squares filled with twinkling lights are par for the course in Hallmark holiday films. While there’s certainly a good dose of movie magic that goes into creating these heartwarming (and, yes, a bit cheesy) scenes, many of the productions are shot in destinations—from Vancouver to Vail—that have their own brand of holiday enchantment in the winter months.
You might not necessarily have a meet-cute, enter a gingerbread house-making contest, or realize you don’t belong in the big city anymore while visiting these small towns and cities across North America, but you can definitely find your own type of main-character moment. Read on to discover some of the best (and most festive) towns and cities that are quite literally straight out of a Hallmark movie.
01 of 09
Vail, Colorado
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Aerial view of Vail covered in snow.
The 2020 Hallmark movie “Winter in Vail” was partially filmed in, you guessed it, Vail, Colorado. This Bavarian-inspired mountain town is a true year-round destination—hiking trails, fall foliage, and wildlife sightings are all reasons to plan a visit—but winter is particularly charming. “The holidays in Vail are so special with our alpine wonderland offering a blend of European charm, world-class skiing, and a festive mountain spirit,” says Johannes Faessler, the general manager and president of Sonnenalp Resort, Vail.
He also adds that you’re basically guaranteed to have a white Christmas; it is a ski destination, after all. Even if you’re not a big skier or boarder, there are plenty of other Hallmark-approved things to do in town. “The ice-skating shows at the Lionshead and Vail Village ice rinks are great for the whole family and a great chance to see Olympian ice skaters up close and personal,” he says. “The Birds of Prey ski races are a great spectator-friendly event to witness the world’s best ski racers in early December as well.”
02 of 09
Calgary, Alberta
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Aerial view of downtown Calgary in winter.
“Calgary is a wonderful city to visit during the holidays. The city is typically always covered in snow just in time for celebrations,” says Emilie Brillon, travel blogger and content creator at Road Trip Across Canada. The Canadian city was the backdrop for the 2020 Hallmark movie “Meet Me at Christmas,” and Brillon notes that there are a plethora of festive things to do to ring in your own picture-perfect holiday moment. “Some of our family’s favorite festive holiday spots in Calgary include Zoo Lights at the Calgary Zoo, where the grounds are fully transformed with colorful light displays (and Santa makes an appearance), and skating on the Bowness Park outdoor ice trail, which lights up at night and has fire pits perfect for s’mores,” she says. “Plus, some neighborhoods really give the ‘Home Alone’ vibe with their outstanding Christmas decorations, like Crescent Heights or Candy Cane Lane [in the Tuscany neighborhood].”
But, she says, the best part of spending the holidays in Calgary is the fact that “you’re only a short road trip away from Banff, the ultimate spot for a magical Hallmark movie-style holiday season.” (Banff was also one of the filming locations for the 2021 movie “A Winter Getaway.”)
03 of 09
Wilmington, North Carolina
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People walking along the waterfront in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington, North Carolina, is a renowned filming location—most recently, it served as the backdrop for The Summer I Turned Pretty—and it’s played a starring role in a few Hallmark movies, including “Christmas in Conway” (2013), “Christmas in Harmony” (2021), and “USS Christmas” (2020). But, according to Hunter Ingram, the assistant museum director of the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, the port city’s holiday appeal is incredibly authentic.
“On a personal level, my favorite thing about the holidays in Wilmington is walking along the riverwalk on a crisp December evening, when the Cape Fear River is still and glass-like, and the Christmas lights are reflecting off the water. The city has done a tremendous job decorating the entire riverwalk in recent years with thousands of lights, making it feel like downtown is pulled right out of a Hallmark movie,” he says. “Even when Hallmark was shooting in town, they had nothing on the city’s lighting team.” You should also make it a point to swing by the Holiday Open House at the Burgwin-Wright House to see the halls filled with greenery, fruit, and flowers, mirroring what it would have been like in the 18th century.
04 of 09
Vancouver, British Columbia
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Downtown Vancouver lit up at night.
Vancouver is a popular filming location for a variety of productions, but it’s especially ideal for Hallmark’s holiday programming. You may have spotted the city in TV movies like “Magic in Mistletoe” and “Christmas on Cherry Lane,” both of which aired in 2023. “The city comes to life with the charm of Christmas lights, wreaths, jingles, and festive displays,” says Laura Andersen, owner of AlumiTubs and a born-and-raised Vancouverite. “I always recommend that people skate at the Robson Square Ice Rink and attend the annual lighting of the Christmas tree downtown. It’s so festive and beautiful and has a special way of bringing people together.”
05 of 09
Asheville, North Carolina
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Christmas decorations at the Biltmore estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
When it came time to shoot the Hallmark movie “A Biltmore Christmas” (2023), the team went straight to the eponymous destination: Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. “We decorate Biltmore sumptuously and uniquely every year for all our guests; turns out that isn’t much different than decorating a movie set,” says Lizzie Whitcher, the floral manager at Biltmore Estate. “Apart from visiting Biltmore (and spotting the hourglass from the movie), there is so much to experience in Asheville at Christmas time,” she adds.
She recommends the Apple Valley Model Railroad—which also made an appearance in the film—as well as venturing into Christmas tree territory, particularly Andrew’s Nursery in nearby Avery County. “This area not only supplies all our fresh trees at Biltmore, including our 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall and the 55-foot Norway spruce on Biltmore House’s front lawn, but also countless other iconic Christmas trees across the country.“
06 of 09
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
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Christmas decorations in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The 2019 Hallmark movie “Christmas at Dollywood” brings viewers directly to Pigeon Forge, home to Dolly Parton’s iconic theme park. In true Dolly fashion, the holidays in this Tennessee town go all out. “Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival is truly a sight to behold. The park looks like a winter wonderland with Christmas lights throughout, plus an incredible lineup of Christmas shows, amazing food, and the park’s award-winning rides,” says Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “My insider tip: get two loaves of the park’s fabulous cinnamon bread. You’ll want to take that second loaf home with you.”
While you’re in the area, he also suggests checking out Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail, a free outdoor walking experience with more than 20 large-scale light displays; visiting The Inn at Christmas Place, where it’s Christmas all year round; and catching a dinner show. “Pigeon Forge is home to some incredible dinner shows and musical theater, and each venue offers Christmas shows during the holidays,” he says. “From the familiar Christmas carols to the beautiful costumes, our shows really get folks into the Christmas spirit.”
07 of 09
Whistler, British Columbia
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Christmas time in Whistler.
Whistler provided the dreamy backdrop for “Chateau Christmas” (2020). But this ski town is a lot more than just a movie set; it’s a true winter wonderland. “My favorite part of the holidays in Whistler is seeing the resort come alive—the music, Christmas lights, snow-covered trees, and the high spirits and festive mood of all our guests. It’s like a page from one of my children’s storybooks,” says Neil Henderson, partner at Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar.
To enjoy Whistler at its finest, pack your warm, cozy layers. “If you’re a skier, breakfast and fresh tracks on Whistler Blackcomb are a must. Snowshoeing around Lost Lake with views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is also a great activity for all ages and abilities,” he says. “And after a day outdoors, having festive cocktails while listening to live music in The Mallard Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (where numerous Hallmark movies have been filmed) is the perfect end.”
08 of 09
Conneticut
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Christmas decorations seen in Branford, Connecticut.
It would be nearly impossible to pick just one cinematic Connecticut town to visit over the holidays; quite a few of them have made their own Hallmark appearances. In fact, there’s even a Connecticut Christmas movie trail map highlighting various film locations throughout the state, which visitors can use to design their own primetime-worthy holiday moment this season. Both “One Royal Holiday” (2020) and “A Holiday in Harlem” (2021) include scenes filmed in Hartford; “Holiday for Heroes” (2019) was shot in Stonington, Norwich, Mystic, Colchester, Waterford, and New London; and “Romance at Reindeer Lodge” (2017) has shots of North Haven, Hamden, and Branford.
09 of 09
Bardstown, Kentucky
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The historic welcome center in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Bardstown, which is also America’s Best Small Food and Drinks Town, will soon be on the map as a production location for festive flicks; there are currently two holiday movies being filmed in the destination. If you plan a trip to this part of Kentucky in December, you’ll quickly find out why.
“My favorite part of the holidays in Bardstown is the atmosphere. The Bardstown Main Street organization does a fantastic job with the decorations and the annual Christmas parade. It truly brings the holiday season to life and attracts people from all over to witness our little Christmas paradise,” says Tyler Vaughan, operations director for The Old Talbott Tavern, who also recommends the Christmas Carnival at My Old Kentucky Home State Park. “It is a mecca of Christmas for kids of all ages to enjoy. From fair and carnival rides, inflatable bounce houses, to food trucks and face painting.”
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