Connecticut Unveils the Nation’s First Christmas Movie Trail
Discover the 22 holiday movies filmed in Connecticut — and see how you can visit each festive destination
In a celebration of cinema and the holiday season, Connecticut proudly unveiled the nation’s first-ever Christmas Movie Trail today. This unique journey lets movie lovers experience the quaint towns, bustling cities, and festive settings that have captivated millions of viewers through these beloved Christmas classics. From Hallmark to Netflix to Lifetime, a curated map featuring 22 filming locations, invites visitors to step into the cozy inns, intimate cafes, charming shops, and iconic attractions where their favorite holiday stories were brought to life.
The unveiling event, held at the historic Silas W. Robbins House in Wethersfield – a setting in Hallmark’s Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane – featured actors Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Michael Rady, and Producer Andrew Gernhard, who together revealed the map to an enthusiastic audience. This trail captures the charm of Connecticut’s communities and hidden gems that have become the backdrop for some of the most timeless holiday movies.
A New Way to Experience Connecticut
Connecticut’s Christmas Movie Trail invites visitors to explore a side of the state that typically shines on screen: snow-dusted main streets adorned with lights, historic inns decked for the holidays, and vibrant town squares. The trail taps into the growing travel trend of “set-jetting,” where fans travel to real-life locations featured in their favorite movies and TV shows to relive memorable scenes and connect with the stories they love.
“The Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail showcases the state’s unique role as a holiday destination, not just for movie sets but for real-life memories,” Ellen Woolf Rubrich, Connecticut’s state brand director, said. “Our communities – brought to life with the spirit, beauty, and joy audiences experience on screen. Now, with the growing trend of set-jetting, visitors can step into these holiday scenes themselves and experience every aspect of what make these movies so magical.”
Highlights of the Trail
The Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail is a curated guide, connecting travelers with the accommodations, dining spots, and attractions that play a role in 22 films from Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix, BET, and Universal Studios. Highlights include:
- Historic inns and cozy accommodations: Experience the warmth and holiday decor of inns that have served as both real and fictional backdrops, perfect for a seasonal getaway.
- Iconic holiday scenes: From bustling main streets to picturesque town greens, each stop on the trail has been thoughtfully selected for its role in holiday movies, providing a full immersion into Connecticut’s holiday spirit.
- Local dining and unique attractions: Fans can enjoy locally-owned restaurants and charming cafes that feature in the films, and unique attractions that offer a complete holiday movie experience.
Featured films include:
- Trivia at St. Nick’s
- Where Are You, Christmas?
- Mystic Christmas
- Ghosts of Christmas Always
- Sugar Plum Twist
- A Holiday in Harlem
- Next Stop, Christmas
- One Royal Holiday
- Holiday for Heroes
- Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane
- Christmas at Pemberly Manor
- Romance at Reindeer Lodge
- Wally Lamb’s Wishin’ & Hopin’
- The 12 Days of Christmas Eve
- The Holiday Fix Up
- The Noel Diary
- Soul Santa
- My Adventures with Santa
- A Very Nutty Christmas
- A Very Merry Toy Store
- Broadcasting Christmas
- The Santa Con
A Celebration of Tradition, Innovation, and Economic Impact
“This trail is an innovative approach to travel that connects Connecticut’s picturesque towns and vibrant cities with the magic of holiday cinema,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer, said. “We’re giving visitors an immersive experience that brings their favorite holiday films to life. This trail isn’t just about celebrating the movies themselves – it’s about celebrating Connecticut’s unique ability to blend tradition with fresh, creative travel experiences that drive economic growth and showcase the best of what our state has to offer.”
As part of the festivities, 12 lucky Connecticut residents were chosen to attend the event and meet their favorite holiday film stars in person. Adding an extra layer of holiday magic, Hallmark actress Erin Cahill surprised one of the winners by drawing their name for a special opportunity – to be an extra in an upcoming Hallmark movie being filmed right here in Connecticut.
For more information, including access to the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail map, visit www.CTvisit.com.