Connecticut knows how to do Christmas. In fact, Connecticut is brimming with so much Christmas charm, it's become a go-to backdrop for holiday films by Hallmark, Netflix, and Lifetime. Immerse yourself in holiday magic with a journey through the state, exploring the picture perfect towns where holiday movies come to life. Cozy up with these festive films and then step into the scenes by visiting the real-life locations where they were filmed—from quaint inns to picturesque town squares. Get ready to feel like you’re starring in your very own holiday movie!
1. Trivia at St. Nick’s (2024)
Trivia at St. Nick’s, starring Brant Dauherty and Tammin Sursok, captured the season in the New London & Mystic area. Check out these spots where your favorite scenes were filmed:
- Take a tour of the Connecticut College campus.
- Enjoy happy hour at The Lighthouse Inn.
- Buy a gift for your favorite little one at The Blue Horse Children’s Shop.
photo credit: Hallmark
2. Where Are You, Christmas? (2023)
Where Are You, Christmas? starring Lyndsy Fonseca, Michael Rady, Jim O’Heir and Julie Warner, was filmed along the shore in Mystic, Waterford, and Old Saybrook. Check out these spots where your favorite scenes were filmed:
- Shop ‘til you drop in Old Mistick Village.
- Catch a show at O’Neil Theatre.
- Take a tour of Mitchell College and see the Red Barn from the film.
- While you’re exploring, drive by Cardone & Daughter Automotive, also featured in the movie.
photo credit: Hallmark
3. Mystic Christmas (2023)
Mystic Christmas, starring Jessy Schram, Chandler Massey and Patti Murin, takes place — and was filmed — in one of Connecticut's most iconic towns. That's right... Mystic! Check out these spots you can see in the movie:
- Make marine friends at Mystic Aquarium.
- Discover maritime history and ride real ships at Mystic Seaport.
- Stroll, shop, and dine in Downtown Mystic.
- Find homemade goodies – maybe even Christmas cookies – at Sift Bake Shop.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at Abbott’s Lobster.
- Book a room on the waterfront at Harbor View Landing.
photo credit: Hallmark
4. Ghosts of Christmas Always (2022)
Ghosts of Christmas Always, starring Kim Matula, Ian Harding, Beth Leavel, Reginald VelJohnson, and Lori Tan Chin, set its backdrop in Hartford, Wethersfield, and West Hartford. Check out these spots where your favorite scenes were filmed:
- Take a tour of the Connecticut State Capitol.
- Ride the Bushnell Park Carousel and stroll through Bushnell Park.
- Shop, dine, and see live music in Downtown Hartford.
- While you’re exploring, drive by Bushnell Tower, also featured in the film.
photo credit: Hallmark
5. Sugar Plum Twist (2021)
Sugar Plum Twist, starring Jamie Gray Hyder and Ektor Rivera, was filmed in many spots across the state from New London and Norwich to Old Saybrook, East Hampton, and Haddam. Check out these spots you can see in the movie:
- Shop and dine in Downtown New London.
- Pick out a tree and grab a glass of wine at Steahly Tree Farm & Winery.
- See a show at historic theater, the Garde Arts Center.
- Explore natural beauty at Mohegan Park.
- Stop for a bite at family-owned Italian gem, Tony D’s Restaurant.
- Learn new moves at Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
- While you’re exploring, drive by Norwich Town Hall, also featured in the film.
photo credit: Hallmark
6. A Holiday in Harlem (2021)
A Holiday in Harlem, starring Olivia Washington, Will Adams, and Tina Lifford, found magic in various Hartford and East Hartford locations. Check out these spots where your favorite scenes were filmed:
- Stroll, shop, and dine in Downtown Hartford.
- Attend an event at the Boys & Girls Club in Hartford.
- Try tasty Peruvian dishes at Rinconcito Peruano Restaurant.
- And while you’re in the area, drive by East Hartford Community Cultural Center and Park Hardware, both featured in the movie.
photo credit: Hallmark
7. Next Stop, Christmas (2021)
Next Stop, Christmas, starring Lyndsy Fonseca, Chandler Massey, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Erika Slezek, was filmed at many Connecticut destinations across towns such as Essex, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, Chester, Deep River, East Lyme/Norwich. Check out these spots where your favorite scenes were filmed:
- Take a scenic ride on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat.
- Explore quaint boutiques and more in Downtown Chester.
- Enjoy a slice of pizza at Otto, a sandwich at Simon’s Marketplace, or a hearty pasta dish at the acclaimed restaurant, Grano Arso.
- Pick out a Christmas tree at The Fir Patch Farm.
- Stay the night or indulge in a meal or spa treatment at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina.
photo credit: Hallmark
8. One Royal Holiday (2020)
One Royal Holiday, starring Laura Osnes, Aaron Tveit, Krystal Joy Brown, Tom McGowan, Geraldine Leer, and Victoria Clark, shot scenes in Woodstock, Putnam, Hartford. Check out these spots you can see in the movie:
- Book a cozy stay at The Inn at Woodstock Hill or The Mansion at Bald Hill.
- Explore the walkable streets of Downtown Putnam for unique shops and goods.
- Attend an event at the Connecticut Convention Center.
- Find a festive gift at The Christmas Barn Shop.
- While you’re visiting, drive by Bond Ballroom and Woodstock Academy, both seen in the film.
photo credit: Hallmark
9. Holiday for Heroes (2019)
Holiday for Heroes, starring Melisa Claire Egan, Marc Blucas, and Latarsha Rose, created Christmas magic in Stonington, Norwich, Mystic, Colchester, Waterford, New London. Check out these spots where your favorite scenes were filmed:
- Discover small town charm in Stonington Borough.
- Hang out by the water and explore the grounds at Harkness Memorial State Park.
- Enjoy a meal or happy hour at Noah’s Restaurant.
- Take a tour of Mitchell College and see the Red Barn from the film.
- While you’re in the area, drive by Camp Nett Niantic and Norwich City Hall, both shown in the film.
photo credit: Hallmark
10. Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane (2018)
Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane, starring Alicia Witt, Colin Ferguson, Laura Leighton, Mary Beth McDonough, and Jill Larson, filmed scenes in quaint, historic Old Wethersfield. Check out these spots you can see in the movie:
- Get your fix of walkable downtown charm on Main Street in Old Wethersfield.
- While on Main Street, pick up fresh local treats in Heirloom Market.
- Then step back in time at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum;
- And stop for a bite under the string lights at Lucky Lou’s Bar & Grill.
- Finally, stay the night at Silas Robbins Bed & Breakfast.
photo credit: Hallmark
11. Christmas at Pemberly Manor (2018)
Christmas at Pemberly Manor, starring Jessica Lowndes, Michael Rady, Cole Gleason, Elaine Hendrix, Maddie McCormick, and Steve Larkin, captured holiday cheer along the Connecticut shoreline in Essex and Old Lyme. Check out these spots where your favorite scenes were filmed:
- Get a dose of riverfront beauty on Main Street in Essex, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and galleries.
- While on Main Street, be sure to dine or stay at the historic Griswold Inn, featured in the movie.
photo credit: Hallmark
12. Romance at Reindeer Lodge (2017)
Romance at Reindeer Lodge, starring Nicky Whelan, Josh Kelly, Nichole Galicia, Beth Broderick, Robert Pine, James McCaffrey, and Lindsay Hartley, created Christmas charm in North Haven, Hamden, and Branford. Check out these spots you can see in the movie:
- Check out shops, antiques, sidewalk cafes and more in Branford Downtown.
- While you're there, don't miss the Branford Green, seen in the movie.
photo credit: Hallmark
13. Wally Lamb's Wishin' & Hopin' (2014)
Wishin' & Hopin', starring Molly Ringwald, Meatloaf, Danny Nucci, Chevy Chase, Cheri Oteri, Blanche Baker, Camila Banus, Sosie Bacon Conchata Ferrell, and Annabella Sciorra, was filmed in Norwich and Willimantic. Here's how to feel like you're in the movie:
- Stroll through downtown Willimantic for a brew and a bite.
- Explore Norwich, home to an acclaimed spa and set near the casinos.
- While in the area, drive by Norwich Free Academy, featured in the film.
photo credit: IMDb
14. The 12 Days of Christmas Eve (2022)
The 12 Days of Christmas Eve, starring Kelsey Grammer, Spencer Grammer, and Mitch Poulos, found its backdrop in Mystic, New London, Waterford, Groton, and Uncasville. Step into the magic of the film when you:
- Pick up a treat and stroll through downtown Mystic.
- Shop and dine in downtown New London.
- See beachfront views in Waterford and Groton.
- Try casino gaming and find endless entertainment at Mohegan Sun.
photo credit: IMDb
15. The Holiday Fix Up (2021)
The Holiday Fix Up, starring Jana Kramer, Ryan McPartlin, and Maria Menounos, was filmed in the southeastern area of Connecticut. Check out these spots where your favorite scenes were filmed:
- Explore Norwich, home to an acclaimed spa.
- Stroll, shop, and dine in Mystic and Stonington.
- Dive into maritime history at Mystic Seaport Museum.
- Visit Ledyard and the village of Gales Ferry, near Foxwoods Resort Casino.
- Stop at the farm market at Holmberg Orchards.
- Pick your own tree at Yetter Road Christmas Tree Farm.
- Stop for a bite at Muddy Waters Cafe.
photo credit: IMDb
16. The Noel Diary (2022)
The Noel Diary, starring Justin Hartley, Barrett Doss, Bonnie Bedelia, and James Remar, was filmed in many spots across the state. Visit these locations featured in the movie:
- Explore, shop, and dine in downtown Stamford, Greenwich, Essex, Darien, Bridgeport, Norwalk, Manchester, New Canaan, and East Hampton.
- Book a night at the historic Griswold Inn.
- Pick out a holiday story at quaint bookstore, RJ Julia Booksellers.
- Pick up lunch at Olive Oyl's Carry Out Cuisine.
photo credit: IMDb
17. Soul Santa (2021)
Soul Santa, starring Tamela J. Mann and David Mann, created its holiday magic in Norwich and Mansfield. Here's how to feel like you're in the movie:
- Go holiday shopping at Eastbrook Mall.
- Stroll, shop, and dine in Downtown Norwich.
- Devour classic Irish fare at Harp & Dragon Pub.
- Enjoy drinks at Billy Wilson's Aging Still.
photo credit: IMDb
18. My Adventures with Santa (2019)
My Adventures with Santa, starring Denise Richards, Patrick Muldoon, and Barbara Eden, was filmed in the city of Meriden. Here's how you can explore the area like the characters in the movie:
- Pick up a tree just like the family in the movie at Meriden's Kogut's Hemlock Hill Tree Farm.
- Indulge in holiday treats at bakeries like Rocco's Village Bakery and Marianna's Belltop Bakery.
- Find even more sweets at Thompson Chocolate.
- Get in the holiday spirit, the Meriden way, at the city's annual The Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park.
- Go holiday shopping — perhaps for a snow globe like the one in the movie — at the Meriden Mall.
photo credit: IMDb
19. A Very Nutty Christmas (2018)
A Very Nutty Christmas, starring Melissa Joan Hart, Barry Watson, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Rizwan Manji, and Conchata Ferrell, found a festive backdrop in Mystic and Centerbrook. Explore these spots where the movie was filmed:
- Pop into unique and specialty shops in Olde Mistick Village.
- Indulge in French treats at Savour Cafe and Bakery.
photo credit: IMDb
20. A Very Merry Toy Store (2017)
A Very Merry Toy Store, starring Melissa Joan Hart, Mario Lopez, Brian Dennehy, Tara Strong, and Beth Broderick, shot scenes in New Britain and Middletown. Check out these spots seen in the film:
- Explore the selection of creative toys for kids of all ages at Amato's Toy & Hobby.
- Discover small businesses, culture, and more in downtown New Britain.
photo credit: IMDb
21. Broadcasting Christmas (2016)
Broadcasting Christmas, starring Melissa Joan Hart, Dean Cain, and Cynthia Gibb, was filmed all over Fairfield County. Discover these spots where they created holiday cheer:
- Find unique charm and small businesses at Arcade Mall.
- Soak in the fresh air and take a stroll at McLevy Green Park.
- Find your perfect tree at Ganim Christmas Tree Farm.
- Take a tour of Sacred Heart University.
- See a show at Community Theater in Fairfield.
- While you're in the area, drive by Stamford Plaza, also seen in the film.
photo credit: Hallmark
22. The Santa Con (2014)
The Santa Con, starring Melissa Joan Hart, Barry Watson, Melissa Sagemiller, Scott Grimes, Jaleel White, and Wendy Williams, also found backdrops in Fairfield County. Explore these towns where the movie was filmed:
- Find lively events and dining in Stamford.
- Discover shoreline parks, museums, and live music Bridgeport.
- Relax at spas and beautiful beaches in Southport.
photo credit: Christmas Specials Wiki
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