Christmas Movie Extravaganza
The Movie Tour You Don’t Want to Miss!
Hey Readers!
Happy December!
The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than to cozy up with a cup of cocoa and your favorite holiday movies. From National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to It’s a Wonderful Life, I’ve been hitting my list of favorites for the last couple of weeks. Of course, there are plenty of Hallmark and Netflix movies thrown in the mix.
When you think of Christmas movies, you might imagine snowy small towns, grand colonial homes, and picturesque village greens twinkling with lights. But did you know that Connecticut was the filming location for many of these holiday scenes?
Connecticut State officials recently announced that the State is launching the first ever Christmas Movie Trail, highlighting holiday movie filming locations across the state where Hallmark, Lifetime and Netflix have filmed several movies.
Now, imagine my surprise when I found out that some of these films were shot in my own backyard? If you read Rebel Writers or have kept up with my The Write Life column here at A Busy Lady, you know that not only am I always up for a fun adventure, but that sometimes we don't even have travel far to have one!
So let’s dig into the locations for one of the movies on the CT Christmas Movie Trail list!
One Royal Holiday (2020) featured on the Hallmark Channel was filmed at many locations dear to my heart.
Written by screenwriter, Sherman Wolfe, an upstate Connecticut resident, this traditional “girl meets prince” storyline is set in the fictional town of “Kentsbury”. The film was shot in Connecticut towns such as Woodstock, Putnam and Hartford.
Here’s your guide to how you can experience the Christmas Magic of this film as if you are the star!
1. Visit the Inn at Woodstock Hill.
A backdrop for many scenes in this film, the Inn at Woodstock Hill stands out. This gorgeous bed-and-breakfast in Woodstock, CT, offers 21 comfortable guest rooms. While this inn used to have a restaurant opened to the public, it’s now only available for private or other special events. My wedding reception took place here several years ago. I can attest to its charm and beauty!
2. Downtown Putnam
Next on your list is a visit to downtown Putnam, where Christmas is the best time to visit as it’s decorated with so many gorgeous lights. Filled with quaint shops and antiques galore, Putnam was also once home to famed author Gertrude Chandler Warren. I held one of my first author shows here, selling my latest novel, ALL THESE THREADS OF TIME. I was thrilled that my booth was near the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Museum. If you come, don’t forget to check out the Saw Dust Coffee House. They have an outstanding array of desserts and specialty drinks, a perfect stop on your holiday movie location adventure.
3. The Christmas Barn
To help finish up some Christmas shopping, stop by The Christmas Barn in Woodstock, CT, where you can go shopping just like the characters in the film. This quaint barn filled with Christmas magic is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Filled with holiday décor galore, this historic barn was built in 1726. The Christmas Barn itself has been open or 59 years! I frequented this barn plenty of times as a kid with my grandmother, who was always on the lookout for new décor. It’s a definite must visit.
4. The Woodstock Academy
On your way to The Christmas Barn, swing by The Woodstock Academy. Although it’s only a backdrop in the film, the historic academy is still cool to see! Founded in 1801, this high school has been educating students in Woodstock and nearby towns ever since.
*the above picture is a scene from the film!
5. The Castle
The castle featured in One Royal Holiday is a real life residence in Woodstock, CT. For more info on this 18,777 square foot, nine-bedroom castle, check out this article here.
I can’t begin to tell you how exciting it is to know that so many holiday favorites were filmed in places I’ve grown up. Of course, the movies never show the downside of New England winter living (snow shoveling, dark at 4pm, driving on icy roads!) but it’s fun just the same to see these idyllic locations turned into Christmas magic.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore your own Christmas movie spot!
Till Next Time,
Sarah
AKA A Busy Lady
Other News:
I am SO excited to be a part of the Local Author Extravaganza at the Warwick Rhode Island Barnes & Noble on December 13th! Check it out if you are in the area!
Also, December 8th-15th, ALL THESE THREADS OF TIME and REBEL WRITERS will be available at the Two Dogs Coffee Co. in Danielson, CT for their Shop the Shelves Event!
If you’d like to purchase a signed copy of ALL THESE THREADS OF TIME or REBEL WRITERS: THE GENIUS BEHIND THE PEN direct from me, message me (link below) and scan the Venmo QR code on the ad below. All costs noted do not include shipping, which depends on your location. Otherwise, both books are also available at Bookshop.Org, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Books make great gifts!
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*Photos taken: Courtesy of my iPhone in addition to the following articles featuring Royal Holiday: Business Insider and Greenwich International Film Festival