Exploring the Scenic Locations- Unveiling the Filming Secrets of A Christmas Vacation
Where was a Christmas Vacation filmed? This question often comes up for fans of the classic 1983 American comedy film, which has become a staple of holiday viewing for many. The film, directed by John R. Hunt and starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and John Candy, tells the story of Clark Griswold, a suburban family man who dreams of a perfect Christmas vacation in Florida. But as the title suggests, his plans go hilariously awry. In this article, we’ll explore the various locations where this beloved film was shot, offering a glimpse into the real-life backdrops that brought the Griswold family’s adventure to life.
The primary filming location for “A Christmas Vacation” was in and around the city of Columbus, Ohio. The film’s producers chose Columbus for its similarity to the fictional town of Winnetonka, the setting of the story. Many of the film’s iconic scenes were captured in and around Columbus, including the Griswold family’s home, the Griswold house Christmas display, and the Winnetonka department store.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the Griswold family’s home, which was actually a real house in Columbus. The house, located at 5416 N. High St., was purchased by the production company and used for the film. The exterior shots of the house were taken at different times of the day to create the illusion of a 24-hour Christmas display. Today, the house is a popular tourist attraction and has been preserved as it appeared in the film.
Another key location in Columbus was the North Market, which served as the setting for the Winnetonka department store. The North Market, a historic public market, provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s shopping scenes. The market’s architecture and festive decorations helped to create the perfect atmosphere for the Griswold family’s Christmas shopping adventure.
In addition to Columbus, the film also featured shots in other Ohio cities. The Griswold family’s trip to Florida was actually filmed in the Orlando area. The production company chose Orlando for its theme parks and warm climate, which provided the perfect setting for the family’s dream vacation. The famous Universal Studios Florida, where the Griswold family visits Santa Claus, was used as a stand-in for the fictional Universal Studios in the film.
The snowy scenes in “A Christmas Vacation” were filmed in the town of Pomeroy, Ohio. Pomeroy is known for its picturesque winter landscapes, and the production company took advantage of the town’s natural beauty to create the snowy backdrop for the film’s winter scenes.
In conclusion, “A Christmas Vacation” was filmed in a variety of locations across Ohio, with Columbus serving as the primary setting. The film’s producers carefully selected these locations to capture the essence of the Griswold family’s adventure and create a timeless holiday classic. Whether you’re a fan of the film or simply looking for a glimpse into the real-life backdrops that brought the Griswold family to life, exploring the locations where “A Christmas Vacation” was filmed is a delightful way to appreciate this beloved holiday tradition.
