Connecticut has launched the nation’s first-ever Christmas Movie Trail, a delightful new way to immerse in the holiday spirit while celebrating cinematic magic. This festive trail offers movie lovers an enchanting journey through 22 filming locations that capture the charm of quaint towns, lively cities, and iconic holiday spots across the state. From cozy inns to intimate cafes and scenic shops, the trail allows fans to step into the settings of beloved Christmas classics from Hallmark, Netflix, and Lifetime.

The festive map was unveiled at the historic Silas W. Robbins House in Wethersfield, famously featured in Hallmark’s Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane. The event drew an excited crowd and included appearances by actors Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Michael Rady, along with producer Andrew Gernhard, who joined together to introduce the map. This charming trail offers a unique look at Connecticut’s hidden gems and iconic backdrops, inviting holiday movie enthusiasts to relive their favorite scenes in real life.

“As the first of its kind, the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail is more than a nod to the films themselves—it’s an invitation to experience Connecticut in a way that’s both familiar and new,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “We’re proud that our towns and cities have inspired so many holiday favorites, and we look forward to welcoming fans to see these idyllic communities firsthand.”

“Holiday films bring us comfort, nostalgia, and a bit of magic,” said Andrew Gernhard, producer of numerous holiday classics and a Connecticut native who continues to call the state home. “Having grown up here, I know firsthand the character and warmth that make Connecticut an ideal setting to bring these films to life. We’ve had the joy of filming so many holiday scenes here, and I think fans are going to love experiencing Connecticut through this lens.”

Discover Connecticut Through the Magic of Christmas Movies

Connecticut’s new Christmas Movie Trail offers visitors a unique way to experience the state’s cinematic charm firsthand. Travelers can explore snow-kissed main streets aglow with holiday lights, historic inns dressed for the season, and lively town squares that have set the scene for beloved holiday films. This trail embraces the popular “set-jetting” trend, allowing fans to journey to the real-life filming locations of their favorite Christmas movies and immerse themselves in the festive stories that have captured their hearts.

“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,” adds Ellen Woolf Rubrich, State Brand Director. “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.”

Connecticut’s Christmas Movie Trail: A Festive Journey for Film Lovers

Connecticut’s Christmas Movie Trail offers an exciting new way to explore the state, connecting visitors with iconic locations from beloved holiday films by Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix, BET, and Universal Studios. This curated trail includes 22 film locations, inviting travelers to step into the holiday magic showcased on screen. Highlights include:

Historic Inns and Charming Stays: Discover the cozy accommodations that served as both real and fictional settings in holiday favorites. These inns, adorned with festive decor, are perfect for an unforgettable seasonal escape.

Iconic Holiday Scenes: From bustling town squares to snow-dusted main streets, each stop along the trail offers an immersion into Connecticut’s holiday charm. These scenic spots set the stage for treasured movie moments, embodying the spirit of the season.

Local Dining and Attractions: Visitors can dine at the locally-owned restaurants and cafes featured in the films, exploring unique Connecticut eateries that bring an authentic holiday experience. Alongside dining, attractions like charming shops and scenic landmarks offer fans a chance to live out their favorite movie moments.

Featured Films: The trail includes popular titles such as Trivia at St. Nick’s, Where Are You, Christmas?, Mystic Christmas, Ghosts of Christmas Always, Sugar Plum Twist, A Holiday in Harlem, One Royal Holiday, and many more. Each location adds to the allure of the journey, bringing movie magic to life.

Celebrating Tradition, Innovation, and Economic Impact

Holiday film productions have become a valuable economic driver for Connecticut, with these movies contributing over $58 million to the state economy and generating more than 2,000 jobs. From $1.5 million in hotel spending to $485,000 on vehicle rentals and $711,000 on meals and catering, these productions have created a positive impact on local businesses. The Christmas Movie Trail not only celebrates holiday spirit but also showcases Connecticut’s thriving creative industry, making it a win for film fans and the local economy alike.

“Holiday movie productions have been a tremendous boost for Connecticut, supporting local businesses and creating jobs statewide,” said George Norfleet, Executive Director of Office of Film, TV & Digital Media. “The Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail reflects how the state’s scenic landscapes and vibrant communities continue to attract filmmakers, while also drawing visitors who want to experience the holiday magic for themselves.”

“This trail is an innovative approach to travel that connects Connecticut’s picturesque towns and vibrant cities with the magic of holiday cinema,” said Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer, State of Connecticut. “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 celebrations, 12 fortunate Connecticut residents were selected to attend the event and meet their favorite stars from beloved holiday films. Bringing an extra sprinkle of holiday magic, Hallmark actress Erin Cahill delighted one lucky winner by drawing their name for an exciting surprise—a chance to appear as an extra in an upcoming Hallmark movie being filmed in Connecticut.

“It’s moments like these that make the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail not just a celebration of these adored films; it’s a tribute to our state pride,” adds Anthony. “The trail beautifully captures Connecticut’s ‘Live, Work, Play’ spirit bringing visitors to places we call home and highlighting the vibrant communities that make the state such an exceptional place to live, work, and enjoy. We’re thrilled to share this unique experience with the fans, inviting them to embrace the magic of the holidays in Connecticut. The Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail is more than just a tour—it’s an invitation to experience the heart and soul of our state during the most wonderful time of the year.”

A Feast of Festive Flavors and Holiday Magic at Connecticut’s Christmas Movie Trail Event

The launch of Connecticut’s Christmas Movie Trail became a true holiday celebration, with a seasonal menu crafted by the award-winning chefs at The Charles. Guests enjoyed a culinary experience that captured the essence of the holidays, featuring dishes like a pistachio-crusted lamb crown roast with minted cranberry sauce and a bacon-wrapped pork loin roast draped in a mulled wine cranberry glaze. For those with a sweet tooth, holiday-themed treats such as chocolate-dipped pretzel rods, festive Oreos, and Christmas macaroons added a playful and indulgent touch to the event.

The holiday-inspired beverage selection honored the season’s traditions, offering specialty drinks like “Santa’s Salerno Spiced Eggnog Shooters” and “Cranberry-Rosemary Holiday Mimosas,” alongside cozy mulled wine. Heirloom Market’s eggnog cupcakes—featured in Hallmark’s Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane—added a nostalgic connection to the holiday film theme of the trail.

Adding to the charm, the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers welcomed guests with timeless Christmas carols, dressed in traditional Victorian attire. Their classic renditions echoed through the halls of the Silas W. Robbins House, filling the venue with a warm, nostalgic ambiance that transported attendees back to Christmases past.

From cozy cafes and decorated main streets to historic inns and iconic filming sites, the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail offers a unique holiday escape. Fans can explore the real-life settings that inspired favorite holiday films, making this festive experience a magical journey right in Connecticut’s heart.

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