It’s that time of year again—snow is falling, Christmas trees are being picked out, holiday music fills every store you step into, and, of course, the inevitable binge of Christmas movies begins. Whether you’re drawn to Hallmark movies with their familiar storylines or timeless classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, you might be surprised to learn that some of your favorite holiday films were actually filmed right here in Utah.
This article shares 12 Christmas movies filmed in the Beehive State, from romantic Hallmark films to Netflix classics. Whether you’re looking for a new holiday flick to fall in love with or want to discover where some of your cherished Christmas movies were filmed, keep reading to uncover the festive magic behind the scenes and the locations that brought these stories to life.
6 Christmas Hallmark Movies Filmed in Utah
There are those who adore Hallmark movies and others who would happily skip them. No matter where you stand in the debate, it’s undeniable that Christmas calls for cheesy, predictable films that whisk you away to a snowy wonderland. If you’re looking for an escape this holiday season, here are 6 wintery Hallmark movies filmed in Utah you may want to try out:
1. Christmas Land (2015)
Christmas Land shares the story of a woman climbing the corporate ladder—until she finds out she’s inherited her grandmother’s Christmas tree farm in a small town. At first, she plans to sell the farm but soon finds herself unexpectedly falling in love—not just with the small-town charm but also with a certain man who lives there. After all, what would Hallmark be without a big-city woman finding love in a quaint town?
This classic Christmas Hallmark movie was filmed in Farmington, Utah, a humble community about 17 miles north of Salt Lake City. In the Christmas-themed town scenes, you may recognize Lagoon’s Pioneer Village.
2. Christmas Under Wraps (2014)
In this heartwarming story, an aspiring surgeon (played by Candace Cameron Bure) reluctantly takes a position as a practitioner in a small Alaskan town after being rejected for a fellowship. As she settles into the community, the big-city surgeon realizes there’s more to this town than meets the eye—and that love might be waiting just around the corner. Christmas Under Wraps is one of the most popular Hallmark holiday movies filmed in Salt Lake City, Heber, and Payson, Utah.
While watching the charming tale, you’ll spot iconic locations like Temple Square and the cozy, lush backdrops of Payson and Heber.
3. Switched for Christmas (2017)
Another Christmas Hallmark movie filmed in Payson, Salt Lake City, and Draper, Utah, is Switched for Christmas. Starring Candace Cameron Bure, this movie tells a unique story of twins who switch lives for the holidays, believing the grass is greener on the other side. What follows is enlightening, romantic, and heartfelt.
Switched for Christmas was filmed throughout Northern Utah, featuring Federal Heights, a Utah State Park, and even the Salt Lake fairgrounds.
4. Enchanted Christmas (2017)
Enchanted Christmas follows recently widowed Laura Trudeau (played by Alexa PenaVega), a gifted dancer who is now a project manager. She’s responsible for renovating a lodge in her hometown and having it ready by Christmas Eve. What she doesn’t know but soon finds out is the lodge is the same one she and her former love performed. Will the guarded Laura open her heart and fall back in love, or will she choose a different path? You’ll have to watch this charming film to find out.
A Christmas Hallmark movie beloved by fans, Enchanted Christmas, was filmed primarily at Midway’s Zermatt Lodge.
5. Check Inn to Christmas (2019)
What’s a fan-favorite Christmas Hallmark movie without an enemies-to-lovers storyline? Check Inn to Christmas features a woman who’s home for Christmas to help her family with their beloved inn. However, trouble looms on the horizon as a rival business competitor threatens the success of the family’s inn. Yet, beneath his harsh exterior lies a handsome and kind soul, suggesting the main character may be in for a romantic surprise.
In the tiny Hunstville, Utah community lies Compass Rose Lodge, a cozy 15-room hotel—and a perfect spot for filming a Christmas movie. Check Inn to Christmas was filmed at this magical property, featuring Utah landmarks like Heber Valley Railroad and Bountiful’s Main Street.
6. A Cozy Christmas Inn (2022)
Following Hallmark’s trademark theme of inns, A Cozy Christmas Inn is a sequel to Christmas Under Wraps. The film shares the story of a real estate executive who travels to Alaska during Christmas to attain a bed-and-breakfast for her boss. Surprisingly—or perhaps not so surprisingly—her ex-boyfriend is the inn owner she plans to take over. Soon after arriving in Alaska, she finds herself falling for the town and the beau who owns it.
While the movie is set in fictional Garland, Alaska, the Hallmark Christmas movie was filmed in, once again, Huntsville, Utah’s Compass Rose Lodge. If you’ve visited the quaint hotel, you’ll spot the on-site cafe, First Life Coffee, in the film.
6 Other Christmas Movies Filmed in Utah: From Lifetime to Netflix
While there’s a running list of Hallmark movies filmed in Utah, this state isn’t only the backdrop for these cheerful films. Netflix, Lifetime, and other production companies have chosen this snowy state as their filming location for the perfect holiday movie. Here are 6 Christmas-themed movies filmed in Utah, from Disney Originals to Lifetime films.
1. Falling for Christmas (2022)
With Lindsay Lohan making a highly anticipated comeback to acting, Falling for Christmas quickly soared into Netflix’s Top 10 list upon its release, delighting fans and marking a triumphant return for the beloved star. The plot features a privileged hotel heiress who gets injured in an accident and, consequently, suffers amnesia—fortunately, a handsome widower swoops in to care for her while she recovers.
This Netflix holiday romance was filmed at the Goldener Hirsch Hotel in Park City, Utah. Ski scenes were shot at the picturesque Deer Valley Resort, and additional segments were captured at the renowned Stein Eriksen Lodge.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Nothing shouts Christmas quite like the Grinch and the infamous Whoville. The live-action film version of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale gained a cult following in the early 2000s and remains today. While most of the movie was filmed in Universal Studios’ set for Whoville, Utah can proudly claim it held a small role in this classic Christmas film.
The snowy mountain scenes were filmed in Utah’s Solitude Mountain Resort, Snowbird, and Brighton Resorts. If you’d like to immerse yourself in the world of the Grinch fully, there’s even an option to stay in his cave just outside of Boulder, Utah. Complete with Who-hash, quirky furniture, and the solitude he craves, the Grinch’s cave offers a one-of-a-kind stay—perfect for those willing to brave the drive up the mountain to experience it.
3. Mr. Krueger’s Christmas (1980)
An oldie but a goodie, Mr. Krueger’s Christmas features Jimmy Stewart from the hit classic It’s a Wonderful Life. A lonely widower, Jimmy Stewart’s character quickly has a change of heart after meeting a group of friendly carolers.
Mr. Krueger’s Christmas is another Christmas classic filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah. It features recognizable downtown streets and scenes set in the Mormon Tabernacle.
4. Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas (2011)
This Disney Channel Christmas movie is based on the hit show Good Luck Charlie, following the main character and her mom being unintentionally separated from the rest of the family during the holidays. Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas was filmed in Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah.
5. Wrapped Up in Christmas (2017)
Wrapped Up in Christmas is a Lifetime holiday movie filmed mainly in Provo, Utah. It’s the charming story of a mall manager who falls in love with the temporary Santa Claus. Filming took place in Provo Towne Centre, and it’s a heartfelt holiday movie you won’t want to miss out on.
6. Jingle Belle (2018)
Another Lifetime Christmas movie filmed in Utah is Jingle Belle. The film follows the story of two former high school sweethearts coming together once again over a small-town Christmas pageant. Filming for this movie took place in Brigham City, Utah, with the Box Elder County courthouse appearing in the first scene.
Film a Holiday Movie in Utah With Avalanche Studios
Do you want to create a Christmas film that whisks viewers into a make-believe world where everything is merry and bright? Avalanche Studios can help. Located in the beautiful state of Utah, we provide filmmakers with comprehensive video production services. We’ve got you covered whether you need us to edit your film or write a storyline. Partner with our award-winning team of creatives, writers, and directors to create the next Christmas classic that leaves them feeling warm inside. Contact us to receive a quote and get started on your holiday film!
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