From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to High School Musical, it’s no secret that filmmakers like Utah—and that extends to holiday movies.
Per the Utah Film Commission, movie production has brought about $736 million to the state’s economy over the last decade. It’s also motivated a lot of people to visit, as 39% of tourists cited movies and television as a reason for visiting the state. They spend an estimated $600 million here each year.
In addition to bringing a huge amount of money into the state, the commission said filmmaking provides a lot of support to locals, small businesses and communities across the state.
Holiday Films Shot in the Beehive State
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000
Jim Carrey starred in this live-action remake of the 1966 animated film, which was based on Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale of the same name. Before it came out in 2000 and became a Christmas staple in many households, mountain scenery shots were captured in Big Cottonwood Canyon at Solitude Mountain Resort. Next time you watch it, keep an eye on the background to see if you recognize those snowy peaks.
Utah Film Center will be hosting a free screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas on December 20 at 5 p.m. Alternatively, stream it on Hulu and Peacock.
Ski Patrol, 1990
Ski Patrol, a winter comedy that follows a group of quirky ski patrollers working to save their beloved mountain from a greedy developer (I wonder what the protagonists would say about the modern industry), was filmed at several ski resorts in Utah, including Snowbird, Alta, and Sundance, which was famously owned by Robert Redford. Scenes were also shot in Park City and Little Cottonwood Canyon. Its showcase of the “Greatest Snow on Earth” added to the authenticity of the comedy.
Though it’s been largely forgotten by the general public, it continues to be a cult favorite among vintage ski movie aficionados and avid skiers.
Stream Ski Patrol on YouTube or Apple TV.
Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas, 2011
Based on the Disney Channel Sitcom Good Luck Charlie, the movie starring Bridgit Mendler, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Eric Allan Kramer, Jason Dolley, Bradley Steven Perry, and Mia Talerico follows the Duncan family after they get separated while traveling from Denver, Colo. to Palm Springs, Calif. Although the story doesn’t take place in Utah, several scenes on the journey were filmed here.
For example, the Gateway Mall in Salt Lake was used as a stand-in for the Las Vegas Strip and the Salt Palace Convention Center became an airport terminal, complete with a fictional airline.
Stream Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas on Disney+ and Hulu.
Christmas in the Clouds, 2001
This lesser-known romantic comedy, which is set at a Native American-owned ski resort, was primarily filmed at Sundance Resort. The story follows Ray Clouds on Fire (Played by Timothy Vahle), the resort manager, who prepares for a high-profile guest during the holiday season, only to be swept into a whirlwind of mistaken identities, comedic mishaps, and unexpected romance.
Stream Christmas in the Clouds on Amazon Prime Video.
The Housewives of the North Pole, 2021
The Housewives of the North Pole is a Peacock holiday comedy that follows Diana (Betsy Brandt) and Trish (Kyle Richards), two best friends who have long dominated their town’s annual Christmas decorating competition, only to become bitter rivals after a falling out. Determined to outshine each other, they go head-to-head in pursuit of the coveted Golden Reindeer trophy, while their children—ironically named Romeo and Juliet—complicate matters by falling in love amidst the chaos. Though set in the fictional town of North Pole, Vermont, the film was shot entirely in Utah, with many neighborhood scenes filmed in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Utah’s snowy landscapes and welcoming communities provided the perfect backdrop, giving the movie an authentic winter atmosphere and reinforcing the state’s reputation as a hub for holiday film productions.
Stream The Housewives of the North Pole on Peacock.
For more holiday films shot in Utah, visit the Utah Film Commission’s website.
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