Have you ever wondered where the iconic opening scene of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was filmed? You know, the one where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) goes to pick out the perfect Christmas tree with his family? Well, wonder no more because we’ve got all the details!
Firstly, if you haven’t seen this classic holiday film, stop reading this article and go watch it right now. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Now, back to the question at hand. The opening scene of “Christmas Vacation” was filmed at a Christmas tree lot in Burbank, California. Specifically, it was filmed at the Valuzet Tree Lot located at 1220 S. Victory Blvd.
Valuzet Tree Lot:
The Valuzet Tree Lot has been a staple in Burbank for over 60 years. It’s known for its vast selection of fresh-cut Christmas trees and friendly staff who are always willing to lend a hand in finding the perfect tree for your home. In fact, many locals have made it a tradition to visit Valuzet every year to pick out their tree.
The Scene:
In the opening scene of “Christmas Vacation,” Clark Griswold and his family arrive at Valuzet in their station wagon. As they step out of the car, they’re greeted by rows upon rows of beautiful Christmas trees. Clark is determined to find the perfect one for his family’s holiday celebration and hilarity ensues as he inspects each tree with extreme scrutiny.
During filming, the Valuzet lot was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with fake snow and festive decorations. The production crew worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere that perfectly captured the magic of Christmastime.
Other Filming Locations:
While most of “Christmas Vacation” was filmed on studio lots in California, there were a few other notable filming locations used throughout the movie. These included:
- The Griswold family home – located at 2565 N. Beachwood Drive in Los Angeles
- The department store where Clark gets trapped in the attic – located at the former Bullocks Wilshire building in Los Angeles
- The exterior of the mall where the Griswolds go shopping – located at the former Broadway-Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles
In Conclusion:
So, there you have it. The opening scene of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was filmed at the Valuzet Tree Lot in Burbank, California. If you’re ever in the area during the holiday season, be sure to stop by and check it out for yourself.
And if you’re a fan of this classic Christmas movie, be sure to watch it again this holiday season. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and fill your heart with holiday cheer!