The holiday season is upon us, and one of the most beloved Christmas movies is none other than “Christmas Vacation.” This comedic classic follows the Griswold family as they attempt to have a perfect Christmas.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) finally gets his wish for a “fun old-fashioned family Christmas” and it starts snowing. But the question remains: was the snow real?
Real or Fake?
Many viewers have speculated whether or not the snow in “Christmas Vacation” was real. The answer is yes – and no. The snow in the movie was a combination of real and artificial snow.
The Real Snow
The exterior shots of the Griswold house covered in snow were filmed during a real-life blizzard that hit Colorado during filming. The production team took advantage of this unexpected weather event to capture some authentic footage.
The Fake Snow
While some exterior shots used real snow, most of the snowy scenes were created using artificial snow made from various materials such as potato flakes, cornflakes, and even fire extinguisher foam. This fake snow had to be used because it allowed for better control over the amount and consistency of snow on set.
Creating a Winter Wonderland
To create an immersive winter wonderland, production designer Stephen Marsh designed and built a custom set that included 13 different houses with various stages of decoration for each scene. Marsh also covered everything with fake snow to create a cohesive winter look.
- The Snowy Pool
- In one memorable scene, Clark Griswold takes an epic slide down an icy hill into his pool. To achieve this effect, Marsh had 20 tons of ice delivered to create a makeshift ice rink.
- The Snowy Road
- Another iconic scene from the movie features the Griswold family driving on a snowy road. To create this effect, the production team built a custom truck that could spray fake snow as it drove along.
The Verdict
While the snow in “Christmas Vacation” was a mix of real and fake, it ultimately created an immersive winter wonderland that has become an iconic part of the film. So whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas or not, “Christmas Vacation” will always be a beloved holiday classic.