Was It Real Snow in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, Christmas Vacation, you might have wondered if the snow in the movie was real or fake. The answer is actually a bit more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no”. Let’s take a closer look.

Real Snow

Firstly, let’s address the fact that some scenes in Christmas Vacation were indeed filmed during snowy weather conditions. In fact, the opening scene of the movie where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) cuts down his family’s Christmas tree was filmed during an actual snowstorm in Colorado.

Fake Snow

However, not all of the snow in the movie was real. Filming an entire movie during winter with consistent snowfall can be difficult and costly. So, for scenes that required snow but weren’t filmed during snowy weather conditions, fake snow had to be used.

Types of Fake Snow

There are various types of fake snow that can be used for filming. One common type is made from a combination of potato flakes and white paint chips. This creates a light and fluffy texture that looks similar to real snow on camera.

Another type of fake snow is made from plastic foam particles. This type of fake snow is often used for indoor scenes as it doesn’t melt or make a mess like other types of fake snow.

Challenges with Fake Snow

While using fake snow can be cost-effective and convenient, it also comes with its own set of challenges. For example, certain types of fake snow may look great on camera but can be slippery and dangerous for actors to walk on. Additionally, depending on how it’s made and applied, fake snow can sometimes appear too dense or unrealistic on camera.

The Verdict

So, was it real snow in Christmas Vacation? The answer is yes and no.

Some scenes were filmed during actual snowy weather conditions, while others required the use of fake snow. Regardless of whether the snow was real or fake, it certainly added to the festive and wintery atmosphere of the movie.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while not all of the snow in Christmas Vacation was real, it’s safe to say that the movie wouldn’t be the same without it. Whether you’re a fan of Clark Griswold’s hilarious antics or just love a good holiday movie, Christmas Vacation is definitely worth watching during the winter season.