If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie, Christmas Vacation, you may be wondering where the iconic Christmas tree scene is located. This memorable moment in the film is when Clark Griswold and his family trek out into the wilderness to cut down their own Christmas tree. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming scene that has become a beloved part of the movie.
Where Was the Scene Filmed?
The Christmas tree scene was filmed at two different locations in Colorado. The opening scenes were filmed in Breckenridge, Colorado, while the actual cutting down of the tree took place in Frisco, Colorado.
Breckenridge
In Breckenridge, you can see Clark and his family driving through town on Main Street. They pass by several shops and restaurants before finally arriving at a lot where they can buy a permit to cut down their own tree. This lot was actually filmed at 301 N. Main Street in Breckenridge.
The Village Hotel
Another location in Breckenridge that was used for filming was The Village Hotel. This is where the Griswold family stays during their vacation. While you can’t visit their specific room (since it was just a set), you can still stay at The Village Hotel and enjoy all that Breckenridge has to offer.
- Address: 535 S Park Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Phone: (970) 453-2510
Frisco
The actual cutting down of the Christmas tree took place in Frisco, which is just a short drive from Breckenridge. In this scene, Clark takes his trusty chainsaw and saws down a massive tree while his family looks on in horror.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
The tree cutting scene was filmed at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Frisco. This location was chosen because it had a large, open space where they could film the scene without any distractions in the background.
- Address: 28194 US-6, Keystone, CO 80435
- Phone: (970) 468-0718
In Conclusion
So, if you’re ever in Colorado and want to visit the locations from Christmas Vacation, be sure to check out Breckenridge and Frisco. While you can’t exactly replicate the Griswold’s experience of cutting down their own tree (since it was all just a movie set), you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and small-town charm that these locations have to offer. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find your own perfect Christmas tree along the way!