If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie “Christmas Vacation,” you may be wondering where the film was shot. The movie is known for its iconic scenes and hilarious dialogue, but it’s also famous for its picturesque setting. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where “Christmas Vacation” was filmed.
The Filming Locations
“Christmas Vacation” was primarily filmed in and around the Los Angeles area. However, several scenes were shot in other locations across the United States.
The Griswold Family Home
The exterior shots of the Griswold family home were filmed in a neighborhood called “Warner Bros. Ranch.”
This neighborhood is located in Burbank, California, and is owned by Warner Bros. Studios. The house itself was built specifically for the movie and has since become an iconic symbol of the film.
The Department Store
One of the most memorable scenes in “Christmas Vacation” takes place at a department store where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) gets trapped in the attic while shopping for Christmas lights. This scene was actually filmed at a real department store called “The May Company.” The building is located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles and has since been converted into an office building.
The Mountainside Scenes
Several scenes in “Christmas Vacation” take place on a snowy mountainside where Clark and his family go sledding. These scenes were filmed at Big Bear Mountain Resort, which is located about two hours east of Los Angeles. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
Conclusion
While “Christmas Vacation” was primarily filmed in California, it’s interesting to note that several scenes were shot in other locations across the United States. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just curious about its filming locations, it’s clear that the iconic setting played a major role in making this holiday classic so memorable.