Have you ever watched the classic holiday movie, Christmas Vacation? If yes, then you must be familiar with the opening scene of the movie.
It shows the Griswold family driving through a snowy landscape in their green station wagon. But have you ever wondered where this iconic scene was filmed? Let’s find out!
The Location
The opening scene of Christmas Vacation was filmed in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge is a small town located in Summit County, Colorado. It is a popular tourist destination known for its ski resorts and snow-capped mountains.
The Scene
The opening scene of Christmas Vacation shows the Griswold family driving through a snowy landscape in their green station wagon. The scene starts with Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, looking out the window and admiring the beautiful scenery. The camera then pans to his wife Ellen and two children, Audrey and Rusty, who are sleeping in the back seat.
The Significance of the Scene
The opening scene of Christmas Vacation sets the tone for the rest of the movie. It establishes that the movie takes place during winter and that Clark Griswold is determined to have a perfect family Christmas despite all the obstacles that come his way.
Filming Locations
Apart from Breckenridge, Colorado, several other locations were used to film Christmas Vacation. The interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage in Burbank, California. The exterior shots of the Griswold house were filmed in Los Angeles, California.
Trivia
- Christmas Vacation was released in 1989 and was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik.
- Chevy Chase played Clark Griswold in four National Lampoon’s movies.
- The movie was written by John Hughes, who is known for writing and directing several popular movies such as The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Home Alone.
- The movie has become a holiday classic and is still popular among audiences today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the opening scene of Christmas Vacation was filmed in Breckenridge, Colorado. The scene establishes the tone for the rest of the movie and sets up Clark Griswold’s determination to have a perfect family Christmas. The movie has become a holiday classic and is loved by audiences of all ages.