Where Was the Tree Scene in Christmas Vacation Filmed?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the Christmas classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you might be wondering where the famous tree scene was filmed. In this article, we’ll explore the location of this iconic scene and some interesting facts about it.

The Tree Scene

The tree scene in “Christmas Vacation” is one of the most memorable moments from the film. In this scene, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) takes his family out to find the perfect Christmas tree. After a series of mishaps, they finally find their tree – an enormous one that barely fits in their home.

Location

The tree scene was filmed at a real Christmas tree farm called “Dowling’s Christmas Trees.” The farm is located in McHenry County, Illinois, which is about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. The owners of the farm were thrilled to have their business featured in such a popular movie.

Interesting Facts

  • The tree that Clark Griswold chose for his family was actually hand-picked by director Jeremiah S. Chechik.
  • The tree was so large that it took eight crew members to carry it to the Griswold’s car.
  • The Dowling family still operates their Christmas tree farm today, and they continue to get visitors who want to see where “Christmas Vacation” was filmed.
  • The Dowling family also provided all of the interior and exterior decorations for the Griswold’s home in the movie.
  • If you visit Dowling’s Christmas Trees today, you can take a wagon ride through their fields and pick out your own perfect Christmas tree just like Clark Griswold did.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” visiting Dowling’s Christmas Trees might be a fun trip to add to your holiday plans. Not only can you pick out your own tree, but you’ll also get to experience a piece of movie history. And if you’re not able to visit in person, at least now you know where the famous tree scene was filmed!