Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point is a holiday dramedy directed by Tyler Taormina. The story, co-written by Taormina, Eric Berger, and Kevin Anton, is set around a family gathering on Christmas Eve in the small town of Miller’s Point, bringing to life the bittersweet charm and humor of family dynamics.
The film stars Michael Cera, Francesca Scorsese, Matilda Fleming, and Sawyer Spielberg and explores how tradition, family bonds, and nostalgia intertwine during the holiday season.
With a storyline that echoes the spirit of films like Parenthood (1989) more than the typical Hallmark special, Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point offers a unique look at the complexities of holiday gatherings and the joy of coming together across generations.
Where Was Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point Filmed?
Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point was filmed entirely on Long Island, in locations across Suffolk County towns like Smithtown, St. James, Selden, and Holbrook.
Here’s a detailed look at the primary locations used to bring this nostalgic Christmas tale to life.
Smithtown, Long Island
Smithtown served as the film’s central filming location, with several iconic neighborhoods and streets used to recreate the small-town feel of Miller’s Point.
Smithtown is a place close to the hearts of co-writers Taormina and Berger, both of whom are Smithtown natives.
From cozy family homes to local streets adorned with festive lights, the production team made full use of Smithtown’s charm to set the stage for the holiday gathering.
The film’s storyline hinges on family traditions, and Smithtown’s scenery lent itself perfectly to capturing the intimacy and nostalgia essential for the film’s setting.
Several residential areas were decorated with holiday lights and ornaments to fit the film’s Christmas Eve setting, with the help of local residents who participated in the festivities by keeping their holiday decor up well into March.
St. James, New York
Neighboring Smithtown, the town of St. James was another key filming location. Known for its quaint suburban atmosphere and well-preserved historic buildings, St. James offered unique spots that added authenticity to the film.
St. James also holds a personal connection for the film’s director, who appreciated using familiar places that echoed his own Christmas experiences growing up on Long Island.
One notable spot used for shooting included a local community center, which served as the location for a memorable family gathering scene.
The warmth of St. James’s small-town character added to the film’s authentic holiday feel, and local businesses welcomed the production, with several storefronts doubling as part of Miller’s Point.
Holbrook, Long Island
Holbrook, known for its family-friendly vibe, was the filming site for several scenes that capture the humor and camaraderie between friends in Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point.
Holbrook provided locations that added to the film’s suburban holiday atmosphere, with neighborhood streets dressed up for the season.
The filmmakers coordinated with the local community to create a true-to-life holiday ambiance, with snow machines and Christmas decorations enhancing the look of the scenes filmed here.
Holbrook was also the setting for a few holiday-related comedic scenes, which capture the charm and sometimes chaotic atmosphere of the festive season.
The town’s welcoming community and classic holiday look helped bring Miller’s Point to life.
Selden, New York
Selden played a role in capturing more of the extended family’s journey and interactions. Known for its peaceful residential areas and scenic parks, Selden provided a quiet backdrop for some of the film’s more heartfelt and reflective scenes.
The production utilized both local homes and outdoor settings to emphasize the family’s close-knit yet diverse bonds, with holiday decorations used to add warmth to these scenes.
Selden’s streets were dressed up to represent the holiday season as well, contributing to the unified look across all locations.
By choosing Selden, Taormina and his team could portray the authenticity of a family’s Christmas Eve adventure in a familiar Long Island setting.
When Did the Filming of Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point Take Place?
Filming for Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point began on February 15, 2023, and concluded on March 20, 2023. Shooting across Long Island in February and March was a logistically complex process, especially given the number of holiday decorations that had to remain up past the typical season.
To capture the cozy, snowy look of Christmas Eve, the production team used artificial snow machines, and locals were asked to keep their decorations on display for filming continuity.
The production involved about 15 locations across the towns of Smithtown, St. James, Holbrook, and Selden, reflecting a strong commitment from the cast and crew to highlight the authenticity and beauty of Long Island.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q: Where was Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point filmed?
A: The film was shot entirely on location across several towns in Suffolk County, Long Island, including Smithtown, St. James, Holbrook, and Selden.
Q: Did the filmmakers use real Long Island locations?
A: Yes, all filming locations were real places on Long Island. The production team worked closely with local residents and officials to ensure the community felt authentically represented.
Q: When did the filming take place?
A: Filming ran from February 15 to March 20, 2023.
Q: What makes Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point unique?
A: The film combines heartfelt family moments with humor, capturing the highs and lows of a Christmas Eve gathering. Its connection to real Long Island locations and a talented ensemble cast, including Michael Cera, give it an authentic holiday feel.