The Christmas Letter is a 2024 American Christmas comedy directed by Tori Hunter in her feature debut. Written by Michael Cunningham, it stars Angus Benfield, Chevy Chase, and Randy Quaid. Released on November 12, 2024, the story follows Joe Michaels, an unemployed copywriter determined to outshine his wealthy friend’s extravagant Christmas letter.
Where was The Christmas Letter Filmed?
The movie was filmed in Utica, New York, which provided a perfect winter setting. Key scenes were shot in Downtown Utica, featuring snowy streets and festive decorations. Utica City Hall and WKTV Studio also appeared, with cameos by local personalities.
Utica, New York, USA
Utica was the main filming location, offering a perfect winter setting for the holiday movie. Utica, a city in the Mohawk Valley of New York State, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful architecture. It offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, with the Adirondack Mountains nearby. Utica is home to several colleges and universities, contributing to its vibrant academic and cultural scene.
Key Locations in Utica:
- Downtown Utica: Scenes of Joe navigating snowy, decorated streets were filmed here, blending urban charm with holiday cheer.
- Utica City Hall: The city’s mayor, Michael Galime, made a cameo in a scene filmed at City Hall.
- WKTV Studio: Kristen Copeland, a local anchor, appeared in a newsroom scene pivotal to the story.
These spots added realism and local character to the movie.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, California
Address: 10001 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is another chosen location for The Christmas Letter movie’s filming. Most of the skiing and snowboarding scenes in the film were filmed at this ski resort.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is a large ski resort in California, known for its extensive terrain, high snowfall, and diverse offerings for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. It’s a popular winter destination in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, offering a wide range of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding, such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
When Did the Filming of The Christmas Letter Take Place?
Filming took place in January 2024, capturing Utica’s natural snowy beauty. The production wrapped by the end of the month.
The Christmas Letter Behind The Scenes
To make your journey to the filming details of BMG Global’s movie The Christmas Letter more interesting and joyful, we’ve discovered some behind-the-scenes photos from the set which you can see below:-
The team worked closely with Utica’s community, using local landmarks and involving local talent. The snowy January weather enhanced the Christmas atmosphere, while collaborations with city officials ensured smooth filming. Cameos by Michael Galime and Kristen Copeland gave the movie a unique touch.
