Christmas with the Kranks is a 2004 American Christmas comedy movie. It’s based on the book Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, written in 2001. The movie was directed by Joe Roth and produced by Chris Columbus.
It stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, who play a Chicago couple that decides to skip Christmas while their daughter is away. This decision makes their neighbors very unhappy. The movie was released on November 24, 2004.
Where was Christmas with the Kranks Filmed?
Suburban Street, Backlot, Downey Studios, California
Location: 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, California, USA
Scene: This location was used for the famous “Hemlock Street” scenes where the Kranks’ house and their neighbors’ homes are shown. Many of the scenes with Christmas lights, decorations, and neighbors were filmed here.
Downy Studios in California is a special place where movies are made. It’s like a big playground for grown-ups, filled with sets and soundstages. “Suburban Street, Backlot” is just one part of this magical place. Imagine a real-looking street, right in the middle of the studio.
It has houses, shops, and even a little park. Moviemakers use this street to film scenes that look like everyday life, but it’s all just pretend.
Other Locations
New York Street, Backlot, Universal Studios
Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA
Scene: The scenes featuring Chips Market and Pumpkin Seed Paperie & Press were filmed here, showing a busy street area.
New York Street at Universal Studios is a real-life movie set. It looks just like the streets of New York City, with tall buildings, yellow cabs, and busy sidewalks.
Hennesy Street, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios
Location: 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA
Scene: This street was used for the burglary scene, adding a bit of action to the holiday comedy. Hennesy Street at Warner Brothers Burbank Studios is a famous movie set. It’s a place where many popular movies and TV shows have been filmed.
Culver Studios, California
Location: 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA
Scene: Some indoor scenes and set pieces were filmed here, allowing for better control over the filming. Culver Studios is a famous movie studio in California which was Originally created by silent movie pioneer Thomas H. Ince.
Pacific Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Scene: Some mall scenes were filmed here to capture a winter shopping setting. Pacific Centre is a big shopping mall in Vancouver, Canada. It’s a fun place to go shopping and eat delicious food. You can find all kinds of stores there, from clothing shops to electronics stores. It’s a great place to spend a day with your family and friends.
Los Angeles, California
Scene: Various outdoor shots in Los Angeles added a festive touch and helped create the Christmas look for the movie. Los Angeles, often called LA, is a big city in California, USA. It’s famous for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and the movie industry. Hollywood, where many famous movies are made, is a part of LA. You can also find many theme parks, like Disneyland, in this exciting city.
When Did the Filming of Christmas with the Kranks Take Place?
Filming for Christmas with the Kranks took place on Apr 12, 2004. The production was split into stages to film both indoor and outdoor scenes.
The team worked hard to make Hemlock Street look like a real Christmas neighborhood; they decorated it with Christmas lights, carolers, and other holiday decorations. Stars enjoyed sharing stories about working on the set and setting up the big holiday display.