Where was Once Upon a Christmas Wish Filmed?
Long Grove, Illinois, USA
- Main Street: Many scenes of the town’s Christmas festival, where Mayor Ortega meets the people of the town, were filmed along Long Grove’s Main Street. The street was decorated with colorful lights and festive shops to create the perfect holiday atmosphere.
- Bridge Scene: The famous covered bridge in Long Grove was used in several important scenes. One of these shows a touching conversation between Mayor Ortega and his childhood friend, adding a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the movie.
When Did the Filming of Once Upon a Christmas Wish Take Place?
Filming took place in early 2024. The team used the natural winter scenery in Long Grove to make the holiday setting feel real and magical.
The upcoming movie Once Upon a Christmas Wish, starring Mario Lopez, was filmed primarily in Long Grove, Illinois, showcasing local landmarks like the historic covered bridge and the Sock Monkey Museum. The film, which features Lopez alongside his wife Courtney and their son Dominic, premieres Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. on the Great American Family channel
Director Brian Herzlinger wanted to make a holiday story that felt both magical and real. He chose Long Grove because of its old-fashioned charm, which helped create a cozy and festive feel for the movie. Many locals also helped by being extras in the movie, especially during the Christmas scenes.
