Introduction
The 1989 holiday classic Christmas Vacation is beloved by fans around the world. The movie follows the Griswold family as they attempt to have the perfect Christmas together, despite a series of misadventures. It has become an annual tradition for many families to watch the movie during the holiday season, and its popularity continues to grow each year.
This article explores the places where Christmas Vacation was filmed, including the primary locations used in the film, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, and a guide to visiting the real life locations. It also provides background information on the filming locations and how each location contributed to the storyline.
Exploring the Filming Locations for the Christmas Vacation Movie
The Christmas Vacation movie was primarily filmed in California, with some additional scenes shot in Illinois. The majority of the film was shot near Los Angeles, in the neighborhoods of Burbank and North Hollywood. Other notable locations include the Warner Bros. Ranch and Paramount Studios in Hollywood, and the Universal CityWalk in Universal City.
The cast and crew also spent time shooting on location in Chicago, Illinois. Some of the most memorable scenes were shot at the historic Water Tower Place shopping center, the iconic Wrigley Building, and the now-defunct Riverview Amusement Park. These locations provided a unique backdrop for the movie, helping to bring the story to life.
Behind the scenes, the production team worked hard to create the perfect sets for the movie. The sets were designed to reflect the era in which the movie was set and to provide a realistic atmosphere. From the Griswold family home to the office of Mr. Shirley, the sets were meticulously crafted to capture the spirit of Christmas.
The crew also went to great lengths to ensure that the special effects were top-notch. They utilized a variety of techniques, such as stop motion animation and matte painting, to create moments that were both humorous and visually stunning.
The History of the Places Where Christmas Vacation Was Filmed
Each of the places where Christmas Vacation was filmed holds a special place in the hearts of fans. To understand why these locations are so important to the movie, it’s helpful to take a step back and look at the history of each place.
The neighborhood of Burbank, California, has a long and storied history. It was originally part of a Mexican land grant, and over the years it has been home to many famous film studios, including Warner Bros. and Disney. This area was the perfect backdrop for the Griswold family’s misadventures, as it captures the spirit of the era in which the movie was made.
Chicago, Illinois, has had its own share of cinematic moments. The city is home to several iconic landmarks, such as the Wrigley Building and Water Tower Place. These locations helped to add an extra layer of authenticity to the movie, as they are instantly recognizable to viewers.
The sets used in the movie were also carefully chosen to reflect the era in which the film was set. For example, the Griswold family home was modeled after a typical 1950s-era middle-class American home, complete with period furnishings and decor. The office of Mr. Shirley was also recreated to appear as if it were from the same era.
A Guide to Visiting the Real Life Locations of Christmas Vacation
If you’re a fan of the Christmas Vacation movie, then you may want to consider taking a trip to visit some of the filming locations. Several of the places used in the movie are now popular tourist attractions, giving fans the chance to experience them firsthand.
In Los Angeles, you can visit the Warner Bros. Studios and Paramount Studios, both of which were used in the filming of Christmas Vacation. You can also explore the Universal CityWalk, where many of the exterior shots were filmed. In Chicago, you can visit the iconic Wrigley Building, Water Tower Place shopping center, and the site of the former Riverview Amusement Park.
When planning your trip, it’s important to keep in mind that the places where Christmas Vacation was filmed may not necessarily look the same as they did in the movie. Many of the sets used in the movie were temporary and have since been dismantled or modified. However, it’s still possible to get a sense of what the movie looked like by visiting the actual locations.
It’s also important to remember to be respectful of the people and places you visit. Take care not to disturb any of the areas you visit, as they are all cherished by the local community.
Conclusion
Christmas Vacation is an enduring holiday classic, and its popularity continues to grow each year. This article explored the places where Christmas Vacation was filmed, including the primary locations used in the film, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, and a guide to visiting the real life locations. It also provided background information on the filming locations and how each location contributed to the storyline. If you’re a fan of the movie, then you may want to consider taking a trip to visit some of the filming locations for a truly unforgettable experience.
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