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November 14, 2024

Connecticut unveils nation’s 1st Christmas movie trail

Contributed Connecticut has unveiled the nation's first Christmas movie trail.

Connecticut has developed a growing number of “trails” highlighting everything from beer, wine and spirits to chocolate, pizza, oysters and even haunted houses. 

On Wednesday, the state announced another — the nation’s first Christmas movie trail.

Describing it as a “celebration of cinema and the holiday season,” the trail provides fans of holiday movies produced by Hallmark, Netflix, Lifetime and more with a curated map featuring Connecticut locations used in 22 Christmas films. The locations include inns, shops, cafes and restaurants, and other iconic attractions, the state said.

The trail was unveiled during an event held at the Silas W. Robbins House in Wethersfield, a setting used in Hallmark’s “Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane.” Actors from the film, including Wes Brown, Erin Cahill and Michael Rady, along with producer Andrew Gernhard, revealed the map.

“As the first of its kind, the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail is more than a nod to the films themselves – it’s an invitation to experience Connecticut in a way that’s both familiar and new,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “We’re proud that our towns and cities have inspired so many holiday favorites, and we look forward to welcoming fans to see these idyllic communities firsthand.”

State officials said the trail taps into a growing travel trend known as “set-jetting,” in which fans travel to real-life locations featured in their favorite movies and TV shows.

Holiday film productions have contributed more than $58 million to the state’s economy and created more than 2,000 jobs, state officials said. That includes $1.5 million spent on hotel rooms to $485,000 on vehicle rentals and $711,000 on meals and catering.

The 22 film locations featured on the trail include such titles as “Wally Lamb’s Wishin’ & Hopin,” a Lifetime film based on the book by the Connecticut-based author. The movie cast includes Molly Ringwald, Meatloaf and Cheri Oteri and is narrated by Chevy Chase.

Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer, said the trail is an innovative approach to travel that promotes more than just the films.

“This trail isn’t just about celebrating the movies themselves, it’s about celebrating Connecticut’s unique ability to blend tradition with fresh, creative travel experiences that drive economic growth and showcase the best of what our state has to offer.”

For information on the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, including the locations and films that are featured, visit CTvisit.com.
 

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