Wethersfield, Connecticut, is turning into a holiday hotspot, thanks to its connection to numerous festive films. While movies like “Christmas at Pemberly Manor” and “Romance at Reindeer Lodge” may not win Oscars, they bring joy to many fans who cherish their cozy, predictable plots.
This season, film enthusiasts are flocking to Connecticut, where at least 22 holiday movies from Hallmark and Lifetime were filmed. The state is promoting “Christmas Movie Tours,” guiding visitors through charming towns where these scenes came to life. Imagine a busy lawyer returning home for the holidays and rekindling a romance with their high school sweetheart—it’s a classic script!
Abby Rumfelt, from North Carolina, expressed her excitement after stepping off a tour bus in Wethersfield. She was part of a group of 53 fans, mostly women, on a weeklong “Hallmark Movie Christmas Tour.” As they traveled, they watched the very movies that inspired their trip.
Debbie Mayfield, co-owner of Mayfield Tours, mapped out their route using the newly launched “Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail.” This trail was designed to embrace the rising popularity of these holiday movies. The tour sold out in just two weeks, showing the strong interest in these festive experiences.
During the tour, the group enjoyed lunch at Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre, a spot featured in films like “Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane” and “Rediscovering Christmas.” Surrounded by historic buildings from the 1700s and 1800s, it felt like walking into a movie set. Julia Koulouris, who runs the market, noted an increase in visitors thanks to the movie trail, with many sharing their experiences on social media.
The tradition of holiday movies goes back to the 1940s. Classics like “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street” set the stage long ago. In 2006, Hallmark struck gold with “The Christmas Card,” reshaping the genre’s formula—happy endings, romance, and feel-good moments became the Hollywood standard.
Today, the holiday movie market is booming. An estimated hundreds of millions of dollars are generated annually, with more than 100 new films released each year across various networks and streaming services. The stories are becoming more inclusive, featuring diverse characters and plotlines, making the genre resonate with even more viewers.
Hazel Duncan, 83, and her husband enjoy watching these films together. For them, the movies evoke memories of simpler times and provide a sweet escape from everyday life.
Connecticut’s marketing officer, Anthony M. Anthony, explained that the Christmas Movie Trail is part of a broader plan to showcase the state as a great place to live and work. However, there’s still a debate about potentially cutting film industry tax credits, which could impact the number of movies filmed in the area.
For residents like Christina Nieves and her husband, exploring the movie trail offers a new adventure, highlighting places like the Bushnell Park Carousel, featured in “Ghost of Christmas Always.” Inspired by the movie-themed experiences, Christina encourages her husband to join her in celebrating the holiday spirit at local events.
Wethersfield is buzzing with excitement as the holiday movie craze transforms the community into a winter wonderland, blending nostalgia with new memories, all while keeping the magic of love alive in every heartwarming story.
Source link
Movies, Entertainment, Christmas, Lifestyle, U.S. news, General news, Article, 128390442
