Visiting Famous Hallmark Christmas Movie Locations

If you have ever finished a Hallmark Christmas movie and thought, “I wish I could step inside the movie,” you’re not alone. Many Hallmark Christmas movies are set in a fictional town and filmed in a completely different region than where they’re supposed to be. However, a few movies are filmed at famous venues you can visit in real life. I imagine Hallmark’s screenwriters visited these places when they were adorned with festive decor and thought, “I can see a couple falling in love here.”  Let's walk through the magic and visit famous Hallmark Christmas movie locations.

I’ve compiled a list of four iconic Hallmark filming locations that you can visit over the holidays to feel the Hallmark magic, create new memories, and live out your own festive love story. 

As seen in: A Biltmore Christmas 

What better setting for a time-traveling holiday romance than America’s largest privately owned home? The Biltmore Estate is a 250-room mansion built by George Vanderbilt in the 1890s, and every holiday season, it transforms into a breathtaking wonderland of Victorian decor, twinkling lights, and timeless elegance. It's no surprise Hallmark chose this location for A Biltmore Christmas—it's like stepping into a grand holiday novel. 

What to Do: 

• Tour the Mansion: During Christmas at Biltmore (mid-November to early January), each room of the estate is filled with towering trees, vintage ornaments, and miles of garlands. Guided tours delve into the history and decor, with staff often dressed in period attire.  

• Enjoy Candlelight Christmas Evenings: After dark, the estate is illuminated by the warm glow of candles and fireplaces. Carolers and live musicians add to the magic, creating the perfect setting for a slow, romantic walk or a holiday proposal. 

• Visit Antler Hill Village: Shop for handmade gifts, enjoy tastings at the Biltmore Winery, and watch holiday-themed demonstrations. It’s an ideal spot for couples and families alike. 

Hallmark Moment: 

Hold hands beneath a grand tree in the Banquet Hall as the soft notes of a string quartet play in the background. 

As seen in: Christmas at The Plaza 

Few places capture the romance and elegance of Christmas quite like The Plaza. This iconic hotel on Fifth Avenue has long been a symbol of New York’s holiday spirit—and was the glamorous setting for Hallmark’s “Christmas at The Plaza.” It's where timeless luxury meets holiday magic. 

What to Do: 

• Skate at Wollman Rink: Nestled in Central Park just steps from The Plaza, this iconic rink offers incredible skyline views. Glide across the ice hand-in-hand, then grab a hot drink at the nearby rink café. 

• Stroll Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Windows: From Bergdorf Goodman to Saks, the department store displays are truly a work of art. Add in the towering Rockefeller Center Tree, and it’s a festive feast for the senses. 

• Experience Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court: Book a holiday-themed tea service inside The Plaza and feel like a character in your own Christmas classic. 

Hallmark Moment: 

Dress up and toast to the season at The Plaza’s famed Champagne Bar, surrounded by poinsettias and gold-trimmed wreaths. 

As seen in: Christmas at Graceland and Wedding at Graceland 

Even if you’re not an Elvis fan, Graceland during the holidays is a must-see. When Hallmark chose it as the backdrop for Christmas at Graceland, viewers got a glimpse of how the King’s estate turns into a glittering, Southern-style holiday dream—complete with music, lights, and old-fashioned romance. 

What to Do: 

• Go on a Tour: During Graceland’s holiday season (mid-November to early January), the property is decked out with Elvis’s original Christmas decorations, including life-size Nativity scenes and hundreds of blue lights lining the driveway. 

• Visit Elvis Presley’s Memphis Complex: Explore exhibits dedicated to Elvis’s music, movies, and life. Holiday additions include themed concerts, seasonal food, and live storytelling. 

• Catch Live Music on Beale Street: Just a short drive away, Beale Street lights up with festive tunes, local performers, and a laid-back, romantic vibe you won’t find anywhere else. 

Hallmark Moment: 

Take a nighttime tour of the property with holiday lights glowing and Elvis’s Christmas music playing softly in the background—it’s nostalgic, tender, and uniquely Memphis. 

As seen in: Christmas at Dollywood 

Dolly Parton has long been associated with warmth, sparkle, and Southern hospitality, and her theme park, Dollywood, captures all of that and more at Christmastime. Featured in Christmas at Dollywood, this Smoky Mountain destination blends small-town charm with over-the-top holiday celebration, making it a perfect spot for couples or families seeking a storybook Christmas. 

What to Do: 

• Explore Smoky Mountain Christmas: With over six million lights, holiday shows, themed rides, and special treats like cinnamon bread and peppermint hot chocolate, this is one of the best Christmas events in the U.S. 

• Ride the Dollywood Express: This classic steam train circles the park, taking you through snow-covered scenery and dazzling light tunnels. Bring a blanket and cuddle up—it’s pure holiday movie magic. 

• Enjoy the Parade of Many Colors: This nighttime parade features glowing floats, festive music, and appearances by Santa and friends. It’s both high-energy and heartwarming at the same time. 

Hallmark Moment: 

Watch snowfall gently on Showstreet while holding hands and sipping hot cider, surrounded by music, laughter, and glowing lights. 

Want to feel like the lead character in your own holiday movie? Here are a few ways to add an extra dose of romance and magic to your Christmas getaway: 

• Rewatch the Movie Before You Go: Watching the Hallmark film that features your destination will make your visit feel even more magical, like you’ve walked onto the set. If you’re in Memphis for Graceland, you’ll recognize the Court Square in the heart of the city. 

• Do a Holiday Movie-Inspired Scavenger Hunt: After watching the film, jot down a list of classic Hallmark elements to spot—like a vintage bookstore, a gazebo, someone selling handmade wreaths, or a snow globe. Turn your adventure into a game and see how many you can check off. Hopefully, you can see Dolly Parton herself in Dollywood! 

• Plan a Holiday-Themed Date Night: Schedule one evening to be extra special. You can dress up, dine at a local restaurant with a seasonal menu, then take a romantic stroll under the lights. If you’re at the Biltmore, consider dressing up like you’re in the 1940s filming “His Merry Wife!” 

• Select a Keepsake: Buy a local ornament or holiday decoration from your trip to commemorate the experience. If you’re in New York City, consider buying a vintage Christmas tree topper like the ornaments at the center of “Christmas at The Plaza.” 

You Don’t Need a Script to Find the Magic 

These destinations offer more than just festive backdrops from your favorite holiday movies; they provide genuine moments of connection, nostalgia, and joy. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a family trip filled with wonder, or a solo adventure to reconnect with the season, these real-life Hallmark movie locations remind us that holiday magic is out there… you just have to go find it. 

Have you ever visited a Hallmark filming location—or do you have one on your holiday wish list? Share your dream destination or favorite Christmas movie moment in the comments below! 

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