Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
For many people, few things bring more instant comfort than cozying up on the couch with a cup of cocoa while indulging in a sweet, touching and often romantic holiday film. Critical acclaim means nothing — it's all about comfort and that warm and toasty feeling.
If you're one of those people, and you also happen to be very proud of your Utah heritage, here's a good way to double your enjoyment: Watch one of the many Christmas movies filmed right here in Utah. That adds another layer of fun to your holiday viewing pleasure!
You might be surprised by just how many holiday films were shot here in the Beehive State. Here are just a few to get you started.
'Mr. Krueger's Christmas' (1980)
One of the first Christmas films set in Utah is also a long-standing favorite for many. "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" is a short film starring the beloved old-time Hollywood actor Jimmy Stewart.
He plays an elderly, daydreaming widower who finds peace and hope during the holiday season while making friends with a group of passing carolers. Filmed in Salt Lake, the movie's heartwarming message and Stewart's touching performance still resonates with audiences after several decades. It's all about the essence of community and the joy of Christmas.
If you want to know why a big-name star like Jimmy Stewart accepted such a modest role, check out this Deseret News article by Jacob Hess and Andrew Durbin.
'Better Off Dead' (1985)
While you might not think of "Better Off Dead" as a traditional Christmas movie, the 1985 film starring John Cusack is technically set around the holidays, so it still counts. This cult classic tells the story of Lane Meyer, played by Cusack, a high school student who becomes severely depressed after his girlfriend dumps him.
Luckily, he befriends a beautiful French exchange student who helps him work through his grief by preparing him to go head-to-head against his ex's boyfriend on the ski slopes. Park City's beautiful scenery serves as the perfect backdrop for this dark comedy.
'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' (2000)
This live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss's beloved holiday tale features Jim Carrey in the lead role. While much of the film was shot at Universal Studios, the filmmakers ventured to Utah for the snowy mountain scenes. When the Grinch schemes his revenge against the Whos and skis down the powdery slopes behind his iconic sleigh, he's gliding through Solitude Mountain Resort.
'Unaccompanied Minors' (2006)
"Unaccompanied Minors" is a slapstick Christmas comedy about a group of young kids who bond after getting stranded at an airport during the holiday season. The film includes such recognizable names as Lewis Black, Wilmer Valderrama, Jessica Walter, B.J. Novak and Mindy Kaling, but some of the filming locations should look familiar to Utahns as well.
If you watch the film, see if you can point out the Salt Lake City Library, the Salt Palace Convention Center, The Gateway Center, the old Crossroads Plaza and Trolley Square Mall. A few homes in Salt Lake City's Avenues even made the cut.
The Mistle-Tones (2012)
"The Mistle-Tones" is a holiday musical about Holly, played by Tia Mowry, who forms her own a cappella group to compete in a Christmas music competition after being rejected by a popular group led by Marci, who's played by Tori Spelling. The film showcases several scenic locations in Salt Lake City and culminates in an exciting holiday singing showdown at Trolley Square.
The Forgotten Carols (2020)
Fans of Michael McLean's beloved "Forgotten Carols" Christmas album will love the film adaptation. This heartwarming holiday film weaves together McLean's original songs and a touching narrative about the true meaning of Christmas.
The story follows a nurse who encounters a mysterious old man who shares stories of forgotten carols and the deeper lessons behind them. As she learns about love, sacrifice and faith, her perspective on the holiday transforms.
Destined at Christmas (2022)
"Destined at Christmas" stars Casey Elliott and Shae Robins as Kim and Theo, a couple who connect on Black Friday but are quickly separated in a moment of panic. The film follows their heartwarming journey as they search for each other.
Their efforts pay off, leading to a happily-ever-after that sets the stage for the sequel, "Destined at Christmas 2." Utahn Brittany Wiscombe wrote and directed the film, which takes place in and around Weber and Utah counties.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
"Falling for Christmas" took Netflix by storm in 2022, marking Lindsay Lohan's return to film. In true Christmas rom-com style, the story follows a spoiled hotel heiress who, after suffering amnesia from a skiing accident, unexpectedly falls for a charming widower. The ski scenes were filmed at Deer Valley Resort, while Park City's Stein Eriksen Lodge serves as the setting for the fictional North Star Lodge.
And there's plenty more where that came from
Believe it or not, this list represents just a small sampling of holiday movies that were filmed here. If you want to create your own Utah Christmas movie advent calendar, check out this list of more than 60 Christmas movies filmed in Utah from the Utah Film Commission.
Celebrities you didn't know had Utah roots
Even if you're familiar with some or many of these names, there's a good chance that at least one of them will come as a total surprise. Here are eight celebrities you might not know had Utah roots.Siegfried & Jensen
Since 1990, Siegfried & Jensen have been helping the people of Utah and surrounding states who have suffered needless injuries and death caused by car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, defective drugs, dog bites, wrongful death, and other types of personal injury.
The firm is committed to keeping Utah families and communities safe by ensuring wrongdoers are held accountable. While a lawsuit isn't always the answer when it is needed having someone on your side can mean the difference between declaring bankruptcy and rebuilding your life and moving forward, especially when you're up against an insurance company or a hospital.
Siegfried & Jensen has represented more than 35,000 clients and recovered over $1.2 billion for them.
