Most scenes of the Christmas family film were shot on the lots of three famous California film studios. The main part of the filming took place on the territory of the former Boeing aircraft plant in Downey, California, known as Downey Studios, which is located just 15 miles from Los Angeles. Over 12 weeks, production designer Garreth Stover and construction coordinator David Elliott created one of the largest exterior sets for the film. This set, spanning over 700 feet, included 16 houses, five of which became the main locations: the Kranks, Beckers, Fromeyers, Scheels, and Trogdons houses. The first floors of the houses were fully finished and visible to viewers. Scenes depicting Nora Krank's visit to the supermarket were filmed at the Cordon's Ranch Market in Glendale. All these places serve as the backdrop for a picturesque snow-covered street in the Midwestern United States, which is the main setting of the film.

Filming Locations:

Market

In the Movie

Scene where Luther and Nora, having just seen off their daughter Blair to a Peace Corps assignment in Peru, visit a grocery market. As Luther gets out of the car, he is unexpectedly and comically splashed by a passing car.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on New York Street at Universal Studios. This location has been used in countless productions over the years due to its ability to transform and adapt to various production requirements. The street is curved at both ends to create the illusion of a longer street on camera – a clever trick!

Krank Family Home

In the Movie

Scene where Luther and Nora decide to boycott their usual Christmas festivities. After calculating that they spent $6,132 on the holiday season last year, Luther suggests breaking tradition. Instead of celebrating Christmas without their daughter, who is away on a Peace Corps assignment, they decide to spend the money on a ten-day Caribbean cruise.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in one of the 16 houses on the Downey Studios lot, which the crew built specifically for this film. This street, full of winter charm, became the centerpiece of the film, reflecting the atmosphere of a traditional Midwestern Christmas. Downey Studios, located on the site of a former Rockwell International plant, has an interesting history. The plant was known for assembling orbiters for the Space Shuttle program and vehicles for the Apollo program. The studio has also been used for filming major films such as 'Iron Man', 'Zodiac', 'Indiana Jones', and 'Terminator 3'.

Pub

In the Movie

Scene where Luther and Nora have dinner at an Irish pub. Nora expresses her dissatisfaction with their decision to boycott Christmas. She says that because of his decision, she is under pressure from friends and acquaintances. Luther, in response, gives Nora a swimsuit and takes her to a tanning studio.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the restaurant 'Pasadena Hamlet', which operated from 1967 until its closure in 2014. After its closure, the establishment 'Du-par's Restaurant and Bakery' opened in its place, which also closed during the pandemic.