It's the most wonderful time of the year!...for holiday movies, we mean. Come November, your television is full of commercials for box office and small screen films set around Christmas and other winter holidays. But did you know some of them were filmed in Georgia? Here are a few to watch with your loved ones this season, making sure to spot local landmarks.
Disney+
Dashing Through the Snow (2023)
Coming to Disney+ Nov. 17, 2023, “Dashing Through the Snow” was filmed in Atlanta and stars Ludacris, who plays Eddie, a social worker for the Atlanta Police Department who despises Christmas. While spending Christmas Eve with his daughter, Eddie meets a mysterious man named Nick, who helps him understand the joy and magic of Christmas. Lil Rey Howery plays Santa Claus, and Teyonah Parris is Eddie’s wife, Allison. Atlanta scenery and landmarks feature prominently throughout the movie, including Besharat Gallery & Museum in Castleberry Hill near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Stonecrest’s Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, which is a private residence, but visitors can experience the developer’s New Black Wall Street Market, a shopping, dining and entertainment destination nearby.
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
Filmed at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” streams on Disney+ and features the star-studded cast of Guardians plus a cameo from Kevin Bacon. In the movie, Star-Lord, Drax, Rocket, Mantis, and Groot engage in some spirited shenanigans. Although the studios are not open for tours, visitors can explore the nearby shops and restaurants at The Town of Trilith, including a bakery, gelato shop, and boutiques.
Hallmark Channel
Perfect Christmas Pairing (2022)
This Hallmark movie was filmed in LaGrange and was officially released in November 2023. It stars Ansley Gordon as Chef Grace Cooke, who spends time at her family’s winery B&B over Christmas and connects with travel writer Asher St. James, played by Chris Connell. Several LaGrange landmarks are featured in the movie, including Nutwood Winery and downtown shops Emberglow – featuring locally made art, jewelry and pottery – and Pretty Good Books. On Dec. 2, 2023, visitors can meet Dave Hickey, the producer, and Chris Connell, the leading male actor, before a free screening of the movie at Sweetland Amphitheatre during A Perfect Christmas Market.
Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses (2019)
Hallmark’s “Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses” stars Matthew Davis and Jill Wagner in a story about a single mom interior designer who is decorating the home of a handsome bachelor. It was filmed in Lawrenceville, Monroe, Stone Mountain and Marietta, including at the historic Strand Theatre and bandstand in the historic Marietta square. You can feel like you've stepped into the holiday movie Nov. 30, 2023, at the Marietta Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa on the Square event.
Christmas in the Smokies (2015)
In Hallmark's "Christmas in the Smokies" TV movie, a family fights to save their farm against all odds during the holiday season. But don't let the name fool you! The film -- which stars Sarah Lancaster, Barry Corbin, Alan Powell and Jill Wagner ("Teen Wolf") -- was actually filmed in the scenic town of Dahlonega in North Georgia. and much of downtown were used for filming. Soak up the small-town holiday scene in Dahlonega, one of Georgia's 8 Small Towns that Do Christmas Right, all season long.
Christmas in Homestead (2016)
Also from Hallmark, "Christmas in Homestead" is about a famous actress who visits Homestead, Iowa, to film a movie during the holidays but ends up falling for a local innkeeper. Taylor Cole ("The Originals") stars alongside Michael Rady. And like with the previous movie, it was actually filmed inDahlonega. Visit during Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas to experience the festive atmosphere and feel like you're starring in your own holiday movie.
Lifetime Network
The Holiday Dating Guide (2022)
Showing on Lifetime, “The Holiday Dating Guide” is set in and filmed in Tifton. Starring Maria Menounos as Abigale Slater, a dating coach and aspiring book author, and Brent Bailey, the movie’s male lead and author of the original screenplay, the movie opens with a downtown street scene near the Tift Theatre and a voiceover of Menounos saying, “This is my home, Tifton.” On a quest to prove that her dating advice works, Abigale’s story unfolds at several locations around town, including buildings and streets in downtown Tifton, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Rutland Farms – where visitors actually can cut their own Christmas trees – and The Peach Barn, a local event venue. The Local at The Langford restaurant was transformed into a coffee shop for the film, and Abigale’s apartment is in The Union Depot, a historic building that has been converted into private apartments. Watch the full movie online for free.
A Taste of Christmas (2020)
The Lifetime Network's "A Taste of Christmas" filmed in multiple locations in North Georgia, including Helen and Dahlonega. Starring Anni Krueger, Gilles Marini and Nia Vardalos, the romantic movie about an Italian restaurant opening includes several recognizable Dahlonega locations, such as , Dahlonega General Store and The Festival of Trees. Stop by the Dahlonega Visitors Center for tips on where to find filming locations in town.
NBC
Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors (2015) and Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (2016)
The NBC hit story of the life of country superstar Dolly Parton "Coat of Many Colors" led to a second film set during the holidays, "Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love." Both movies star Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder and Alyvia Alyn Lind, and Dolly even makes some cameos in the Emmy-nominated movies. The TV moviesfilmed in hot spots Covington and Conyers. Both towns have film tours that show fans the real-life locations for places they've seen on big and small screens.
BET+
A Jenkins Family Christmas (2021)
Directed by Robin Givens and starring Regina Taylor, Kim Coles and Tammy Townsend, “A Jenkins Family Christmas” streams on BET+ and tells the story of two sisters who must make Christmas happen without getting into arguments, but an unexpected twist arrives at the festivities. Filmed primarily at a private residence in Roswell, the movie also features Northside Church. While visiting Roswell during the holidays, don’t miss the food, drinks, crafts and activities at the Authentic Christkindlmarket near the historic town square.
Netflix
Christmas on the Square (2019)
The Emmy award-winning Netflix movie “Christmas on the Square” boasts an all-star cast, including the legendary Dolly Parton alongside Christine Baranski and the choreography of Debbie Allen. The production used a number of locations around Atlanta and Georgia. The Decatur Presbyterian Church in downtown Decatur hosted a musical number, and the stunning Victorian Beath-Dickey House in the Atlanta neighborhood of Inman Park served as Baranski’s character’s home. Learn more about Atlanta and the Inman Park neighborhood on the Fall in Love with Atlanta tour with Bicycle Tours of Atlanta.
Holidate (2019)
Sick of being harassed for being single by their families, two strangers decide to be each other’s plus-ones for the Christmas holidays. But as each holiday comes around, they become closer. Emma Roberts stars alongside Luke Bracey and Kristin Chenoweth. The Netflix movie was filmed throughout Atlanta, including at Gwinnett Place Mall, the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Domaine nightclub.
UP TV
Christmas on the Range (2019)
In the movie "Christmas on the Range," Kendall must fight to keep her family's ranch afloat when a rival family swoops in. But their charming son has her reconsidering everything. The movie stars Erin Cahill and Nicholas Gonzalez and was filmed in the North Georgia town of Clayton. Visit Clayton on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, to experience Christmas in Downtown Clayton, featuring lighted displays and decorations, shopping specials, music and more.
Christmas on the Coast (2018)
In this made-for-television movie, a New York-based romance novelist looks for inspiration away from home after a series of career setbacks, but she finds more than content for her novel. It stars Julie Ann Emery and Burgess Jenkins, and was filmed in the coastal communities of Darien and St. Simons Island. The St. Simons Island Lighthouse also has a cameo.
A Baby for Christmas (2015) and Chandler Christmas Getaway (2018)
In the UP television movie "A Baby for Christmas," the Chandler family is focused on anything but the holidays. That's until a group of kids from an orphanage help them realize the importance of Christmas. Victoria Rowell and Clifton Powell star in the film. It was filmed in Atlanta, including at iconic Piedmont Park. In the follow-up “Chandler Christmas Getaway,” the family goes on vacation to a cozy cabin for the holidays. They bring with them the drama from home but must come together for Christmas.
TV One
Coins for Christmas (2018)
In the TV One movie "Coins for Christmas," a single mom struggles to provide for her family during the holiday season as she is fired and her assets are frozen by the IRS. She is hired by a former pro football player, and the two are at odds but eventually bond. The movie stars Essence Atkins and Steven Bishop and was filmed in Atlanta, Dallas and Hiram.
OWN
Cooking Up Christmas (2020)
The OWN television movie "Cooking Up Christmas" is about a chef fired right before Christmas. She has to take a job as a private chef for a single dad professional baseball player. Lamman Rucker ("Greenleaf") stars alongside Meagan Holder in this Atlanta-filmed movie.
Nickelodeon
A Very Loud Christmas (2021)
The animated Nickelodeon series continues with the live-action Christmas movie "A Very Loud Christmas." The cast includes Wolfgang Schaeffer, Jahzir Bruno, Brian Stepanek and Muretta Moss. The movie used locations around Atlanta, including Decatur, Jonesboro, Lithia Springs and Stone Mountain. Explore a truly festive, family-friendly atmosphere at Stone Mountain Christmas, featuring dazzling lights, spectacular shows and visits with favorite holiday characters.
Feature films
Almost Christmas (2016)
A dysfunctional family comes together after the matriarch's death in this holiday film from 2016. If they can make it through five days together, it will be a Christmas miracle. The all-star cast includes Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union ("Being Mary Jane"), Mo'Nique and Omar Epps. Filming for the Universal Pictures film took place in Atlanta, Covington, Lawrenceville and Newnan.
A Bad Mom's Christmas (2017)
In the follow-up to "Bad Moms," stars Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Kathryn Hahn return for more motherly hijinks during the holidays. They decide to rebel against the expectation of moms during the season, but then their own mothers come to town. Filming for the STXfilms movie took place at Atlanta-area malls, including Lenox Square, Cumberland Mall and Phipps Plaza.
Office Christmas Party (2016)
Company branch manager and family screwup Clay throws an epic office Christmas party when his CEO sister threatens to shut down his branch. Jennifer Aniston ("Wanderlust"), Jason Bateman ("Ozark"), Olivia Munn and T.J. Miller star in the film, which was produced in Chicago as well as in Atlanta and Hiram.The St. Regis Atlanta hotel in Buckhead was used for filming.
A Madea Christmas (2013)
Tyler Perry has made his mark on Georgia film with his popular Madea series, and 2013's "A Madea Christmas" was no different. Everyone's favorite grandmother visits a small town with a friend to surprise her daughter, but she sees that her Christmas cheer is needed when family drama unravels. Larry the Cable Guy and Kathy Najimy also appear. Filming took place in Atlanta and McDonough.
