Mon Dec 02 04:45:04 UTC 2024: ## North Carolina’s Small Towns Become Big Holiday Movie Sets

**WILMINGTON, NC** – Forget snowy landscapes; North Carolina is becoming a hotspot for Christmas movie magic. Numerous Hallmark and other holiday films have used the state’s diverse locations, from historic mansions to charming small towns, as backdrops for their festive stories. This holiday season, fans can visit the real-life sets that have brought holiday cheer to the screen.

Several films have utilized Wilmington’s picturesque settings. “USS Christmas” filmed scenes on the Battleship North Carolina, while “Christmas in Harmony” transformed Front Street and St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church into a holiday wonderland. Many films also used locations in the Forest Hills neighborhood, including a house previously featured in “A Christmas in Conway,” which famously featured a 50-foot Ferris wheel (now removed). The mystery surrounding the filming location of Katherine Hepburn’s final film role, “One Christmas,” is also drawing attention, with local film veteran Jock Brandis leading the search to identify and commemorate the location.

Beyond Wilmington, other parts of the state have also experienced their cinematic Christmas moments. The majestic Biltmore Estate in Asheville served as the backdrop for “A Biltmore Christmas,” a time-travel tale fitting for the historic location. Meanwhile, the quaint town of Tryon played host to “Christmas at the Grey Horse Inn,” showcasing its charming downtown and iconic Morris the Horse statue. Even Charlotte and surrounding towns featured in Hallmark’s “A Nashville Christmas Story,” utilizing locations like the historic Standard Hardware building in Gastonia.

While many films utilize creative set design and digital effects – including fake snow and summer filming schedules – the real-life locations offer visitors a chance to experience the holiday magic firsthand. This Christmas season, North Carolina invites movie lovers to explore these festive filming locations and create their own holiday memories.

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