Connecticut has long been a favoured backdrop for beloved holiday films, from heartwarming Hallmark specials to Netflix hits. Now, visitors can step right into their favourite festive scenes with the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail. This trail takes movie fans on a journey through the towns, cosy inns and iconic settings featured in 22 Christmas films. As the first of its kind in the U.S., this trail invites set-jetters to relive magical moments and discover the beauty of Connecticut. Below, we spotlight ten essential stops on this holiday journey, showcasing the state’s charm and cinematic heritage.

Silas W. Robbins house, Wethersfield, CT

This stunning Victorian mansion in Wethersfield sets the scene for Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane, bringing a vintage holiday atmosphere to life. The Silas W. Robbins House features intricate period details, making it a natural fit for festive movie backdrops. Decorated with seasonal finery, the mansion becomes a character in its own right. Visitors can tour the property, admire the architecture and step into scenes reminiscent of holiday classics. Wethersfield itself complements the house’s old-world charm with its historic streets and welcoming spirit, perfect for soaking up the essence of a movie-inspired Christmas.

Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT

The Mystic Seaport Museum plays a starring role in Mystic Christmas, where its waterfront setting and maritime history evoke nostalgia and cheer. Visiting this iconic location allows fans to experience scenes from the movie, complete with decorated ships and festive activities. Beyond its cinematic appeal, the museum offers exhibits that capture New England’s seafaring traditions. The picturesque backdrop of Mystic’s cobblestone paths and charming shops add to the magic, creating an ideal stop for movie buffs and holiday lovers alike.

The Inn at Fox Hill, Old Lyme, CT

Featured in Next Stop, Christmas, the Inn at Fox Hill in Old Lyme embodies the essence of a storybook holiday retreat. This cosy bed-and-breakfast is famed for its warm Connecticut hospitality and holiday decorations that dazzle. The inn’s welcoming fireplace and historic charm offer the perfect setting for sipping hot cocoa while revisiting cherished movie moments. Old Lyme, with its coastal beauty and artist heritage, further enriches the visit, providing a serene yet festive atmosphere for those on the Christmas Movie Trail.

Kent Town Square, Kent, CT

Known for its picturesque town square featured in The 12 Days of Christmas Eve, Kent is a quintessential holiday village. The main street’s shops and cafes often appear in movie scenes, making it a prime spot for fans to explore. During the holidays, the square glows with lights and festive window displays that capture the spirit of the season. Kent’s surrounding natural beauty and art galleries add a unique touch to the visit, blending movie magic with small-town warmth that visitors cherish.

Downtown New Canaan, New Canaan, CT

Downtown New Canaan’s charming streets and historic architecture have made it a backdrop for films like The Noel Diary. Strolling along its decorated avenues feels like stepping into a scene where holiday romance unfolds. The town boasts an array of boutique shops and restaurants, perfect for enjoying a leisurely day out. Visitors can walk the same paths as their favourite characters, immersing themselves in the ambiance of lights, wreaths and holiday joy that define the season.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Essex, CT

For a unique holiday experience, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is a highlight of The Holiday Fix Up. This vintage train, decked out in holiday splendour, lets visitors relive scenes from the movie while soaking in the scenic winter views along the Connecticut River. The town of Essex itself complements the nostalgic train ride with its colonial architecture and cosy shops. This stop is perfect for families looking to recreate the magic and enjoy seasonal festivities in a picture-perfect setting.

New Milford Town Green, New Milford, CT

The town green of New Milford is famously featured in Sugar Plum Twist, showcasing its timeless New England charm. During the holiday season, this central spot becomes a hub of festive cheer with a grand Christmas tree and twinkling lights. It’s easy to imagine movie characters dancing or strolling through the illuminated pathways. Visitors will find it hard not to be enchanted by the warm, inviting atmosphere that echoes the magic seen on screen and experienced in real life.

Antique shops, Woodbury, CT

Woodbury’s array of antique shops offers an immersive experience reminiscent of Romance at Reindeer Lodge. The town is known for its antiquing culture and historic buildings, which bring scenes from holiday films to life. Visitors can browse for unique finds while taking in the seasonal decorations that make these shops feel like they belong in a storybook. Woodbury’s blend of small-town charm and rich history provides the perfect setting for fans seeking that movie-like holiday escape.

Wallingford town centre, Wallingford, CT

Wallingford’s lively town centre, featured in Soul Santa, shines during the holiday season with its festive decor and community events. The movie highlights Wallingford’s close-knit feel, which visitors can experience firsthand while exploring its boutiques and eateries. The centre’s traditional holiday celebrations and light displays make it an inviting stop on the Christmas Movie Trail. This charming town captures the magic of holiday gatherings and the warmth of its residents, reflecting the essence of the holiday films it hosts.

Elizabeth Park, Hartford, CT

Elizabeth Park in Hartford, featured in Holiday for Heroes, offers a serene and romantic backdrop perfect for the holiday season. Its rose garden and scenic pathways transform into winter wonderlands when decorated for Christmas. This spot invites visitors to stroll where movie scenes took place and enjoy the picturesque landscape enhanced by holiday lights. Hartford itself adds to the experience with its historical sites and vibrant arts scene, making a visit to Elizabeth Park both enchanting and culturally enriching.