The opening scene of the classic holiday film, Christmas Vacation, is a well-loved and iconic cinematic moment. It features patriarch Clark Griswold driving his family in their station wagon to pick out the perfect Christmas tree against the backdrop of a snowy mountainside. But where was this memorable scene actually filmed?
Firstly, it is important to note that although much of the movie was set in Chicago and its suburbs, most of the filming for Christmas Vacation took place in California. This was primarily due to logistical reasons, as many scenes required fake snow or consistent weather conditions that could not be guaranteed in Illinois.
In fact, the opening sequence featuring Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) driving through snowy mountain roads was shot on location near Breckenridge, Colorado. Specifically, these scenes were filmed along Swan Mountain Road between Breckenridge and Keystone resorts.
The area around Summit County proved to be an ideal location for capturing that quintessential winter wonderland setting required for a holiday movie like Christmas Vacation. The filmmakers found everything they needed here – breathtaking scenery with rolling hills surrounded by dense forests covered in fresh snow provided exactly what they had envisioned for their production design.
It’s worth noting that Swan Mountain Road remained open during filming so visitors could watch as cameras captured some truly stunning shots with cars zipping past mountain vistas behind them.
Although only about two minutes long before transitioning into animated titles over Bing Crosby’s “Mele Kalikimaka,” the opening sequence sets up one major theme: How crazy Clark Griswold goes at Christmastime and how he’ll stop at nothing until he achieves perfection–even if it means endangering himself and those around him or gets his shrink-wrapped interior designer Ellen back off-camera!
Once again proving why Chevy Chase may have been born to play this role- we see him bundling up his wife Elaine (played by Beverly D’Angelo) as well as his two kids, Audrey and Rusty (played by Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki), before driving off in typical comedic fashion to find “the perfect Christmas tree.” This opening feeds into the themes of holiday chaos that will play out throughout the rest of this iconic Christmas classic.
In conclusion, The opening scene of Christmas Vacation was filmed in Summit County, Colorado near Breckenridge. Although much of the movie’s setting takes place in Illinois, it makes sense that filmmakers chose to shoot this particular scene elsewhere for guaranteed snowy weather conditions integral for building a believable winter wonderland atmosphere. The Swan Mountain Road area certainly provides an idyllic backdrop against which we see Clark Griswold’s infamous antics kick off yet another hilarious holiday adventure!
The opening scene of Christmas Vacation is considered to be one of the most iconic moments in holiday cinema. This classic film featuring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a suburban family man determined to achieve nothing less than perfection during the festive season, has been beloved by audiences since its release in 1989.
However, despite much of the movie being set in Illinois and its suburbs, most of the filming for Christmas Vacation actually took place in California. This was primarily because many scenes required fake snow or consistent weather conditions that could not be guaranteed in Illinois.
But where exactly was this memorable opening sequence filmed?
Filming Location
The opening sequence features Clark Griswold driving his family’s station wagon through snowy mountain roads to pick out the perfect Christmas tree against the backdrop of a winter wonderland mountainside.
This sequence was shot on location near Breckenridge, Colorado. Specifically, these scenes were filmed along Swan Mountain Road between Breckenridge and Keystone resorts.
It’s worth noting that Swan Mountain Road remained open during filming so visitors could watch as cameras captured some truly stunning shots with cars zipping past mountain vistas behind them.
Why Summit County?
The area around Summit County proved an ideal location for capturing that quintessential winter wonderland setting required for a holiday movie like Christmas Vacation. The filmmakers found everything they needed here – breathtaking scenery with rolling hills surrounded by dense forests covered in fresh snow provided for their production design ambitions perfectly.
As it turns out- Summit county has bar none some of America’s best ski resorts which provide eager crowds who were happy to spectate onlookers while also providing helpful extras! The producers wanted authenticity even though they shot so far from their intended location if you pay attention you’ll notice several nods throughout at how Chicago is represented even down to food choices at dinner!
Holiday Themes:
Although only about two minutes long before transitioning into animated titles over Bing Crosby’s “Mele Kalikimaka,” the opening sequence sets up one major theme: How crazy Clark Griswold goes at Christmastime and how he’ll stop at nothing until he achieves perfection. This, in turn, will endanger himself and those around him, or even cause trouble for Ellen- his shrink-wrapped interior designer!
We see Chase’s character struggling futilely to wrap his wife Elaine (played by Beverly D’Angelo) and their two kids Audrey and Rusty (played by Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki). He does all this just before driving off in typical comedic fashion to find “the perfect Christmas tree.” His antics play out throughout the rest of this iconic holiday movie.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, The opening scene of Christmas Vacation was filmed in Summit County, Colorado near Breckenridge. Although much of the movie’s setting takes place in Illinois & its suburbs; it makes sense that filmmakers chose to shoot this particular scene elsewhere for guaranteed snowy weather conditions integral for building a believable winter wonderland atmosphere.
The Swan Mountain Road area provides viewers with an idyllic backdrop against which we see Clark Griswold’s infamous antics kick off yet another hilarious holiday adventure! So if you’re ever looking to relive some classic cinematic moments from your childhood favorite during the holidays consider taking a road trip over there! Afterall what else are winters good for?