Colorado has long been a cinematic darling, with its stunning landscapes and picturesque mountain towns serving as the backdrop for countless films. But the state's silver screen fame extends beyond the typical blockbuster – it has also played a starring role in a number of beloved holiday movies that have become seasonal staples for many families.

Unwrapping the Yuletide Charm of Colorado's Cinematic Wonders

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Breckenridge Bliss

While the Griswold family's misadventures may have been set in the Windy City, the filmmakers behind the iconic National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation knew that Colorado's wintry wonderland was the perfect setting for their holiday hijinks. The opening sequence, the Walmart shopping spree, the road rage spree, and other outdoor mountain scenes were all filmed in the charming towns of Breckenridge, Frisco, and Silverthorne, bringing an extra dose of Rocky Mountain magic to the classic comedy.

Dumb and Dumber: Aspen Antics

In the beloved buddy comedy Dumb and Dumber, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne embark on a cross-country journey to return a briefcase to Mary Swanson in the ritzy ski town of Aspen. While the film's plot may have been set in Colorado, the production team didn't have to look far to find the perfect filming locations, with scenes shot at the famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, as well as in Breckenridge and Copper Mountain.

The Christmas Gift: Georgetown Getaway

The picturesque town of Georgetown, nestled in the heart of the Rockies, serves as the backdrop for the heartwarming holiday film The Christmas Gift. In the movie, a widowed New York City architect and his daughter take a Christmas vacation and find themselves immersed in the small-town charm and Santa Claus-fueled spirit of the Colorado community. The stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, including the town's historic buildings and the surrounding natural landscapes, play a starring role in this feel-good festive flick.

Rocky Mountain Christmas: Snowy Serenity

While the 2017 TV movie Rocky Mountain Christmas may have been filmed in British Columbia, Canada, the story itself is firmly rooted in the majestic Colorado Rockies. The film follows a woman who returns to her uncle's ranch in the state after a breakup, allowing viewers to bask in the serene, snow-covered splendor of the region's iconic mountain vistas.

Die Hard 2: Mile-High Mayhem

The Colorado connection extends beyond the state's charming small towns and ski resorts – it has also played a role in some of Hollywood's most action-packed blockbusters. Such is the case with Die Hard 2, which featured numerous scenes shot in the Centennial State. From the former Stapleton International Airport (now the Central Park neighborhood) doubling as Washington Dulles to the villain's headquarters being located in a church near Mead, Colorado's diverse landscapes and infrastructure provided the perfect backdrop for the high-stakes thrills of this classic sequel.

Elves: Chilling Cheer

Not all of Colorado's cinematic contributions have been holiday-themed feel-good fare. The low-budget horror movie Elves, which involves Nazis, magical rituals, and a department store, also found inspiration in the state's picturesque settings. Scenes for the film were shot around the Carnegie Public Library in Colorado Springs and the Colorado Springs School, as well as at the former Hibbard & Co. department store in downtown Colorado Springs, adding an eerie, unsettling edge to the yuletide proceedings.

Winter in Vail: Hallmark Happiness

While many Hallmark, Lifetime, and other holiday-themed TV movies may be set in the snowy splendor of Colorado's mountains, the production teams don't always have the opportunity to film on location. Such is the case with Winter in Vail, which, despite its Vail setting, was primarily shot in Canada. However, the filmmakers did manage to capture some scenes in the actual ski town, allowing viewers to bask in the charm of its historic Old Vail district.