Uncover the Midwest's Hidden Role in Christmas Movie Magic

Political Influence on Christmas Movie Locations

Major Richard J. Daley's impact on Chicago cannot be overstated. From 1955 to 1976, he held office and left an indelible mark on the city. However, he was often wary of filmmaking within the city. The aftermath of the 1968 Democratic Convention left a negative impression, leading to stricter approval processes. There were even rumors that he was offended by some earlier films and curbed production. But after his death in 1976, film production in the city took off, with classics like "The Blues Brothers" and "Vacation" being shot here. As local talents like Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd brought their projects home, Chicago became a hub of comedy and cinema, and a popular choice for Christmas movie shoots.

Today, filmmakers continue to be drawn to the city's unique political landscape and its potential for creating memorable Christmas movie settings.

Economic Factors in Choosing Chicago for Christmas Movies

In old Hollywood, New York City was the go-to for Christmas movies. But as Los Angeles and New York became less favorable for filmmaking, cities like Chicago and Atlanta have stepped up. In 2004, Illinois launched a tax incentive for filmmaking projects in the city, providing tax credits and extra benefits for using local workers. This has made Chicago a significant hub for blockbuster films like "The Dark Knight," "Man Of Steel," "Divergent," and "Transformers." As a boom operator and audio intern, I've witnessed firsthand the city's vibrant filmmaking ecosystem and its appeal to filmmakers.

The tax incentives and the city's infrastructure have made Chicago a prime location for Christmas movie production, attracting both big and small projects.

Aesthetic Appeal of Chicago for Christmas Movies

Christmas imagery often evokes rural and rustic settings. While there are romantic depictions of Christmas in the city, the holiday still has a strong connection to countryside imagery. Snowy fields, sleds, and farmhouses with glowing fireplaces capture the essence of the holiday. Chicago, as the cultural capital of the Midwest, combines rustic suburbia, access to rural America (with cornfields everywhere), high-end consumerism on Michigan Avenue, and ideal weather. By mid-December, snow often blankets the city, creating the perfect Christmas backdrop.

Whether it's the quiet suburbia of "Christmas Vacation" or the suburban steel town of "A Christmas Story," Chicago embodies the spirit of Christmas in one ideal place.

If this short piece has piqued your interest, please check out my Christmas movies series for Geeks Under Grace. It runs weekly through December 27 and offers a comprehensive analysis of Christmas movies, including the controversial question of whether "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie!