Where was Christmas with the Kranks filmed?

In the opening scene, Luther and Nora, fresh from seeing their daughter, Blair (Julie Gonzalo), off to her Peace Corps assignment in Peru, visit Chip's Market. As Luther steps out of the car, he is immediately drenched by a passing vehicle, setting a humorous tone for the scene under the heavy rain.

This scene and others were filmed at the New York Street area of Universal Studios. This location has been used in countless productions over the years due to its ability to transform and adapt to various production requirements. The street is curved at both ends to give the illusion of a longer street on camera, a clever trick of the trade. The Pumpkin Seed shop scene, in which Nora forgets to order her customary Christmas cards, was also filmed on New York Street. Unfortunately, these facades were ravaged by a fire in 2008 and no longer exist.

Universal Studios remains a hotbed of film history and a worthwhile destination for film enthusiasts. The studio offers tours that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of countless films and TV shows that have been shot there. To reach Universal Studios, you can drive or take public transportation to 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California. Parking is available onsite for a fee.

Luther and Nora decide to boycott their usual Christmas festivities. After calculating that they had spent $6,132 on the previous year's holiday season, Luther proposes a break from tradition. Instead of celebrating Christmas without their daughter, who is away on a Peace Corps assignment, they decide to spend the money on a ten-day Caribbean cruise.

The street where the Kranks live, which serves as the backdrop for most of the movie, was initially scouted in Illinois and Minnesota. However, after these locations proved unsuitable, the production team decided to construct 16 houses at Downey Studios. The idyllic, snow-covered street they created became a central character in the film, embodying the spirit of a traditional Midwestern Christmas.

Downey Studios, the filming location for these scenes, boasts a fascinating history. It emerged from the remnants of the renowned Rockwell International plant, where the assembly of Space Shuttle orbiters and select vehicles of the Apollo space program took place. The studio was also used for other major films, including "Iron Man," "Zodiac," "Indiana Jones," and "Terminator 3".

Unfortunately, Downey Studios has since closed, and the houses constructed for Christmas with the Kranks have been demolished. While fans are unable to visit the site and see the iconic set, the exterior of the former studio can still be viewed. It's just a quick 30-minute drive from the city center via I-710 S. Alternatively, you can also opt for public transportation, although it may require a few transfers.

Luther and Nora are dining at an Irish pub. Nora is expressing her frustration about their decision to boycott Christmas. She asserts to Luther, "It's us ladies who manage Christmas, not the gentlemen. Your wild idea puts me in the hot seat! I'm the one bearing the burden and facing the backlash!" This moment lays the groundwork for the obstacles they will encounter as they steer their way through their non-traditional holiday arrangements.

This scene was filmed at the Pasadena Hamlet, an establishment that was in business from 1967 until its closure in 2014. After the Pasadena Hamlet closed, the location became Du-par's Restaurant and Bakery, which has also since closed during the pandemic. Despite these closures, fans can still visit the area where this scene was filmed. The location is in Pasadena, California, a city known for its vibrant restaurant scene. While the exact filming location no longer exists, nearby restaurants offer a similar atmosphere.

To get to this area, you can drive or take public transportation to Pasadena, California. The city is easily accessible via the 110, 210, and 134 freeways. Parking is available throughout the city, both on-street and in public parking structures.

Nora frantically searches for a specific ham for her last-minute Christmas Eve party. The ham in question is a Mel’s Hickory Honey Cooked, Boneless, Skinless Ham with Natural Juices and Gelatin Added—a detail that adds a humorous touch to Nora's desperate quest. The scene escalates as Nora races another shopper for the last available ham, resulting in a comedic collision with a floor display.

This grocery store scene was filmed at 2920 Honolulu Ave in Glendale, California. The location was originally Cordon’s Ranch Market, which underwent significant remodeling and later reopened as Moss Supermarket. Today, the building serves as a preschool. The surrounding area has largely remained unchanged, allowing fans of the movie to walk nearby and take in the same views that were once the backdrop for this amusing scene.

To get to this location, you can drive or take public transportation to Glendale, California. The city is easily accessible via the Ventura Freeway (134) and the Golden State Freeway (5). Street parking is available throughout the city.

A memorable scene unfolds at the Westside Pavilion Mall in Los Angeles. Nora and Luther visit the "Tans Forever" tanning booth located within the mall. The couple descends from the mall’s third level to the second using the escalator near PacSun. The scene becomes fun when Nora, clad in a bathing suit, unexpectedly bumps into a priest.

The Westside Pavilion is a former shopping mall located in West Los Angeles, California. The mall, designed by architect Jon Jerde, who is known for his work on structures for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984, initially faced opposition from the local community. However, it gradually became a crucial element of the West L.A. landscape, leaving a lasting impact. It's been featured in several other holiday-themed productions, including the 1987 film "No Man’s Land," where characters shop and steal a Porsche during Christmastime.

Today, the site still functions as a shopping mall, so it's open to the public. Fans of Christmas with the Kranks can still find the same escalator and enjoy the views seen in the movie. To get to the Westside Pavilion, you can drive or take public transportation to 10800 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles. The location is easily accessible via the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) and the San Diego Freeway (I-405).

Blair and her betrothed Enrique (Rene Lavan) are driven home from the airport by Officers Treen (Jake Busey) and Salino (Cheech Marin). Their thoughtful neighbors send the officers to fetch Blair and stall for time, providing everyone enough leeway to finish setting up a surprise celebration. Amid these events, they also manage to catch a thief in the act.

Contrary to expectations, this particular scene was not filmed on the Universal backlot, but rather on the iconic Hennesy Street at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. The exact location where the officers apprehend the burglar can be found in the southeastern section of Hennesy Street, an area of the backlot that gained fame when it was used for the memorable upside-down kiss in Spider-Man (2002).

Fans of Christmas with the Kranks who wish to visit the filming location can do so by taking a tour at the Warner Bros. Studio. During the tour, you can walk down the famous Hennesy Street and see the same views as seen in the movie.

To get to Warner Bros. Studios, you can drive or take public transportation to Burbank, California. Burbank is accessible via the Ventura Freeway (134) and the Golden State Freeway (5). The studio offers parking for visitors.