Giggster logo
Jingle All the Way movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Jingle All the Way filmed?

1996

City Locations

Minnesota, California (USA)

Location Types

House, Warehouse, Storefront, Restaurant, Cafe

Location Styles

Americana, Cape Cod, Colonial, Rustic, Manufactured Home

About Jingle All the Way

The true holiday-themed comedy should humorously explore what many perceive as the real essence of Christmas - the frantic rush of last-minute shopping. Jingle All the Way, a festive comedy from 1996, is brought to life under the direction of Brian Levant. The movie features Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad as two fathers who are in a rivalry to purchase a Turbo Man action figure for their respective children. The film's ensemble cast includes Jake Lloyd, Rita Wilson, Martin Mull, and Phil Hartman.

The plot follows Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a workaholic father who has grown distant from his son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd). He promises him the popular Turbo Man action figure for Christmas to win back his son's affection. However, Howard soon discovers that the toy is sold out everywhere. With only one day left before the holiday, Howard embarks on a mad-cap adventure across town, trying to find a last-minute Turbo Man. Along the way, he must compete with Myron Larabee (Sinbad), another desperate father searching for the same toy.

Released in November 1996, Jingle All The Way quickly became a classic holiday movie beloved by all ages. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it was successful at the box office and remains popular today. The film won two awards, including Favorite Supporting Actor - Family (Sinbad) at Blockbuster Entertainment Award and Best International Actor (Arnold Schwarzenegger) at Golden Camera Award.

Jingle All the Way Locations

Jingle All the Way was filmed in various locations, with most scenes shot in and around the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. With its vibrant cities, lush forests, and sprawling Lake Superior just to the north, Minnesota proves an exciting backdrop for the film's family-oriented storyline.

The Mall of America provides one unique location for Jingle All the Way; located in Bloomington, it is one of the largest malls in North America. One memorable scene was shot at 4313 Upton Avenue South in Minneapolis – where Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) walks out of a toy store across to a pay phone. The end parade was shot in California. However, many other scenes were filmed at 805 Hennepin Avenue, home to the State Theatre in Minneapolis, which opened in 1921. This particular theatre is considered one of the most technologically advanced theatres of its time.

In a memorable sequence, Howard is seen propelling his car toward Mickey's Dining Car after running out of fuel. Both the exterior and interior of this location were utilized in the filming, and it has also made appearances in other films like The Mighty Ducks trilogy. Additionally, Howard and his family's residence near Edina (a suburb near Minneapolis) provided the Jingle All the Way production team with various filming locations.

A trip to these locations would be worthwhile for any fan or movie buff looking to retrace some of Jingle All The Way’s filming history. From grand architecture at the State Theatre to city streets like those on Upton Avenue South, there are plenty of notable landmarks and backdrops for budding photographers or even just casual sightseers who have enjoyed watching this festive comedy classic over Christmas each year since 1996.

The opening “Turbo Man” scene in Jingle All the Way

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center, 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA

Howard (Arnold Schwarzenegger) commits to make amends by fulfilling Jamie's (Jake Lloyd) ultimate Christmas dream: securing a Turbo-Man action figure, a beloved children's TV superhero. Despite being Christmas Eve, he embarks on a quest to find the toy everyone is after.

The opening sequence featuring "Turbo Man" occurs at Vasquez Rocks in Agua Dulce, California. Vasquez Rocks have become iconic in film and television due to its unique rock formations, providing an ideal backdrop for genres such as westerns, science-fiction, comedies, and action films. Notable films that have featured Vasquez Rocks include "The Flintstones," "Dante’s Peak," "Hail, Caesar.," "Blazing Saddles," "Paul," “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” and many more. Television shows which include episodes featuring Vasquez Rocks include “The Fugitive,” “The A-Team,” “MacGuyver,” and most notably, the original “Star Trek” series.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is open from sunrise to sunset and can be easily reached by car via Interstate 5 or Highway 14. It is 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

The Langston's house scene in Jingle All the Way

5028 Bruce Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays Howard Langston, a tireless mattress salesman whose work commitments often leave him with little time for his wife, Liz (played by Rita Wilson), and their young son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd). His perceived neglect is even more evident when contrasted with their neighbor, Ted Maltin (Phil Hartman), a divorced "super dad" who consistently outperforms Howard. They live in a charming rural home close to Edina, Minnesota.

The house used to shoot this classic film is located at 5028 Bruce Ave in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The home was built in 1948 and has an imposing roof with steeples and intricate details that provide the perfect backdrop for Langston's home. While the house is privately owned and not open to tourists, fans of the movie can still visit the house's exterior to feel the atmosphere of this classic holiday movie.

Reaching this destination is quite straightforward. If you're driving from downtown Minneapolis, follow Interstate 394 W and MN-100 S. This route should take approximately 16 minutes. Alternatively, public transport is also an option. You can catch bus 14C, 14E, or 94D from downtown Minneapolis and then transfer to bus 6F at Hennepin Ave & 5th St N Station. Note that this method will extend your travel time to around 50 minutes.

The shopping center scene in Jingle All the Way

Mall of America, 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN

After numerous unsuccessful efforts to locate the toy in a shop, Howard (Arnold Schwarzenegger) tries to purchase a Turbo-Man from Santa at the Mall of America (James Belushi), who happens to be the head of a group producing fake toys. Upon accusing this Santa of corrupting the spirit of Christmas, Howard finds himself embroiled in a fight with the gang. He narrowly manages to evade capture when the police raid their warehouse.

Mall of America opened its doors in 1992 as the largest mall in the United States and one of the largest shopping malls in the world. This mall boasts over 5 million square feet of retail space, hundreds of stores, plus an indoor theme park called Nickelodeon Universe, formerly Camp Snoopy. This amusement park features roller coasters and many other rides and attractions perfect for kids and adults alike.

Getting to this location is quite easy; it's only 10 miles south of Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP). Those driving from downtown Minneapolis should take Interstate 35W south for approximately 8 miles until they reach exit 11, which leads directly to Mall of America Blvd.

Howard and Santa near the warehouse scene in Jingle All the Way

Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street, Minneapolis, MN

Howard (Arnold Schwarzenegger) gets into a heated altercation with a gang when he accuses them of undermining the values of Christmas. The fight culminates in a police raid on their warehouse, leaving Howard to barely escape.

The Nicollet Island Pavilion provides an ideal backdrop for this pivotal movie moment. Its exposed brick walls and tall industrial ceilings create an atmosphere full of character and charm, enhanced by its location on the Mississippi Riverbank. This historic building was built in 1893 and has since become an iconic venue for special events due to its beautiful views of the Mississippi Riverbank and skyline.

You can take 3rd Ave S from Washington Ave N until you reach Power Street to get to Nicollet Island Pavilion from downtown Minneapolis. The pavilion is nestled on the banks of the river, so it's easy to spot when you get close enough. If you're looking for public transportation options, you can take any bus heading east on Hennepin Avenue or Washington Avenue until it reaches 2nd Avenue North and Nicollet Mall Station. From there, walk two blocks east on Power Street until you reach Nicollet Island Pavilion.

Howard pushes his car to Mickey’s Dining Car scene in Jingle All the Way

36 7th St W, St Paul, MN

Howard (Arnold Schwarzenegger) finds himself pushing his car to Mickey’s Dining Car after his vehicle runs out of gas. Later, Howard and Myron (Sinbad) cross paths at Mickey's Diner over coffee. They overhear a Turbo-Man competition being announced on the KQRS radio station by the D.J. (Martin Mull). However, upon reaching the studio, they discover that the prize is merely a gift certificate.

The exterior shots of Mickey's Dining Car were filmed at the real Mickey's Dining Car, 36 7th St West, St Paul, Minnesota. A replica set was built for interiors but isn't available anymore because it is closed indefinitely. Despite that, fans still flock to this location as it looks exactly like it did when the movie was filmed.

The journey to this location is quite simple. Starting from Minneapolis, follow I-94 E for about 10 miles. You'll find the diner on your right side. The drive typically takes around 15 minutes, which could vary depending on traffic conditions.

Howard knocks a police motorcycle down with his car scene in Jingle All the Way

Zumbro Cafe, 2803 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN

While Howard (Arnold Schwarzenegger) aims to secure a Turbo-Man action figure for his son Jamie (Jake Lloyd) in time for Christmas. In the midst of his search, he encounters Officer Alexander Hummell (Robert Conrad), who had previously stopped him for a traffic infraction. However, to evade Officer Hummell's clutches this time, Howard inadvertently hits a police motorcycle with his car.

The scene was filmed at Zumbro Cafe on 2803 W 43rd St in Minneapolis. It is a low-key neighborhood spot that serves breakfast and lunch classics, coffee, wine, and seasonal desserts. Despite being 27 years since the film was released, the cafe has maintained its look from back then, making it easy for fans to picture this iconic moment from Jingle All the Way while visiting this site.

To visit Zumbro Cafe, you can take public transportation like buses or taxis or rent a car and drive following directions given by Google Maps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jingle All The Way was brought to life through its carefully chosen filming locations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. The movie utilized Minneapolis' Nicollet Mall's bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere, which served as the backdrop for the iconic holiday parade scene. Moreover, the picturesque and charming Summit Avenue in Saint Paul lent a delightful touch to the film, enhancing its festive appeal. The film's clever use of the Mall of America in Bloomington provided a grand setting for the chaotic shopping scenes, further immersing audiences in the holiday rush. These locations showcased the heartwarming narrative genuinely, effectively capturing the essence of the holiday season and delivering a truly memorable cinematic experience.