Giggster logo
The Santa Clause movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Santa Clause filmed?

1994

City Locations

Oakville (Canada), Scarborough (Canada), Toronto (Canada), Los Angeles (USA)

Location Types

Film Studio, School, House, Cafe

Location Styles

Federal Building, School, Modern Building, Modern Car

About The Santa Clause

Tim Allen portrays Scott Calvin, who accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall off his roof on Christmas Eve. With the help of his son Charlie, they take on the responsibility of delivering gifts. Upon arriving at the North Pole, Scott learns he is chosen to take over Santa's role. However, he must prove himself to be the true Santa with help from the elves. This journey of self-discovery allows Scott to understand the true meaning of being a jolly old man who spreads joy to others during the holiday season. The Santa Clause is a beloved family classic known for its heartwarming message about the spirit of Christmas. The movie has spawned two sequels, each receiving higher box office success than the prior one. In addition, actor Judge Reinhold famously reprised his role as Dr. Neal Miller in all three films, a rare feat in Hollywood. The first installment also holds an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for several awards during its 1994 theatrical run. For the 1994 release date, this movie featured some impressive special effects for its time, particularly on its North Pole scenes. It was also one of the first movies to be released on Digital Video Disc (DVD), making it even easier for families worldwide to join in on the holiday fun without waiting for a rerun on television or purchasing a VHS tape. Though over 25 years have passed since its initial release, The Santa Clause brings joy and lighthearted fun to households everywhere every holiday season. It reminds us of the importance of being kind and having faith in oneself - something that always stays in style amidst great uncertainty.

The Santa Clause Locations

The production of the 1994 Holiday classic, The Santa Clause, utilized several exciting and unique locations. A majority of the scenes for the film were shot in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, while some additional scenes were filmed at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles, California. Toronto is known as one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities in the world, with many landmarks and areas to explore. Highlighting some of these landmarks while shooting The Santa Clause created a beautiful backdrop for the film. Notable places such as The CN Tower, Eaton Centre Mall, Casa Loma, and many others appear throughout the movie. A trip to Toronto to visit these iconic locations would be worthwhile for any fan of The Santa Clause or those who have yet to experience it on-screen. Visitors can take part in tours containing stops at many filming spots seen during a movie or wander around freely following their itinerary. Another noteworthy destination for film fans is 17 Chisholm Street in Oakville which served as Scott’s house in The Santa Clause. This traditional style two-story home offers plenty for visitors to explore, including a heated outdoor pool at the back patio area, featured during several scenes from the movie.

Scott at Charlie at Denny's scene in The Santa Clause

2141 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON, Canada

Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), a divorced father, is a marketing director for a toy company in Lakeside, Illinois. He is preparing to spend Christmas Eve with his son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd). After ruining their Christmas dinner, Scott takes Charlie to Denny's. The waitress meets them, asking if they have reserved the table. Charlie replies that his dad burnt the turkey. So the waitress leads them to the hall, where Scott sees other fathers with their children, who look understandably at Scott. Ellesmere Road is a major thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Scarborough, Ontario. The road spans over 12 kilometers and connects several neighborhoods and communities in the city's eastern part. The street is named after an early settler, John Ellesmere, who arrived in Scarborough in the 1850s. Today, Ellesmere Road is a bustling commercial district, with numerous shops, restaurants, and businesses lining the avenue. Take Highway 401 East from downtown Toronto and exit at Bellamy Road North. Turn right onto Progress Avenue, then turn left onto Markham Road. Continue on Markham Road until you reach Ellesmere Road, then turn left. Follow Ellesmere Road until you reach 2141 Ellesmere Road.

Scott and Charlie find Santa on a roof scene in The Santa Clause

17 Chisholm St, Oakville, ON, Canada

After an uneventful night at Denny's because of Scott's (Tim Allen) accidental dinner mishap, he and Charlie (Eric Lloyd) are woken up by a noise on the roof. While investigating, Scott encounters a man wearing a Santa suit standing on the roof who startles and falls to his death. The man's body mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a red suit and a business card with instructions for whoever was responsible for his fate to don the suit and take over his mission. Chisholm Street is a picturesque residential street in the heart of Oakville, Ontario. Known for its charming homes and tree-lined sidewalks, Chisholm Street offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Named after Sir John Chisholm, a prominent figure in Canadian history, the street is lined with beautiful heritage homes that date back to the early 1900s. These homes have been carefully preserved and restored, giving the street a unique character that is hard to find elsewhere. If you need directions to 17 Chisholm Street in Oakville, there are a few routes you can take. Depending on your starting location and mode of transportation, you can take either the QEW or Highway 403, exiting Trafalgar Road and heading south. From there, turn right onto Glenashton Drive and follow it until it turns into Chisholm Street. Alternatively, the Oakville GO Station is just a few blocks away and provides commuter train and bus options for those who prefer public transit. Regardless of your preferred method of travel, with a bit of planning and navigation, you'll be sure to reach your destination at 17 Chisholm Street in no time.

Career day at school scene in The Santa Clause

John Ross Robertson Junior Public School, 130 Glengrove Ave W, Toronto, ON, Canada

In this scene, the room is filled with kids of various ages and their parents. We see someone's dad, a firefighter, tells the horrible thing about burnings; all the children look scared. Now it is Charlie's (Eric Lloyd) turn to introduce his parent. The teacher asks him to introduce his stepfather, psychiatrist Dr. Neil Miller (Judge Reinhold), but Charlie wants his dad (Tim Allen) to be the first. Charlie invites Dad to speak about his career as a toy designer. Robertson Junior Public School is an esteemed educational establishment in North Toronto, Ontario. It was established in 1921 and named after John Ross Robertson, a notable Canadian newspaper publisher and benefactor. The school provides a diverse community of students with exceptional academic programs focusing on literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills. Moreover, the school offers diverse extracurricular activities, including sports teams, drama clubs, music clubs, and community service initiatives. The school has an active parent council and student leadership groups, which mirror its dedication to civic engagement and social responsibility. Take Yonge Street north from downtown Toronto and turn left onto Lawrence Avenue West. Continue on Lawrence Avenue West until you reach Avenue Road, then turn right. Follow Avenue Road until you reach Glengrove Avenue West, then turn left. Continue on Glengrove Avenue West until you reach 130 Glengrove Avenue West.

The kids asking Santa for presents scene in The Santa Clause

Hillcrest Park Children's Playground, 950 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON, Canada

Scott (Tim Allen) possesses an uncanny ability to identify the "naughty" and "nice" children, despite not having a Santa costume. Children, who seem to know he is Santa, approach him to request gifts. However, Scott's sudden transformation into Santa Claus sparks concern from his ex-wife, Laura (Wendy Crewson), and her new spouse, Neil (Judge Reinhold), who try to end his visitation rights to their son, Charlie. Hillcrest Park Children's Playground is a popular destination for families and children in Toronto, Ontario. Located in the heart of the Hillcrest neighborhood, this playground offers a fun and safe environment for kids to play and explore. In addition to the play structures, the playground also includes several picnic tables and benches, making it an excellent spot for families to gather and enjoy a snack or a meal. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and trees, which provide ample shade on sunny days. You can take the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) subway line 1 to St. Clair West Station if you prefer public transportation. From there, you can transfer to bus route 127, which travels along Davenport Road. Get off at the intersection of Davenport Road and Christie Street, and walk for a few minutes to reach 950 Davenport Road.

Scott going to see Charlie for the last time scene in The Santa Clause

1173 Carey Rd, Oakville, ON, Canada

Following a heartbreaking Thanksgiving night, Scott (Tim Allen) visits Laura (Wendy Crewson) and Neil's (Judge Reinhold) residence to bid farewell to Charlie (Eric Lloyd). In a bid to make Scott realize how vital he is to the children of the world, Charlie shows him a magical snow globe that was gifted to him by Bernard (David Krumholtz). This gesture finally convinces Scott that he, indeed, is Santa. Upon granting Scott a moment alone with Charlie, Bernard appears and transports them to the North Pole. Carey Road, situated in the exclusive Eastlake neighborhood of Oakville, Ontario, is a highly desirable residential street renowned for its beautiful estates, serene surroundings, and proximity to Lake Ontario. Most properties on Carey Road boast sizeable lots adorned with mature trees and beautifully maintained landscaping, providing residents with a private and peaceful retreat. Additionally, many homes feature impressive outdoor amenities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and outdoor entertaining spaces. If driving from Toronto, take the QEW West and exit at Trafalgar Road. Turn right onto Trafalgar Road and continue for approximately 2 kilometers until you reach Devon Road. Turn left onto Devon Road and continue for 1 kilometer until you reach Lakeshore Road East. Turn right onto Lakeshore Road East and continue for approximately 1.5 kilometers until you reach Carey Road. Turn left onto Carey Road and continue for about 500 meters until you reach 1173 Carey Road.

Elves rescuing Santa scene in The Santa Clause

Runnymede Healthcare Centre, 625 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON, Canada

After arriving at Laura and Neil's residence, Scott is detained inside the house while Charlie remains seated in the sleigh. However, the elves take swift action to break Scott out of jail. Upon his release, Scott safely returns Charlie to his home and urges him to spend Christmas Eve with Laura and Neil. Scott delivers an emotional speech to Charlie about the significance of every family member, ultimately persuading Laura and Neil that he is indeed Santa. Overjoyed with this realization, Laura burns the court documents that suspended Scott's visitation rights and welcomes him to visit at any time. In 2011 the police station was demolished and replaced by a parking lot for the new hospital. Runnymede Healthcare Centre is a leading rehabilitation and complex continuing care hospital in Toronto, Ontario. For over 70 years, the center has provided exceptional patient-centered care to individuals with chronic diseases, injuries, and disabilities. The center's beautiful grounds and outdoor therapy garden offer a tranquil setting for patients and their families, further enhancing their healing journey. If you drive from downtown Toronto, take the Gardiner Expressway W and merge onto Highway 427 N. Take the Eglinton Avenue exit and turn left onto Eglinton Avenue W. Continue on Eglinton Avenue W for approximately 3.5 kilometers until you reach Runnymede Road. Turn right onto Runnymede Road and continue for about 1.5 kilometers. You will see the Runnymede Healthcare Centre on your left.

Conclusion

The Santa Clause is a classic Christmas movie that has delighted family audiences for years. The film was filmed mainly in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and included scenes shot at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles, California. Toronto provided the backdrop for many outdoor locations, while Los Angeles served as the setting for the more urban moments. Combining these two cities created a unique and rich aesthetic integral to this beloved comedy's success. The Santa Clause captures the spirit of Christmas with its charming story and relatable characters, making it one of the most treasured holiday films ever made. With Canadian and American locations featured in its production, this timeless classic feels like a global experience for viewers everywhere.