If you enjoy viewing all the Christmas and Holiday movies this month, how did you choose which ones to watch? Not only is everyone busy this time of year, but the movies air 24 hours a day! I selected two movies not to miss because one was filmed just 20 minutes away from me, and the other was filmed in beautiful Rovaniemi, Finland where I have visited.
Let’s begin with “Once Upon a Christmas Wish” from The Great American Family Channel starring Mario Lopez and his wife, Courtney Lopez. Mario plays the mayor of Long Grove, and he discovers his childhood Christmas wish list hidden among the decorations for the village. The wishes magically start to come true reminding him about the spirit of the holiday, and decides to keep the historic village intact and not sell out to the modern world.
In the movie it is referred to as Long Grove, New York, but it is actually in Illinois and only about 20 minutes away from me. I was pleased to see that the movie depicts all of the charm of Long Grove. It has adorable little boutiques and restaurants, and holds many festivals all year like the Apple Festival, Chocolate Festival, Strawberry Festival, and of course Christmas with horse drawn carriage rides and a visit from Santa.
My daughter Kristina and I went Christmas shopping at Long Grove a couple days ago and had so much fun. Here are a few photos we took.
My husband’s favorite here are the large size malted milk balls.
We were so busy shopping we didn’t get many more but there is more info and photos here if you want to read more about this charming village.
Our last stop was “The White Oak Gourmet,” which offers a delivery take-out service plus some items to buy in the store. You must go look at these photos – the food is amazing! We also also tried a delicious ginger cookie and were given a recipe for a special gingerbread. Kristina decided to make it after we got home and it was delicious!
If you are ever in the Chicago area, be sure and visit the historic village of Long Grove!
Next up is a movie from the Hallmark Channel called “The Finnish Line,” about an annual dog sled race around Finland. It was filmed in Rovaniemi, Finland, in Finnish Lapland, the Arctic Circle, and Iceland. Rovaniemi is also known as the home of Santa Claus, and there is an entire Santa Claus Village complete with a Post Office where kids can write directly to Santa.
I loved seeing some things in the movie that I remember about Rovaniemi. It’s a beautiful place in the Arctic Circle, with a stunning view from the air as you are about to land. We stayed at a lovely hotel called “Arctic Lights Hotel.” Here are some of our photos.
A polar bear greets you as you enter the front door.
This is the wall of the elevator!
This was our magical room.
Another of our favorites was seeing Santa Claus. Everyone, even older kids want to meet him, including my daughters! He made an appearance in the movie too.
Being an avid cook I loved the part of the movie where Finnish cookies were being made.
Of course in a Hallmark movie couples fall in love. The last scene of the movie shows a couple in front of Santa’s House. Watch the movie. This is the house.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope you have enjoyed the movies this year!
Thank you for the lovely Holiday experience.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.
Hugs and Blessings
E
Merry Christmas, my friend! Hugs and blessings to you too.
Delightful pictures & commentaries about the places, the memories & the movies they inspire. I would love to jump in a plane & visit both places, but I guess I will have to settle for grabbing my blanket, getting in my comfy chair & just enjoy the movies instead. They both sound like ones my family will enjoy so thank you for adding to our family Christmas movie list. Blessings on your Christmas with your family as we celebrate the birth of Christ..
Kim, you would love Rovaniemi! If you are ever here we’ll go to Long Grove!
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Shared experiences (or reminders of them) are truly the best gifts of Christmas, aren’t they?
Absolutely, Denise!