‘My Adventures with Santa,’ Meriden
In this 2019 film starring Denise Richards, Patrick Muldoon, and Barbara Eden, the “Nolan” family is unexpectedly brought together for the holidays by nothing other than a magic snowglobe. Perhaps that’s why the star of I Dream of Jeannie plays Mrs. Claus? You likely won’t find the same portal to Santa’s workshop in real-world Meriden today, but you can copy-paste the Nolan family’s holiday traditions. Start with Kogut’s Hemlock Hill Tree Farm to get your own festive pine, then head to the 140-year-old Thompson Chocolate shop for sweets and treats. The Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park runs through Jan. 2.
‘One Royal Holiday,’ Woodstock, Putnam, and Hartford
What’s more classic Christmas than an everyday American who stumbles upon royals in a small New England town—and then falls in love? In this 2020 film, a Boston nurse whose mother is a chef at a remote inn welcomes travelers stranded in a blizzard, without realizing that they’re the Royal Family of Galwick. You can follow their footsteps to the Inn at Woodstock Hill, the Mansion at Bald Hill, and the streets of downtown Putnam.
‘Soul Santa,’ Norwich and Mansfield
When a businessman gambles away money from the mob, he goes into hiding in plain sight—as a shopping mall Santa Claus. This 2021 film starring Tamela J. Mann and David Mann was filmed at the Eastbrook Mall and in downtown Norwich, where the Harp & Dragon Irish Pub also played a role in the film.
