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Delightful Christmas Movies Filmed in Michigan

Author Anne Erickson
Getty Images / Choreograph

If you’re anything like me, then this time of year means watching a lot of Hallmark and Hallmark-like Christmas movies. There’s just something about those feel-good films that sucks me in. Even if the plots are predicable, I feel safe watching these movies, and I know there will always be a happy ending. Did you know that a bunch of holiday movies have been filmed in Michigan. Here are a few Christmas movies filmed in Michigan to watch this holiday season.

Christmas at the Holly Hotel

This is a really new Christmas movie, as it arrived in 2022. Who hasn’t heard of the famed Holly Hotel? This film tells the story of Kathy, who is a food critic in New York City. She’s loving being in the Big Apple, until her parents ask her to come back home for Christmas. They own the Holly Hotel, so she becomes reacquainted with the special spot.

Silver Bells

Filming for Silver Bells took place in Ludington and Grand Rapids, so there’s lots of Michigan cheer in this movie. The story revolves around a sportscaster who gets forced to perform community service during December as a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army. Does he find the true meaning of Christmas? Maybe. This film dropped in 2013.

Small Town Santa

Small Town Santa was filmed in Rockford and arrived in 2014. Its storyline revolves around a “home intrusion” mistake, where Sheriff Langstonl puts a man claiming to be Santa Claus in jail. But, is this man actually the real Santa? As residents’ Christmas dreams start to come true, people wonder if this imprisoned Santa is the real deal.

Want to watch these Christmas movies filmed in Michigan? Try searching for them on your streaming device, and depending on availability, many of these should be available to watch on Tubi, Hulu, Amazon Prime and all the usual spots. You might find a new holiday favorite here. Reach out to me with your favorite holiday movies and Christmas music here.

Stores and Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

  • CVS

    While many CVS stores operate 24/7, it’s important to note that their hours are shorter on Christmas. Typically, running from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., CVS remains one of the few stores open on holidays to accommodate those needing to pick up medications.

  • Walgreens

    Most Walgreens locations are open on Christmas Day, with some maintaining their usual 24/7 schedule. Meanwhile, others, which are not typically open around the clock, may have limited hours from 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is convenient for those requiring prescription fills or over-the-counter medications.

  • Denny's

    Denny’s has your back on Christmas Day, as their locations are open. Their Facebook post assures, “Denny’s is open 24/7, and that means Christmas too! Come on in and feel the cheer; we’ll be waiting for you.” However, some locations are corporate stores, and others are franchises, and not all franchises may honor these hours, so check in advance before making the trip.

  • IHOP

    If you’re craving pancakes on Christmas Day, IHOP is an option. However, be sure to check your local IHOP’s hours, as they can vary. Some locations operate 24 hours, most maintain regular hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Others may open with reduced holiday hours (around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

  • Starbucks

    Enjoy a holiday drink or grab last-minute gifts like coffee mugs at select Starbucks locations open on Christmas Day. Verify your local cafe’s hours using the Starbucks app as a recommended way to find a store, check hours, and order ahead. “This holiday season, Starbucks store hours vary by location and stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs,” said the coffee shop website.

  • Dunkin'

    Dunkin’ locations will generally be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but you should check to confirm your local store’s specific hours. Dunkin’ spots within grocery stores and gas stations will follow the host store’s schedule. For instance, if it’s a location within a Walmart that’s closed, that Dunkin’ store will be closed.

  • McDonald's

    McDonald’s typically stays open on Christmas, but it’s best to check with your local franchise, as each operates independently. Given that 93% of McDonald’s restaurants are run by independent owners, hours can vary. It’s not a guarantee that your local branch will be open.

  • Wendy's

    Craving a 10-piece nugget combo or a Baconator on Christmas? Wendy’s has you covered, as the fast-food chain is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check with your local store to confirm their hours. Wendy’s suggests using their location finder, whether you plan to walk in, drive-thru, or opt for delivery.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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