By Kate Bartlett
Western New York has become a popular destination for film crews, as it has hosted a variety of holiday films over the past decade. Not all have been holiday, but the backdrop of Buffalo, East Aurora and Ellicottville have proven to be a picturesque backdrop for those perfect Hallmark-esque movies. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy these WNY based movies.
“A Christmas in Vermont” (2016): The title is ironically deceiving, as the movie was filmed primarily in Western New York including scenes in Buffalo, Ellicottville and East Aurora. The movie features Chevy Chase as an executive who must liquidate a small-town clothing store at Christmastime. Featured locations include Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Holiday Valley, and Main Street in East Aurora. In the trailer you can spot a clock that says “Ellicottville” and the main shops in East Aurora.
“A Christmas Princess” (2011): Filming locations include downtown Buffalo and East Aurora. In the trailer, you can see glimpses of the old Mighty Taco on Chippewa in Buffalo, Hotel Lafayette, The Black Sheep and the Brisbane Building. The main character, Jessica, is a struggling chef living an a trendy New York borough, but if you look closely you just might find some other buffalo landmarks!
“A Prince for Christmas (2015): Under the direction of Fred Olean Ray, the movie features Vidler’s 5 &10 in East Aurora as well as many other WNY attractions including the Park Country Club, Attica and Arcade Railroad, Old Orchard Inn, Elma Meadows and other locations around East Aurora. The plot of this movie features a European prince who is attempting to escape an arranged marriage. He flees to the United States where is meets a struggling young waitress who just might be his one true love.
“A Royal Christmas Holiday” premiered on The Great American Family Channel on December 23, 2023. It was filmed entirely in Buffalo, NY, and viewers will recognize several area landmarks, including the USS The Sullivans. The plot follows the paths of a determined journalist in search of a significant breakthrough and a spontaneous prince assigned to New York City. They meet unexpectedly during the Holidays, and discover that love matters the most on Christmas Eve.
“A Royal Christmas On Ice” (2022) – One of the most recent movies to be filmed in East Aurora and features many scenes at Vidler’s 5 & 10, including Don Vidler himself. The plot follows a dashing prince looking to escape his Royal life. He flees to the United States to start a business in a small town in upstate New York, and winds up falling for a former Olympic Ice Skater.
“A Royal Christmas Engagement” (2020)- Also filmed in East Aurora directed by Fred Olen Ray. In this made-for-television movie, a hard-working advertising executive falls for a consultant, who is actually a prince disguised as a commoner.
Fred Olen Ray enjoys filming in Western New York, and appreciates the offerings here that you cannot find in Los Angeles, where is lives for most of the year. He has returned to film in Buffalo again and again, relying on many in the Buffalo-area film production professionals.
As you stroll the streets of Buffalo, East Aurora, Ellicottville and the like, don’t forget that these streets may have been, or soon will be, on the big screen. Our local streets have a lot to offer, so be sure to appreciate their charm.