DENVER (KDVR) — Chevy Chase, who played Clark Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” will be in Denver on Wednesday for the anniversary of the iconic Christmas movie.
The 1989 comedy about a not-so-perfect Christmas filmed several scenes in a beloved Colorado ski town. In honor of the movie’s release 35 years ago on the big screen, Chase is heading back to Colorado for a special screening and live conversation about the film at the Bellco Theatre on Wednesday night.
While Chase will be in Denver for the screening, many of the scenes were filmed in Breckenridge — and you may recognize some popular places.
According to Go Breck, the Christmas tree-cutting scene was filmed at the Breckenridge Golf Course and Highlands area near Tiger Road before the Highlands subdivision of Breckenridge was built.
The sledding scene was filmed at the Breckenridge Ski Area on Peak 8, and after Chase rides down on a saucer, he ends up in the Toys For Tots bin in front of the Walmart in Frisco. The scene where Clark and his cousin Eddie are shopping is also at the Walmart near the town of Frisco.
Other scenes, like Chase watching old home movies, were shot at lesser-known locations. According to Go Breck, the town had a massive snowstorm one week and the crew had to build a set on the gymnasium floor of the current Summit Middle School.
During filming, shots of the ski town and locals were included in the film as extras. Now, 35 years later, you can watch the film with the lead actor.
The screening takes place on Wednesday at 7 p.m. There are still tickets available, ranging from $50 to over $300 at the Bellco Theatre in Denver.
