Gov. Ned Lamont has announced a contest, where the public can attend the launch of the ‘Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail,’ meet several holiday film actors, and become an extra in a holiday film.

Submitted

Gov. Ned Lamont has announced that Connecticut residents who love holiday movies now have an opportunity to enter an exciting new contest offering them a chance to attend the exclusive unveiling of the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, where they will meet several actors from popular holiday films and also have an opportunity to become an extra in an upcoming holiday movie being shot in Connecticut.

In recent years, Connecticut has become a much sought-after location to film holiday movies, encouraged and supported by the state’s impactful film incentives aimed at building the industry and fostering local talent. To celebrate this distinction, this November the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism, in collaboration with the Connecticut Office of Film, TV, and Digital Media, is launching the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, which will highlight locations across the state where more than 20 holiday movies have been filmed, giving visitors an opportunity to relive iconic holiday movie moments and experience the magic of Connecticut during the festive Christmas season. This will become the first Christmas movie trail in the nation.

In 2022, the Hallmark movie “The Ghost of Christmas Always” was filmed in part in West Hartford.

“We are proud to celebrate Connecticut’s role as a premier destination for Christmas movie magic,” Lamont said. “Connecticut has long been a place where imagination and opportunity come together, and the launch of the nation’s first Christmas movie trail is yet another example of how our state continues to inspire. This contest is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the films that showcase our state’s charm and beauty – from our historic small towns to our scenic landscapes – and it’s a great chance to invite people to experience firsthand what it means to live, work, and play in Connecticut.”

Twelve contest winners will be invited to attend the trail’s launch event, which will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, and attended by actors Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, and Michael Rady. During the event, one of the contest winners will be selected in a random draw, and that person will win a coveted spot to become an extra in an upcoming holiday film. The event will also feature displays of costumes from several films.

To enter the contest, visit ctvisit.com/articles/very-connecticut-christmas–movie–trail. Entries must be submitted by Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, and winners will be notified shortly thereafter.

“This contest gives fans the ultimate Connecticut experience,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer, said. “From being immersed in communities where these films were shot to meeting the stars and seeing the costumes up close, it’s a wonderful way to feel the spirit of the holiday season. And the chance to be an extra in a future holiday production? It doesn’t get more magical than that.”

“Connecticut embodies everything that makes Christmas films special – the warmth, charm, and timeless beauty that viewers love,”Andrew Gernhard, a film producer who shot several holiday movies in Connecticut, said. “This contest will give fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at how that magic comes to life and allows them to be a part of it. It’s an extraordinary way to celebrate not only the spirit of the season but also everything that makes Connecticut such an inspiring place for storytelling.”

Additional information about the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail will be announced during the Nov. 13, 2024, launch event.

For information on tourism in Connecticut, visit CTvisit.com. For information on film, TV, and media production in Connecticut, visit CTfilm.com.

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