Let It Snow, the charming Netflix holiday rom-com, transports viewers to the quaint and snowy town of Laurel, Illinois, during Christmas Eve. While the film’s idyllic setting feels uniquely Midwestern, the majority of Let It Snow was actually filmed in Ontario, Canada, specifically focusing on various locations in and around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The Snowy Backdrop: Unmasking the Filming Locations
While Laurel, Illinois, is a fictional creation, the production team meticulously scouted locations that evoked the desired small-town Christmas spirit. The film skillfully blends interior studio shots with exterior settings that bring the story to life. The overall aesthetic aimed to create a believable and warm holiday atmosphere, even amidst the blizzard conditions depicted in the film.
Main Filming Areas
The key filming locations for Let It Snow included:
- Streetsville, Mississauga: This picturesque village, part of Mississauga, Ontario, served as the primary stand-in for Laurel. Its charming main street, with its historic buildings and festive decorations, was heavily featured in the film’s establishing shots and key scenes.
- Unionville, Markham: This historic village, another part of the Greater Toronto Area, also contributed to the overall look of Laurel. Certain exterior shots and scenes requiring a specific architectural style were captured in Unionville.
- Toronto Film Studios: Like many film productions, Let It Snow utilized sound stages at Toronto Film Studios for interior scenes, particularly those requiring controlled environments or specific set designs. This allowed for greater flexibility in scheduling and handling the technical aspects of filming.
- Additional Locations: Various other locations within the GTA were used for specific scenes, including residential areas, parks, and commercial establishments. These locations helped to create the illusion of a cohesive small town.
Streetsville’s Star Turn
Streetsville, Mississauga, is arguably the most recognizable location from Let It Snow. The main street, with its charming shops and brick buildings, is frequently visible in the film. Specific buildings were even dressed to look like businesses in Laurel, enhancing the fictional town’s authenticity. Residents and visitors alike often comment on recognizing their own community in the film, adding to its local appeal.
Let It Snow: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the filming locations of Let It Snow, providing further insights into the production and the real-life settings that brought Laurel, Illinois, to life.
FAQ 1: Was Laurel, Illinois, a real place?
No, Laurel, Illinois, is a completely fictional town created for the film. The production team drew inspiration from various Midwestern small towns to create the setting, but it doesn’t exist in reality.
FAQ 2: Why was Let It Snow filmed in Canada?
Filming in Canada offers several advantages for film productions, including tax incentives, experienced crews, and diverse landscapes. Ontario, in particular, has a thriving film industry and provides a range of locations that can stand in for various settings. The presence of Toronto Film Studios is also a significant factor.
FAQ 3: Can I visit the “Let It Snow” filming locations?
Yes, you can! Streetsville, Mississauga, and Unionville, Markham, are both open to the public. You can walk the streets featured in the film and even recognize some of the buildings that were used as backdrops. Just be mindful of residents and businesses while exploring.
FAQ 4: What specific streets were used in Streetsville?
Queen Street South in Streetsville was heavily featured. The area between Main Street and Mill Street is where many of the prominent scenes were filmed. Look out for familiar storefronts and architectural details.
FAQ 5: Did they actually film during a blizzard?
While the film depicts a significant snowstorm, much of the snow was created using special effects. Ontario winters can be unpredictable, but the production team likely supplemented natural snowfall with artificial snow for consistency and control.
FAQ 6: Were any local businesses used in the filming?
Yes, some local businesses in Streetsville and Unionville were used as exterior shots. While their names may have been changed to reflect the fictional town of Laurel, their physical locations were incorporated into the film.
FAQ 7: How long did the filming of Let It Snow take?
While the exact filming schedule isn’t publicly available, productions of this size typically take several weeks to a few months to complete. The Christmas setting likely required planning and filming around the holiday season to capture the festive atmosphere.
FAQ 8: Are there any tours of the Let It Snow filming locations?
Currently, there aren’t any officially organized tours specifically dedicated to Let It Snow. However, you can easily create your own self-guided tour by researching the specific locations mentioned above and exploring Streetsville and Unionville at your own pace.
FAQ 9: What other movies have been filmed in Streetsville and Unionville?
Streetsville and Unionville are popular filming locations, and numerous other movies and TV shows have been filmed there. Researching film productions in the GTA will likely reveal other projects that utilized these charming villages.
FAQ 10: Was the interior of Tobin’s Waffle House a real location?
The interior of Tobin’s Waffle House, a central location in Let It Snow, was primarily a set built at Toronto Film Studios. This allowed the production team to control the lighting, set design, and overall atmosphere of the space.
FAQ 11: Did the cast and crew enjoy filming in Ontario?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the cast and crew enjoyed filming in Ontario. The region is known for its friendly people, beautiful scenery, and well-established film industry.
FAQ 12: Will there be a Let It Snow 2, and if so, will it be filmed in the same locations?
As of the current date, there are no confirmed plans for Let It Snow 2. If a sequel were to be made, it is plausible that the production team would return to Ontario, given their positive experience and the region’s suitability for the setting.
Conclusion: A Canadian Christmas Transformed
Let It Snow successfully crafted a believable small-town Christmas atmosphere, largely thanks to the charming locations found in Ontario, Canada. While Laurel, Illinois, may be fictional, the real-life settings in Streetsville, Unionville, and the Toronto Film Studios played a crucial role in bringing the story to life and capturing the heartwarming spirit of the holiday season. The film serves as a testament to the versatility and appeal of the GTA as a prime filming destination.