There’s a Hallmark Christmas movie based on a story that takes place in a town in Illinois. This film is bound to put the Land of Lincoln on the map once again. This holiday season why not enjoy some extra special Christmas movies in Illinois?

Christmas Under The Stars is a holiday Hallmark Channel movie based on a novel set in Richton Park, Illinois.
Village of Richton Park / Facebook
It first aired on TV in November of 2019 so if you are lucky you can make it a holiday tradition to hunt it down for this year as well.
The author, Rikk Dunlap, is a 57-year-old maintenance worker for Homewood-Flossmoor High School and his personal story is nearly fit for the movie itself.
Google Maps
He grew up on Chicago's south side and had an aspiration for writing and reading though he claims he was not good at his English classes.
David Wilson via Wikimedia Commons
Never attaining higher education, he married his high school sweetheart but soon after admitted he had a drinking problem. Dunlap's wife left him, and it wasn't long after that he sobered up and regained some control over his life.

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Having always aspired to be a writer, Dunlap used writing to help him through his sobriety.
James Cohen / Flickr
He wrote down his memories, some of which were hard to deal with and some of which were sweet and which built the backbone of his Hallmark Christmas movie.
The film is about a widower who takes a job at a Christmas tree lot after being fired from his firm.
Hallmark Channel via Wikimedia Commons
It is here that he meets an astronomy teacher who has always had her eyes on the stars, and of course, they slowly fall in love.
The movie stars Jesse Metcalfe as well as Autumn Reeser, and it is sure to be replayed many times throughout the holiday season.
Village of Richton Park / Facebook
Though filming took place in Los Angeles, you may still get the feel of this town when you watch the film.
This new Christmas Hallmark movie puts this southern Chicago suburb on the map. Soon, everyone will want to get their Christmas trees from the stands around here. Maybe a little love can be found there too.
United States Census Bureau via Wikimedia Commons
Can you think of any other Hallmark movies in Illinois?

Take a sneak peek at Christmas Under The Stars in this video from the Hallmark Channel:

For more Christmas movies in Illinois, check out these eight places around Illinois that have shown up in famous movies.

If you’ve ever seen Illinois Christmas movies, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Christmas In Illinois

Chris Muras | November 27, 2023

What are some Christmas traditions in Illinois?
Christmas in Illinois is always a festive time with fresh snow on the ground and holiday lights everywhere you turn. Here are some Christmas traditions in Illinois that you may want to experience for the first time or enjoy year after year:

  • Holiday Lights Parade, Springfield, IL: Since 1949 this holiday tradition has been warming hearts and inspiring Christmas magic in downtown Springfield. Keep an eye out for it in early December. You'll see plenty of festively decorated floats, marching bands, and even city buses filled with twinkling lights.
  • Christkindlmarket, Chicago, IL: This Chicago holiday tradition started in 1995, but it dates back centuries when Nuremberg, Germany held its first Christkindlmarket during the 16th century. It is an incredibly festive outdoor market filled with handmade gifts, holiday decor, and delicious treats. There will also be incredible holiday light displays that run the entire length of the market from mid-November until Christmas Eve.
  • Christmas Around the World, Chicago, IL: Another Chicago holiday tradition can be found at the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park. It has been inspiring curious minds to learn about science since 1942. Of course, there are plenty of holiday lights, giant decorated Christmas trees, and holiday music. Walk through the museum and enjoy over 50 Christmas trees filled to the brim with decorations and lights!

Another fun tradition is driving around and discovering holiday light shows. It could be neighborhood displays or official city festivals. Try loading up the RV and taking a holiday lights road trip through Illinois.

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