‘Tis the season of cozy days spent indoors, sipping on hot cocoa and watching movies on the Hallmark Channel. Anyone else a fan of binging marathons of Christmas movies during this season? If that sounds like you, be sure to keep an eye out on the screen for a very familiar destination: our very own Nevada City. This charming little town got a movie credit on the small screen that gained it national attention as one of the best Christmas towns in NorCal. “The Christmas Card,” a Hallmark movie, was filmed here years ago. To this day, the town still celebrates this event. “The Christmas Card” takes place in the town of Nevada City, and visitors today can still visit many of the movie’s locations. This town is just as enchanting in real life as it appears in the film. This is one place you’ll definitely want to visit this holiday season, especially if you want to feel like you’ve been transported into your very own Christmas movie!

There is a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie that has won over the hearts of many in Northern California. It features our very own Nevada City, and you can spot many of its iconic destinations and even a few residents within the film.
Nevada City Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
"The Christmas Card" Hallmark movie was released in December 2006. It tells the story of a soldier who receives a Christmas card from a stranger who lives in Nevada City. The soldier decides to travel to this Christmas town in NorCal in order to seek out the woman.
"Hallmark Channel - The Christmas Carol"/Hallmark Channel/YouTube
It may boast a typical Hallmark Christmas movie plot, but the best thing about "The Christmas Card" is that it showcases all of the winter charm that Nevada City is known for. This close-knit community is definitely a beloved holiday destination for many, and it's so easy to see why.
Nevada City Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

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Each year, as the holidays approach, Nevada City completely transforms. Lights are strung across storefronts, wreaths are hung on streetlights, and Christmas carolers roam the sidewalks. For this reason, the town itself became one of the movie's most lovable characters.
Nevada City Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
The movie actually features several real Nevada City residents as extras. Of course, you'll also spot a handful of iconic destinations throughout the town. Places like the Nevada City Classic Cafe and the National Exchange Hotel can all be spotted throughout the film. They come off just as charming in the movie as they do in real life.
J S/Google
The Nevada City Methodist Church also plays a significant role in this Christmas movie filmed in Northern California. The church secured the rights to screen the film for free, so now you can frequently catch holiday season community screenings.
Jason Riviello/Google
Who knows, you might even sit next to one of the residents who made an appearance in the film!
Next time you're in the mood for something uplifting, heartwarming, and so perfectly cheesy, a Hallmark Christmas movie is just the thing to watch.
The National Exchange Hotel/Google Reviews
Alternatively, you could also visit Nevada City in real life and experience all of its charms firsthand!

Check out “The Christmas Card” trailer from The Hallmark Channel on YouTube and see if you can recognize any landmarks:

Did you know that “The Christmas Card” takes place in the town of Nevada City? What’s your favorite Christmas town in NorCal? Share your favorite holiday destinations in the comments!

Looking for the perfect gifts for your loved ones can be quite the challenge. Check out our Best Gifts for Travelers gift guide to pick out the ideal present for all of your friends and family who love to travel.

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More to Explore

Christmas Towns In Northern California

Lisa Sammons | November 25, 2023

What are some more great Christmas towns in NorCal?

Besides Nevada City, you'll find plenty of great Christmas towns in Northern California. Some of these places would be holly and jolly enough to even make the Grinch feel a bit of holiday cheer! Here are a few of our favorite places to celebrate the winter wonderland that is NorCal around Christmastime:

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • San Francisco
  • Truckee
  • Grass Valley

 

Are there any other movies filmed in Northern California?

"The Christmas Card" takes place in the town of Nevada City, but it's certainly not the only movie to have been filmed in Northern California. Our sprawling redwood forests and charming small towns have been the setting for a number of films throughout the years. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
  • E.T. the Extraterrestrial (1982)
  • Bird Box (2018)
  • Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
  • Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

 

What are some of the best things to do in winter in Northern California?

NorCal is a haven for those seeking charming small towns to celebrate Christmas, plus those who love winter sports and adrenaline rushes. Here are a few of our favorite winter day trips in NorCal:

  • Take a scenic winter hike
  • Visit a Christmas festival or winter event
  • Go snow tubing

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