In 2018 Netflix released a new holiday film called The Christmas Chronicles starring Kurt Russell. We were very excited about this new Christmas movie – and then we found out that The Christmas Chronicles filming locations were right here in Canada! There is not much we love more than Christmas movies – unless that movie was filmed in Canada!
The Christmas Chronicles follows Teddy and Kate Pierce as they try to celebrate Christmas after the recent passing of their father. Teddy resents the holiday, while younger sister Kate still takes great joy from the spirit of Christmas. After a series of mishaps, the Pierce children must help Santa (Kurt Russell) deliver gifts around the world before it is too late.
Eight tiny reindeer. Two squabbling siblings. And a Santa who’s full of surprises. It’s a Christmas Eve they’ll never forget.
– The Christmas Chronicles tagline
The Christmas Chronicles takes place mostly in Lowell, Massachusetts and Chicago, Illinois but most of the movie was filmed in Toronto at Pinewood Studios and throughout the city.
We could be wrong, but is that a GO Train?
It quickly became a fun game to point out all of The Christmas Chronicle filming locations that were obviously in Canada. Whether it is a car chase, a jail break, or a touching conversation between two characters, Toronto and the GTA look so good in this movie!
Now you can channel your inner Don Cherry when you suit up in one of our new NHL ugly sport jacket and tie sets. If wearing grandma’s old yuletide jumper isn’t your jam, but you want to stand out among your buds, you’ll need these dapper duds! Whether you’re attending a cheesy Christmas party or a posh New Years soiree, you’re sure to score while sporting one of these bad boys.
Get Fugly in our Maple Leafs Suit Jacket and Tie!
Sears Portrait Studio to the Rescue!
What to do when you’re in a pinch and need product photos fast, but don’t know where to turn? That was our predicament when we received our very first batch of ugly NHL suit jackets and ties.The moment they arrived at our warehouse, we thought they were just about the most awesome apparel we’ve ever seen. So naturally we wanted to share them with the Internet tout de suite.
That meant we needed product photos within the hour! Someone suggested we try the Sears Portrait Studio down the street. We all laughed and laughed… and then we called and booked a 5pm appointment. That was easy! But we still needed to find someone to model our fine fashions. What to do? Where to go? The local Goodlife gym, of course. That’s there we found Brandon, a friend of a friend who was happy to work the gig in exchange for free swag (namely, the jacket he’s holding below.)
So we threw Brandon in our truck with a pile of jackets and headed over to Sears Portrait Studio.
We were greeted by a bemused employee who told us our clever gimmick was a welcome respite between the baby portraits and passport photos that are her stock-in-trade. In fact, we’re quite sure she’s never had so much fun working at Sears!
It was when we took a coffee break in the mall food court that tragedy struck! Just after photographing the Toronto Blue Jays jacket, we headed to Timmies for a double double and found out the Jays had just lost their Championship Series against Cleveland, and were out of the playoffs. Bummer!
But we are glass-half-full type people, so we said good-bye baseball, hello hockey! We’ve got some really ugly NHL suits for five awesome franchises, meaning fans can dress as loud as they cheer!
And here’s a shout-out to Sears! They were able to get us in and out of there in a flash. And, for the low price of $60, we took home a CD of six hi-res images, including the rights to publish them anywhere in the world. Score!
By the way, if you’re interested in one of our licensed sports jackets, you’ll need to act fast! We anticipate that they’ll sell out VERY quickly. So order yours today!
Welcome to the I Heart XMAS Q&A, where Retro Festive asks notable Canadians about their own Christmas traditions and what they would like to find under the tree!
Rosey Edeh will be co-hosting Toy Drive Live this year
Retro Festive: What is your favourite Christmas movie or TV special?
Rosey Edeh: My favorite TV Christmas special is Charlie Brown. The music by Vince Guaraldi is so smooth, so perfectly festive and that pitiful little tree! Linus puts his blanket around it, the gang shows it some love and voila! It looks amazing! Finally, Charlie Brown triumphs.
Does your family have a special or quirky Christmas tradition?
I don’t have any quirky family traditions, just eating Christmas dinner until we can barely move! Mom’s the best cook in the world! Seriously!
Which do you prefer: to give or receive?
I prefer to give. I am a serious shopper! I love a good bargain but love the hunt for that perfect gift even more.
Ugly Christmas Sweaters: Not a Chance – or – The Uglier the Better? Ugly Christmas sweater? Does it come with a pair of black tights and a killer pair of pumps? If it does, bring on the ugly sweater! Editor’s Note: For you Rosey – anything!
What do you want Santa to bring you this year?
Santa, please bring me skis and a handsome ski instructor! I’ve conquered the bunny hill and the double black diamond is next!
Rosey Edeh will be co-hosting Toy Drive Live this year. Global News teams up with the Toronto Fire Fighters every year to support the Firefighters Toy Drive. This annual event will be broadcast live on Global News at 5:30pm from the Shops on Don Mills on Thursday, December 4. Bring a toy and join in the festive fun!
Welcome to the I Heart XMAS Q&A, where Retro Festive asks notable Canadians about their own Christmas traditions and what they would like to find under the tree!
Retro Festive: What is your favourite Christmas movie or TV special?
Anthony Farnell:My favourite Christmas movie has become Four Christmases because Vince Vaughan is hilarious.
Four Christmases is Anthony Farnell’s favourite Christmas movie!
Does your family have a special or quirky Christmas tradition?
My family meets every Christmas at our warm cozy cottage in Vermont. We open gifts, have brunch and sometimes hit the slopes in the afternoon.
Which do you prefer: to give or receive?
If I’m shopping last minute (which I normally do) then I’d much prefer to receive. I’ve been slowly learning to put thought into gifts!
Ugly Christmas Sweaters: Not a Chance – or – The Uglier the Better? Of course, the uglier the sweater the better.
What do you want Santa to bring you this year?
Call me a nerd but I’m hoping Santa delivers a home weather station to put up on my roof. Storm (my dog) is looking for treats and a squeaky toy so I think at least one of us won’t be disappointed this year.
Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell will present his nightly weather report from Toy Drive Live this year. Global News teams up with the Toronto Fire Fighters every year to support the Firefighters Toy Drive. This annual event will be broadcast live on Global News at 5:30pm from the Shops on Don Mills on Thursday, December 4.
Welcome to the I Heart XMAS Q&A, where Retro Festive asks notable Canadians about their own Christmas traditions and what they would like to find under the tree!
Kris Reyes saw A Charlie Brown Christmas for the first time last year!
Retro Festive: What is your favourite Christmas movie or TV special?
Kris Reyes: My favourite movie is A Charlie Brown Christmas (saw it for the FIRST time last year!)
Does your family have a special or quirky Christmas tradition?
Last year was a sleepover Christmas and my mom made us all wear matching PJs and no one could say NO.
Which do you prefer: to give or receive?
Both!
Ugly Christmas Sweaters: Not a Chance – or – The Uglier the Better?The uglier the better
What do you want Santa to bring you this year?
I recently visited the Drake Devonshire Inn (in Prince Edward County) for the first time and their house robe was amazing. It had a hood and sweater sleeves. Yes, please.
Kris is co-hosting Bloor Yorkville’s Holiday Magic on Saturday, November 15thfrom 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Global News is a sponsor.
XMAS Blog
