Port Perry provides a picture perfect setting for holiday movies

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Port Perry's historic downtown and picturesque waterfront have become familiar backdrops for television audiences, as the community has appeared in a growing number of holiday movies and other productions, over the past decade.

For viewers settling in, to watch the annual lineup of Christmas-themed movies, some of the familiar small-town streets and storefronts may look surprisingly close to home.

The areas around Queen Street, Perry Street, Water Street, and Palmer Park have all served as filming locations, with local businesses and public spaces being transformed into fictional communities for the screen.

Among the first in the recent wave of holiday-themed productions, filmed in Port Perry, is Christmas in Vermont, which brought a film crew to Queen Street, in 2016.

The list has grown over the years, with The Christmas Chalet, featuring the Post Office and locations along Queen and Perry streets, and A Royal Corgi Christmas, including scenes filmed in Palmer Park.

Other holiday productions have made use of the downtown streetscape, including Mistletoe Magic, Christmas by Chance, and Sappy Holiday.

Old Flame Brewing Co. has also had its share of screen time, appearing in The Enchanted Christmas Cake and The Art of Christmas. The latter production also featured Scugog Town Hall and locations along Mary and Queen streets.

Not all of the holiday movies, filmed locally, were Hallmark productions, but they have shared a common attraction: Port Perry's traditional main street and small-town character provide an appealing setting for feel-good holiday stories.

For residents, film crews have become a familiar sight, bringing temporary changes to downtown streets, as storefronts are dressed for the camera and familiar landmarks take on new identities.

With the holiday movie season underway, Port Perry residents may find themselves recognizing a few familiar corners, the next time a fictional small town appears on screen.