Christmas (in the Movies) in L.A.

L.A. WeeklyFilm

Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselorsNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselorsNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.throughout the film riding a bike around VeniceNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.and Windward Ave.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold flirting with the lingerie salesNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Supposed to take place in ChicagoNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.except for some exterior shots. The department store interior was the Bullocks Wilshire Building on Wilshire Blvd. Once an actual department storeNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.except for some exterior shots. The department store interior was the Bullocks Wilshire Building on Wilshire Blvd. Once an actual department storeNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.is home to Southwestern Law School.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr. runs up to his mother’s house during Christmas in Catch Me if You Can. Nat King Cole’s rendition of “TheNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr. runs up to his mother’s house during Christmas in Catch Me if You Can. Nat King Cole’s rendition of “TheNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.located in Pasadena.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Mark Wahlberg as Dirk Diggler gets picked up by a “John” acrossNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Mark Wahlberg as Dirk Diggler gets picked up by a “John” acrossNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Mark Wahlberg as Dirk Diggler gets picked up by a “John” acrossNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Silent NightNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.is mainly comprised of recycled footage from its predecessor. HoweverNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.filmed at this house in Sierra MadreNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.scenes shot for the sequel.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.“Can you believe this is Christmas here?” Woody AllenNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.and Tony Roberts drive down Foothill Road in Beverly Hills during Christmas inNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.and Tony Roberts drive down Foothill Road in Beverly Hills during Christmas inNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.decorated for Christmas.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.The site of the Mary Sex-Mas holiday-themed rave in DougNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.The site of the Mary Sex-Mas holiday-themed rave in DougNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.The site of the Mary Sex-Mas holiday-themed rave in DougNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Christmas in Gangster SquadNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.The lobby of the Park Plaza HotelNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Undercover police officer Martin RiggsNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.prepares to bust some drug dealers who’ve set up shop in a Christmas tree lot in LethalNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.prepares to bust some drug dealers who’ve set up shop in a Christmas tree lot in LethalNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Lethal Weapon is just one Black’s film set around Christmas; others include The Long Kiss GoodnightNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.and Iron Man 3.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.“It’s Christmas Eve in the City of AngelsNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.hop heads prowl for marijuanaNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.by Brian Helgeland and Curtis HansonNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Where Kevin Spacey as Detective Jack Vincennes prepares for aNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Where Kevin Spacey as Detective Jack Vincennes prepares for aNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Danny DeVito and team walk up to a decoratedNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.about to make an arrest in L.A. Confidential.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.The Christmas Eve pot bust house in Hollywood from L.A.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.The Christmas Eve pot bust house in Hollywood from L.A.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.The Christmas Eve pot bust house in Hollywood from L.A.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.in a Santa-themed outfitNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.in a Santa-themed outfitNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.in a Santa-themed outfitNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.Big BusinessNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.in which the pair plays traveling Christmas tree salesmen.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.The magic of Hollywood brings snowfall to Los AngelesNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.The magic of Hollywood brings snowfall to Los AngelesNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.courthouse square famous as Hill ValleyNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.mash-up Gremlins. In the filmNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.mash-up Gremlins. In the filmNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.It’s aNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.was created at RKO Encino Ranch.Nora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.What was once the site of RKO Encino Ranch is now part of LakeNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.What was once the site of RKO Encino Ranch is now part of LakeNora Ephron’s comedy Mixed Nuts is set during Christmas and focuses on a group of suicide hotline counselors, led by Steve Martin. Martin is seen throughout the film riding a bike around Venice, including the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Windward Ave.

The lack of snow and bare trees in our fair city don't necessarily inspire filmmakers to set holiday movies here. That wholesome, “White Christmas” feeling isn’t something that comes naturally to L.A. (Just ask Alvy Singer in Annie Hall.) But movie magic has made it possible to shoot some memorable holiday classics here, like It’s a Wonderful Life and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, even though films like these are usually set in other, much wintrier, towns. L.A.’s absence of snowflakes and snowmen, however, sets the stage for much cooler, edgier holiday flicks. We can’t claim hometown pride over A Christmas Story or Home Alone, but films like Die Hard, L.A. Confidential, Boogie Nights and Lethal Weapon, all set in Los Angeles during the holidays, are the gifts that keep giving all year long.

All photos by Jared Cowan. Follow him on Twitter at @JaredCowan1.

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