With hundreds of holiday movies available on television and streaming services, you may wonder where to start with so many options. How about a film made in Buffalo?
“A Royal Christmas Holiday,” filmed here in January, premieres at 8 p.m. Dec. 23 on Great American Family with encore showings at 9 a.m. Dec. 26, 8 p.m. Dec. 27 and noon Dec. 28. It is the sixth holiday film made in the area by director Fred Olen Ray, whose other Buffalo-made movies can be seen again this season in multiple ways.
Made under the working title of “A Royal Christmas on the Air,” the holiday romance showcases the Buffalo and Erie County Naval Park in a story about a reporter trying to get an interview with a visiting prince who is dedicating a naval museum in honor of his late grandfather. It stars Jonathan Stoddard, Brittany Underwood, William Baldwin and Charlene Amoia. It was also filmed in the festively decorated Ilio DiPaolo’s restaurant and throughout Main Street in East Aurora.
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Director Fred Olen Ray, right, plans out a scene with Brittany Underwood, Jonathan Stoddard and Louie Chapman, left, at Ilio DiPaolo’s restaurant in Blasdell on Jan. 30, 2023.
Here is a quick look at where you can watch other Buffalo-made holiday films. All were directed by Fred Olen Ray, except “Crown Prince of Christmas,” as noted.
“A Christmas in Vermont” (2016)An executive sent to shut down a small Vermont factory during the holidays changes her mind when she realizes how important it is to the town. Starring Abigail Hawk, David O’Donnell and Howard Hesseman. Directed by Fred Olen Ray.
How to watch: Hulu, Peacock, Pluto, Prime Video, Starz, Tubi.
Look for: Multiple locations in Ellicottville including Holiday Valley and the main shopping district, East Aurora’s Roycroft Inn, Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and the Buffalo History Museum.
“A Christmas Princess” (2019)A prince in need of a chef for a royal holiday fundraiser asks for help from a struggling Brooklyn restaurateur. Starring Shein Mompremier, Travis Burns and Erin Gray. Also directed by Ray.
How to watch: Peacock, Pluto, Prime Video, Tubi, UpTV on demand (Spectrum).
Look for: In East Aurora, scenes were shot outside and inside Vidler’s (notice the candy department), plus along Main Street at businesses like the Aurora Theatre. In Buffalo, it was filmed at the Hotel @ the Lafayette, Brisbane Building and the former Black Sheep, which was used as the restaurant (look for the name in the windows).
The murals inside Ilio DiPaolo’s restaurant add to the scenery of “Crown Prince of Christmas,” starring Jilon VanOver, left, and Cindy Busby.
“Crown Prince of Christmas”
(2022)
An impending royal visit for a charity ball at a New York City hotel complicates the lives of co-workers and best friends Madison (Cindy Busby) and Sebastian (Jilon VanOver) when her family thinks he’s part of the royal family. Could they be on to something? This film was directed by Anthony C. Ferrante and produced by David Michael Latt, two of the men responsible for the great “Sharknado.”
Watch it: Airing at 4 p.m. Dec. 22 and 2 p.m. Dec. 30 on Great American Family. Also streaming on PureFlix.
Look for: This movie strongly utilized Hotel @ the Lafayette, which has the great French Renaissance and Art Deco stylings that allow it to stand in for the film’s upscale New City Hotel, called The Garland. In addition to exterior scenes, you’ll see the lobby and its grand pillars decked out for the holidays, the gorgeous elevators and the red stonework that lines the hotel’s main promenade. The Art Deco lounge that most recently was the Bittersweet Piano Bar also has several scenes. Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant, Vidler’s 5 & 10 and Woyschner’s Flowers plus its Christmas Shoppe in Lackawanna are featured in several festive scenes. (The Christmas Shoppe is the exterior of Madison’s family home.)
“A Prince for Christmas”
(2015)
A prince facing an arranged marriage meets a struggling waitress after his car breaks down in a small U.S. town. With Viva Bianca, Kurt Barker and Aaron O’Connell.
How to watch: Freevee, Peacock, Pluto, Prime Video, Tubi.
Look for: East Aurora’s Main Street business district, including exteriors of Vidler’s. Riley Street Station (a bar scene), Elma Meadows (sledding), Knox Estate summer house (interior castle shots), Park Country Club (European Castle), the Colden Country Kitchen, the Old Orchard Inn, Arcade and Attica Depot.
“A Royal Christmas Engagement”
(2020)
An ad executive trying to land a big account of a European chocolate company is teamed up with a new consultant from Europe. With Paige Bach, James Nitti and John Schneider as their boss John Holiday.
How to watch: Streaming on Freevee, Peacock, Prime Video, Tubi. Airing at 11 p.m. Dec. 20 on UP TV.
Look for: Scenes in East Aurora, especially in front of the Aurora Theatre, outside Fowler’s Chocolates, street scenes and the East Aurora Carolcade. Downtown Buffalo as well as the WNED Studios also were used.
Jonathan Stoddard and Anna Marie Dobbins are pictured in a scene filmed at the Northtown Center in Amherst for “A Royal Christmas on Ice,” directed by Fred Olen Ray.
“A Royal Christmas On Ice”
(2022)
Looking to escape his royal life, a dashing prince comes to the United States to start a business in a small upstate New York town and falls for a former Olympic ice skater. Starring Anna Marie Dobbins, Jonathan Stoddard and William Baldwin.
How to watch: Airing at midnight on Dec. 21 and midnight on Dec. 27 on Great American Family. Also streaming on Freevee, Pluto, Prime Video, Tubi.
Look for: Many local ice rinks were used for the film including the Northtown Center at Amherst, the East Aurora Classic Rink and KeyBank Center (you’ll notice a Sabres logo on the scoreboard in some scenes). The French Connection statue outside of the arena makes an appearance. Other locations include Rooster’s Cafe in Lackawanna, the Saturn Club, the 20th Century Club and Vidler’s 5 & 10 (that’s Don Vidler in his holiday suit outside the store).