If you’ve spent any time watching Christmas-themed romantic comedies, you likely already have some idea of what to expect from the latest Netflix original film, The Merry Gentlemen. Over the past several years, Netflix has thrown its hat into the ring of Christmas-themed synergistic entertainment that once belonged to Hallmark Channel. The streaming giant has developed its catalog of Yuletide-themed romantic comedies, ten featuring fourteen stars such as Vanessa Hudgens or Lindsay Lohan. 

The Merry Gentlemen is a culmination of the streamer’s work in cultivating this distinct audience thus far. The film stars two different teen stars from across two different generations: Chad Michael Murray (who skyrocketed to fame in the early ‘00s off the back of his star-making role in the CW’s One Tree Hill) and Britt Robertson (whose turns in the series Under the Dome and movies like The Longest Ride and Tomorrowland endeared her to a whole other generation of fans).

The Merry Gentlemen’s Infectious Holiday Cheer

The movie, released on the streamer on Nov. 20, offers a fun and exciting look at the world of Broadway dancing, stage production, and a general reinvigoration of the Christmas spirit. With a specific focus on hunky male dancers flexing their yule-tide washboard abs, this story is sort of like what would happen if you put Magic Mike, The Nutcracker, and any number of Hallmark originals in a snow globe. 

The Merry Gentlemen offers several stunning visual shots, both interior and exterior, and truly makes the world of small-town America come to life for the streaming picture.

Since the holiday movie takes place mainly in a Christmas-friendly snow-capped locale, it may be surprising to learn that most of The Merry Gentlemen was shot in sunny Santa Clarita, California. Some pick-up shots and exterior establishing scenes were also taken in locales such as New York and Pennsylvania. 

However, the interior scenes were completed on soundstages at Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch Backlot. The massive ranch, home to numerous Disney and HBO productions over the years, houses the sets required to bring the Rhythm Room to life. So, let’s dive into the thriving filmmaking industry of Southern California and walk through some of the best places to visit during your next trip.

Filming Locations Across Santa Clarita

Whether you’re a massive fan of The Merry Gentlemen or any other Netflix outings, you’ll find plenty to love in Santa Clarita. The area, located just North of downtown Los Angeles, is a central hub for many film and television productions, including NCIS, Justified, Saving Mr. Banks, Star Trek: Picard, and The Santa Clarita Diet. 

As such, you can take your pick of any official studio tours and production location photo opportunities and even get a chance to appear as a background actor in an active production. Even if you’re not a film buff, the area has a thriving tourism industry rife with day trips and other exciting activities.

Planning Your Trip

Those traveling with their family should check out Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita, while others looking to explore the nightlife of SoCal can venture just a few short miles into the heart of Los Angeles. Even helicopter tours are available for those looking to take in all the LA area truly has to offer. 

Are you seeking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city?  Santa Clarita is uniquely situated beyond the usual nightmare traffic of Hollywood, allowing you to sneak off to the Gentle Barn or the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. 

The area is also home to many upscale restaurants, bars, and wineries, so be sure to round out your trip with a few memorable meals!