In an earlier post about 10 Horror Movies filmed in Romania, I mentioned that there are two main reasons why filmmakers choose this country for their scenes. First, Romania offers a stunning variety of beautiful landscapes. Second, the Film Studios in Bucharest are the largest and longest-established in Europe.

Today, all ten Christmas movies (actually, there are 12 since one is a series) feature scenes filmed in various locations across Romania. These settings, both real and imagined, create a magical atmosphere, with Peleș Castle being the most frequently used location. Here is the list:

1. A Princess for Christmas (2011)

This movie premiered in 2011, tells the story of an American woman who is the guardian of her young niece and nephew. She receives an invitation from the Duke of Castlebury to spend Christmas in a royal European castle. Feeling out of place as a commoner, she is determined to make the holiday special for her family. In the process, she surprises herself by falling for a handsome prince.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1083448/

2. A Royal Christmas (2014)

Emily Taylor, a seamstress, learns her boyfriend Leo is Prince Leopold of Aldovia. During a Christmas visit to his royal family, she faces disapproval from Queen Isadora and ultimately rejects Leo’s marriage proposal. Realising her mistakes, the Queen later travels to Philadelphia to support Leo’s second proposal, which Emily happily accepts.

The movie was filmed primarily in Bucharest, Romania, with scenes also shot in and around Sighişoara and at Castel Film Studios.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2838678/?ref_=fn_t_1

3. Crown for Christmas (2015)

“Allie”, a fired hotel maid, becomes a governess for Princess Theodora in Winshire, where she bonds with the grieving princess and impresses her father, King Maximillian. As tensions rise due to an engagement to Lady Celia, Allie helps Theodora navigate her emotions. On Christmas Eve, Max ends his engagement to pursue a future with Allie, leading to a heartfelt proposal and the beginning of their new family together.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5133572/

4. A Christmas Prince (series)(2017)

The trilogy was filmed at Peles Castle. Other filming locations in Romania included Bragadiru Palace, the Cotroceni National Museum, the Carol Davila Medicine and Pharmacy University in Bucharest.

Aspiring journalist Amber Moore travels to Aldovia for a press conference but poses as Princess Emily’s tutor when Prince Richard doesn’t show. As they bond, she discovers Richard is adopted and may abdicate. At the Christmas Eve Ball, Sofia exposes Amber’s true identity, and Simon claims the throne. Amber finds proof of Richard’s rightful heir status and ensures he is crowned instead of Simon. Back in NYC, her magazine rejects her story, so she blogs about Richard instead. He later surprises her on New Year’s Eve, professes his love, and proposes.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7608418/

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding 2018

One year later, Amber and Richard are engaged, but Amber feels overwhelmed by royal traditions while planning their wedding in Aldovia. Richard struggles with a failing economic initiative, and tensions rise as Simon returns to the palace seeking redemption. Amber investigates the royal finances and uncovers corruption linked to Leopold, leading to a confrontation with Richard.

After reconciling, they expose Leopold’s wrongdoings at a royal celebration. Richard promises bonuses to workers, and they finally marry in a ceremony that blends tradition and modernity, sharing a private kiss afterwards.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8709036/

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby

One year later, King Richard and Queen Amber of Aldovia prepare for their first child while hosting the king and queen of Penglia to renew a treaty. The ancient scroll goes missing just before the signing, prompting Amber and Richard to search for it while Simon and Emily distract the Penglian royals.

They discover a curse that threatens their child if the treaty isn’t signed by midnight on the 24th. Amidst the chaos of a baby shower and Amber going into labour, Emily finds the treaty in the dungeon. All four monarchs sign it just in time, and Amber gives birth to a daughter named Ellerie after her late mother.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10006006/

5. Christmas at the Palace (2018) 

Katie, a former figure skater turned trainer and choreographer, is preparing to return to New Jersey with her best friend, Brittany Bristow, to open a new training center. Before that, they make their final tour stop in the small European country of San Senova. There, Katie meets King Alex. She also learns that his daughter, Princess Christina, wants to organize a skating benefit inspired by Katie’s show. As Katie helps with the event, her feelings for the country and the king begin to grow.

The movie was filmed at Castel Film Studios, including Bucharest and Snagov Palace. But the town of San Senova was actually filmed on a studio lot, created just for the movie.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9033632/

6. Royal Matchmaker (2018)

Filmed in Romania, including at Bragadiru Palace, the movie tells the story about Kate, a matchmaker hired to find a wife for Prince Sebastian of Voldavia. She helps Sebastian, who needs to find a bride before the Royal Jubilee. While initially struggling to connect, they grow closer, and Kate begins to develop feelings for him. Despite her efforts to set him up with other women, Sebastian realizes his true feelings for Kate. At the ball, after a brief encounter with Petra, Sebastian proposes to Kate instead, leading to a romantic dance and the start of their love story.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8111210/

7. The Princess Switch (2018)

A week before Christmas, Stacy is entered into a baking competition in Belgravia by her friend Kevin. She meets her doppelgänger, Lady Margaret, and they switch places for two days. While Stacy falls for Prince Edward, Margaret enjoys a normal life with Kevin. After some chaos, including sabotage from Stacy’s rival, Brianna, Stacy and Kevin win the competition. The switch is revealed, leading to Edward’s proposal of a Christmas wedding in a year. A year later, Stacy becomes Princess of Belgravia, and Margaret catches the bouquet.

For filming locations, you will find Karolyi Castle, Carei, Satu Mare County, Romania.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8954732/

8. Christmas in Rome (2019)

This movie was also filmed in Bucharest, not only in Rome, and follows American tour guide Angela, who is fired for showing tourists hidden gems. She then helps workaholic businessman Oliver Martin on a Christmas tour to impress a ceramics company owner looking for someone who understands Italy’s “heart and soul.” As they explore the real Rome together, a romance blossoms, leading Oliver to reconsider his priorities and choose between returning to New York or staying with Angela in Rome.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10344956/

9. Much Ado About Christmas (2021)

“Much Ado About Christmas’ was primarily filmed in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania.” In a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” set during Christmas, the film follows Haley Lloyd, admired for her community spirit. She starts dating Claud Miller, a hopeless romantic, without revealing her wealthy background. This leads to complications in her relationships, but the festive season offers her some solace.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11585172/

10.  Prancer: A Christmas Tale (2022)

Filmed at Castel Film Studios in Romania, the plot is set in the small town of Brightridge as Christmas approaches. Widowed grandfather Bud is closing his family hardware store when an accident leaves him needing help. His son and daughter bring their families to assist him, but a mysterious reindeer named Prancer appears and brings a sense of magic to the season. Bud and his granddaughter, Gloria, form a special bond with Prancer, leading Gloria to devise a plan to save Bud’s store. Together, the family and the town come together to embrace the true magic of Christmas!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14668196/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5

Love, Manuela

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