Hallmark's 'A Holiday Spectacular,' filmed in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, debuts Sunday

Heather Clark, Poughkeepsie Journal
·2 min read

Hallmark's latest holiday movies are premiering this weekend, and residents of the Mid Hudson Valley may recognize some of the backdrops in one of them.

In January and February, Hallmark filmed "A Holiday Spectacular" around Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties, as well as parts of New York City.

Set in 1958, the film follows Philadelphia heiress Maggie as she attempts to live her out dream and dance in the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular," delaying her lavish wedding.

Ginna Claire Mason and Derek Klena in "A Holiday Spectacular."
Ginna Claire Mason and Derek Klena in "A Holiday Spectacular."

"A Holiday Spectacular" features the Radio City Rockettes and stars Gina Claire Mason as Maggie, as well as Derek Klena, Eve Plumb and award-winning actress Ann-Margret.

The production was one of the first major projects to come to the region in 2022, filming in Newburgh, Garrison, Kingston and Staatsburgh, as well as parts of New York City and, of course, Radio City Music Hall.

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Locations in the Mid Hudson Valley that viewers may recognize include the Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston, a property in Garrison known as the Samuel Sloan estate, and the former Karpeles Manuscript Library in Newburgh, according to Laurent Rejto, director of the Hudson Valley Film Commission. The Eveready Diner in Hyde Park was also reportedly used, with residents at the time sharing photos of equipment outside the Route 9 restaurant.

Radio City Rockette Kathleen Laituri, Ginna Claire Mason, Radio City Rockette Christine Sienicki, Sara Gallo
Radio City Rockette Kathleen Laituri, Ginna Claire Mason, Radio City Rockette Christine Sienicki, Sara Gallo

And it's not just surroundings Hudson Valley locals may recognize. According to Rejto, the production "hired 65 local crew members and 250 local background actors."

The film premieres on The Hallmark Channel on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m.

Some of the cars used in "The Holiday Spectacular."
Some of the cars used in "The Holiday Spectacular."

Heather Clark cover food and dining for the Mid Hudson Valley for the Poughkeepsie Journal and Middletown Times Herald-Record. Contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Hallmark's 'Holiday Spectacular,' filmed in Mid Hudson Valley, to air

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