ENOSBURG FALLS – Hollywood came to the Green Mountain State last winter to film a new Christmas movie.
“Christmas Cowboy” follows a New York real estate developer who returns to her hometown of Jericho, Vermont, to close the deal of a lifetime with an eccentric billionaire. Along the way, he reunites with his estranged family and his childhood crush, who grew up to run an equestrian therapy center.
The Christmas movie was filmed almost entirely in Vermont, including at the Enosburg Falls Opera House. Crews needed a space to film a ballroom scene and the Franklin County historic landmark was the perfect location.
“The fact that we are going to see our 1892 building on the big screen is very exciting,” said Kim Airoldi, director of the opera.
“Christmas Cowboy” was also filmed at Fell-Vallee Dressage and Ellis Inn in Colchester, the Green Mountain Equestrian Center in Jericho, the DoubleTree by Hilton in South Burlington and Hinterland Bride and Kru Coffee in Burlington.
Tim Ellis of the Ellis Inn said the crew was on site for three days last January, filming a variety of scenes in the bed and breakfast’s great room, bedrooms and front entrance.
“We were very surprised to get the call from the production company,” Ellis said. “My family got to see the different scenes and shots, which was great.”
Ellis purchased the historic brick building in 2021. Built in the early 19th century by Ebenezer Wilcott, it previously served as a tavern and stop for railroad passengers.
“Christmas Cowboy” is already streaming on platforms like Apple TV+, YouTube TV and Prime Video, but locals can watch the film on a big screen at the opera house this Friday, December 20.
Guests are invited to be movie stars for the night by walking the red carpet at 6 p.m. The screening will begin at 7 p.m.
Built in 1892 by the Dr. BJ Kendall Co., the opera house today hosts a variety of shows, vendor fairs, and arts-focused youth camps.
The wood-frame Victorian-style building is on the National Historic Register and has seen numerous community restoration efforts over the decades.
In addition to the holiday romance, “Christmas Cowboy” viewers will see familiar faces on screen. Community members from Enosburg and Richford make cameos as extras and some even have a few lines.
Shayna Sherwood, secretary of the opera’s board of directors, called on the community for the casting, and Airoldi said people came out in droves with interest.
“As our commitment to the community, the arts and children continues to grow, this opportunity really made us see that our place has a lot to offer,” Airoldi said. “It’s exciting to think about what the possibilities are for the future.”
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