During the holiday season, the debate over the best Christmas movies rages on. From the timeless classics like "Elf" and "Home Alone" to the more recent contenders such as "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Die Hard" (which, by the way, firmly belongs in the Christmas movie category in our opinion), these films hold a special place in our hearts. Now, a new documentary special is set to bring them all to the forefront.

Discover the Magic: A Journey Through Christmas Movie Greats

Elf vs. Home Alone: The Battle of Christmas Comedy

"Elf" with its zany antics and Will Ferrell's infectious charm has become a holiday favorite. The movie takes us on a journey with Buddy the Elf as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. On the other hand, "Home Alone" with its heartwarming story of a young boy left alone during Christmas has left an indelible mark. Both films offer unique comedic elements that make them must-watches during the festive season.The humor in "Elf" is often slapstick and over-the-top, while "Home Alone" relies on the tension and suspense of a young boy outsmarting burglars. Each film has its own charm and appeals to different audiences, making them two of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time.

Miracle on 34th Street vs. It's a Wonderful Life: The Tale of Christmas Spirit

"Miracle on 34th Street" tells the story of a man claiming to be Santa Claus and his impact on a young girl. It showcases the magic and wonder of Christmas. "It's a Wonderful Life" takes us on a deeper journey, exploring the life of George Bailey and how his actions have affected those around him. Both films emphasize the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of kindness and generosity."It's a Wonderful Life" is known for its emotional depth and powerful message, while "Miracle on 34th Street" focuses on the belief in Santa Claus and the joy it brings. These movies have become timeless classics that are watched year after year, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Die Hard: The Unexpected Christmas Movie

Die Hard may not be the first movie that comes to mind when thinking of Christmas movies, but it truly is. Set during Christmas, the movie follows John McClane as he battles terrorists in a skyscraper. The film's action-packed scenes and holiday backdrop make it a unique addition to the Christmas movie canon.Die Hard's Christmas setting adds an extra layer of tension and excitement. The movie shows that Christmas can be a time of danger as well as joy. It has become a cult favorite among Christmas movie enthusiasts and is often debated as one of the best Christmas movies ever.This two-hour documentary special, "Best Christmas Movies Ever," will feature interviews with critics, stars, and creators of these iconic holiday movies. They will discuss what makes these films must-watches during the festive season. In addition to the movies mentioned above, other classics like "The Santa Clause" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" will also be featured.To watch "Best Christmas Movies Ever" on CW, you need a traditional pay-TV provider or a live TV streaming service that carries the channel. Popular options include Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV.Whether you're a fan of the classic Christmas movies or the more recent ones, this documentary is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. So, mark your calendars and get ready to relive the magic of these Christmas movies on December 9 at 8 pm ET/PT.If you're looking to rewatch any of these movies, here's a quick rundown on where you can find them:"Die Hard" is streaming for free on Tubi."Elf" is streaming on Hulu and Max."Home Alone" is streaming on Disney Plus."It's a Wonderful Life" is streaming free on Prime Video."Miracle on 34th Street (1994)" is streaming on Peacock or is free on The Roku Channel; "Miracle on 34th Street (1947)" is also on Peacock, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, or free on Pluto TV."National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is streaming on Hulu and Max."The Santa Clause" is streaming on Disney Plus.

Frederick, Maryland is set to witness the shooting of a significant production called “Boomtown” this week. This docudrama focuses on the revitalization of Frederick after the 1976 downtown flooding. It holds the potential to bring about a notable impact on the local economy.

Economic Boost from Movie Productions

Richard Griffin, Frederick's Director of Economic Development, emphasizes the positive influence of movies and TV productions. For instance, they attract tourism, which in turn boosts local businesses. During the filming, crew members stay in local hotels, dine at local restaurants, and shop at local stores. This leads to an increase in spending on local services such as catering, accommodations, transportation, and equipment rentals. All these activities contribute to a temporary economic boost for the community.However, Griffin also acknowledges that this boost is short-lived. Once the production ends, the film crews leave Frederick. But the highlighting of local buildings and locations often attracts an influx of tourism. Visitors who have seen films or TV programs produced in Frederick are intrigued and want to visit the actual locations.Frederick has become a popular destination for various movie and TV productions, including commercials. Throughout the year, the community usually welcomes three, four, or five major productions.

Specific Filming Locations in Frederick

Many of the filming locations are on public property. They can be found in the city's parks and sometimes in buildings like City Hall. City Hall, which once served as the county court house, is a frequent location for courtroom scenes. Its board room resembles a court room, making it an ideal setting.These specific locations add to the charm and authenticity of the productions. They not only showcase the beauty of Frederick but also provide opportunities for the local community to be a part of the filmmaking process.The shooting of “Boomtown” is expected to have a lasting impact on Frederick. It will bring attention to the city's revitalization efforts and potentially attract more future productions. This, in turn, will continue to contribute to the local economy and enhance Frederick's reputation as a filming destination.