Christmas Tourism Videos for Small Towns: How We Create Holiday Magic

Behind the scenes of filming Ellijay’s Christmas tourism video.

At Sozo Bear Films, we’ve gotten really good at making Christmas tourism videos for small towns. We’ve filmed for places like Dahlonega and Ellijay, GA, and the goal is always the same: make people feel the magic of Christmas and think, “I want to go there.”

What We Look for When Filming Christmas in Small Towns

We focus on cozy shots, twinkly lights, and anything that gives off that warm holiday energy—Christmas markets, storefronts lit up at night, parades, tree lightings, all the stuff that makes a town feel alive in December.

Last year in Ellijay was a great example. We filmed on literally the coldest day of the year, but we still pulled it off. It actually added to the vibe because you could see people bundled up and enjoying the season. And the funniest part was how many people kept stopping because they thought we were filming a Hallmark movie. It’s that kind of reaction we always try to create—something that feels cinematic enough to make people want to visit.

The whole point of these videos is to showcase what a town feels like at Christmas, not just what it looks like. We want viewers to feel the warmth, the charm, and the nostalgia. If someone finishes the video and immediately starts planning a weekend trip, then we’ve done our job.

Looking to promote your town this holiday season? Let’s tell your Christmas story.

Work With Sozo Bear Films