For many, the healing power of the season is found watching miracles unfold in classic holiday movies. With Covington and Newton County being well known for our film and TV tourism, we’re proud of all the productions that choose our area, and one movie about miracles is perfect for the season. Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love is a holiday classic that was filmed here, and we love to watch it year after year.
The made-for-television holiday movie tells the humble story of a young Dolly Parton and her family living in the mountains of eastern Tennessee. The family is challenged by a devastating event that unfolds into a Christmas miracle and brings them closer together. Get your tissues out to wipe away those tears, but don’t worry because you will quickly be filled with joy!
Although the movie was filmed in Covington and Newton County in 2016, local sites were transformed into the mountain town of Sevierville, TN in 1955.
Filming at Gaither’s at Myrtle Creek Farm
Gaither’s at Myrtle Creek Farm, was the main area where Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love was filmed. Based on interviews with the producers, Gaither’s Plantation had the look and feel that identified with the home of Dolly’s parents. The field and large open greenspace were great for multiple filming locations – the tobacco fields, school and the church. The location provided the perfect rural setting for the movie to come to life!
Downtown Covington Filming
While Gaither’s at Myrtle Creek Farm offered a special home setting for the Parton’s family story, downtown Covington offered similarities to the small town that Dolly grew up in during the 1950s. With its beautiful downtown area and existing historical structures, producers saw Covington as an area where they could transport the audience to the time period.
Besides creating scenes in a different time period, the movie offered another major challenge. Filming took place out of season. Residents and business owners might remember seeing holiday decor and snow downtown during the middle of summer.
While we are excited about watching the DVD again this year, the movie was also a great way to showcase Covington as a vacation destination for the holidays. Get ready to catch the real magic of the season with Christmas in Covington. Now that the holiday season is here, you can see the real version of our Christmas wonderland when you visit. The Lighting of Downtown on November 21st will start the festivities when 150,000 lights brighten up the Square. View our calendar for a listing of all our holiday events in the Square.
