New holiday movie features the off-season charms of Door County, Wisconsin
3 minute readPublished: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 4:00 pm
New Holiday Film Showcases Winter Charm of Wisconsin's Door County
A new holiday movie, "A Wisconsin Christmas Pie," is putting the spotlight on Door County, Wisconsin, a popular Midwest vacation destination, during its less-traveled winter months. The film, which recently premiered on the Great American Family network and various streaming services, stars Katie Leclerc as a Chicago pastry chef who returns to her hometown in Door County. The plot revolves around her family's struggling orchard and a rekindled romance.
The movie showcases the region's winter appeal, featuring scenes filmed at locations like Peninsula State Park and Lautenbachs Orchard Country. The film also highlights local events such as Christkindlmarkt, an annual event in Sister Bay. The production received support from Door County's tourism office, aiming to attract visitors during the off-season.
Door County, often referred to as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," sees the majority of its visitors during the summer months. However, the film aims to demonstrate that the area offers plenty of attractions even when the temperature drops. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. The region also offers unique experiences like holiday pub crawls, winter wine tours, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
The film also incorporates local references, including mentions of Wisconsin-based products and a cameo by a former Green Bay Packers running back. The Door County Maritime Museum, a popular tourist attraction, is also featured, as is the region's working waterfront. The film's plot includes a nod to local businesses, such as Henriksen Fisheries, a whitefish supplier. The traditional Door County fish boil, a culinary spectacle, is also highlighted, with some establishments continuing the tradition throughout the winter. A new Door County Christmas movie trail has been created, offering visitors a chance to earn points and win movie-themed prizes.
BNN's Perspective:
The film's focus on Door County's winter offerings is a welcome initiative. It's a smart move to diversify tourism and showcase the region's year-round appeal. While the film's success remains to be seen, it's a positive step in promoting a less-explored side of a popular destination.
Keywords: Door County, Wisconsin, holiday movie, winter tourism, A Wisconsin Christmas Pie, Katie Leclerc, Peninsula State Park, Christkindlmarkt, tourism, Great American Family, streaming services, fish boil, Door County Maritime Museum, winter activities, Midwest, vacation destination