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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

Visit The Small Town Of Califon In New Jersey, The Place That Inspired ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’

Califon, New Jersey, inspired the setting for the classic holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life."

Updated Dec 6, 2022

Written by 

Rebecca

Did you know that the classic holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life" was inspired by a small town in New Jersey? As you'll soon learn, Califon, New Jersey's character, layout, and charm all contributed to the success of one of the most popular movies of all time. Read on and get ready to smile when you hear yourself say, "oh, that's where that scene took place," when you learn more about this 'It's a Wonderful Life' town.

While there are many memorable holiday films, one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time is the 1946 classic "It's A Wonderful Life."

A beautifully decorated Christmas tree with red and green lights stands in a snowy park at dusk, with a star on top.
Denise Panyik-Dale via Getty Images

The movie follows a depressed man, George Bailey, who thinks everyone would be better off without him. On Christmas, an angel shows him how things would have been different without him and why his life matters.

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The holiday classic is set in the fictional town of Bedford Falls — a small community that was based on reality.

Aerial view of a snowy town with a river, bridges, and colorful buildings under a clear blue sky.
Matt Champlin via Getty Images

Director Frank Capra was inspired by a town in New York — Seneca Falls, pictured above.

But interestingly enough, a New Jersey town was the true inspiration behind "It's A Wonderful Life."

A charming white house with black shutters, decorated with holiday wreaths, surrounded by trees and a picket fence.
Zeete/Wikimedia Commons

That town is none other than Califon in Hunterdon County, New Jersey; a tight community known for its pretty, Victorian-style houses and serene landscapes.

You see, "It's A Wonderful Life" is based on a short story written by a Rutgers grad named Philip Van Doren Stern called "The Greatest Gift."

A charming pink Victorian house with green shutters, a porch, and an American flag, surrounded by trees and blue sky.
Zeete/Wikimedia Commons

The history writer would later say in a 1946 interview: "Incidentally, the movie takes place in Westchester County. Actually, the town I had in mind was Califon, N.J," according to NJ.com.

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If you visit Califon, you'll see an iron bridge there — one very similar to the bridge in a famous scene during "It's a Wonderful Life".

A metal bridge spans a calm river, adorned with a wreath, with a church steeple visible in the background.
Zeete/Wikimedia Commons

It looks quite similar to the bridge where George Bailey contemplates his fate.

So, there you have it! While the movie town has a New York influence, "It's A Wonderful Life" has strong ties to New Jersey as well.

A row of colorful houses with porches, decorated for the holidays, under a clear blue sky.
Zeete/Wikimedia Commons

Now that you know where "It's a Wonderful Life" takes place, it's something to keep in mind the next time you're in Califon, New Jersey.

If you'd like to explore Califon, take NJ 31 North if you're coming from Trenton.

Aside from this 'It's a Wonderful Life' town, do you know other towns in New Jersey that have inspired movies or TV shows? Feel free to share your thoughts in the following comment section.

After visiting the town that's in 'It's a Wonderful Life," take look at these small New Jersey towns too.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

7 Christmas Towns in New Jersey That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer

Looking for the best Christmas towns in New Jersey? These seven towns illustrate why the Garden State does the holidays better than anyone.

Updated Nov 13, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

New Jersey makes getting in the Christmas spirit oh-so-easy, especially with carols playing in shops, mall Santas, and twinkling lights just about everywhere we look. The best Christmas towns in New Jersey are also gearing up for another amazing holiday season. There are so many amazing places to go for Christmas in New Jersey, whether you're looking for an old-fashioned Christmas or a state-of-the-art North Pole extravaganza. We've even got a full-on magical Christmas village hiding in the south of the state. So follow us for an epic Christmas road trip to the best Christmas towns in New Jersey.

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1. Clinton

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A night view of waterfalls at Red Mill, Clinton New Jersey.

Clinton is one of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey primarily due to the historic Red Mill. This stunning building is home to the Festival of Trees during the holiday season, a unique maze of decorated miniature Christmas trees. The festival typically runs from late November through mid-December. But the fun doesn't stop there. The annual Clinton Christmas Parade fills the streets with costumes, floats, and live music, and you can expect to see Santa Claus drop in for a meet-and-greet.

2. Woodstown

Woodstown is the perfect place if your taste in Christmas revelry trends more toward the peaceful and old-fashioned. The town hosts Woodstown by Candlelight, a beloved event that includes special sales at local businesses and a candlelit home tour of some of the area's most gorgeous decked-out holiday homes. Stock up on gifts at the holiday market, and have the little ones write a letter to Santa.

3. Haddonfield

Haddonfield is another town that goes all out for the season, turning its main street into a twinkling wonderland of lights. That's just the beginning, though, as Haddonfield is known as one of the top holiday shopping destinations thanks to its Candlelight Shopping events. Visit Downtown Haddonfield the first three Friday evenings in December for a magical shopping experience. The town will be awash in luminaries and twinkling Christmas trees. Live entertainment is planned, and you can climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a scenic ride.

4. Cape May

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Kirkikis/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Cape May is one of the most beautiful Christmas towns in New Jersey thanks to its collection of Victorian homes. What's more impressive than historic mansions? Historic mansions decked out for the holidays! You can have a great Christmas visit here just by walking around town and seeing the lights, but a stop at the town's famous shopping and dining square, Washington Street Mall, is the perfect way to spend a winter day in this enchanting Christmas town in New Jersey. When I lived in New Jersey, Cape May was always at the top of my must-visit list during the holiday season.

5. Whippany

Whippany is home to The Polar Express, perhaps the most famous holiday experience in New Jersey. Unlike many Christmas trains, this one is licensed after the famous book and features iconic scenes straight from the movie. A kaleidoscope of colors, delicious treats including hot chocolate, and a memorable meeting with Santa Claus await kids of all ages as they board for this charming experience.

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6. Mount Holly

Mount Holly is best known for its massive Christmas tree and the annual tree lighting and parade, but locals will tell you the best event in this Christmas town in New Jersey is the Mount Holly Holiday Home Tour. A one-day event that takes you to some of the most beautiful homes in town, the beloved Christmas tradition is a little different every year as the homes and decor are never the same twice.

7. Smithville

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Merry go round at Smithville decorated in holiday lights.

Historic Smithville isn't just one of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey. It might be one of the most beautiful sights in the whole state. This Christmas village takes the town's historic square and transforms it into a gleaming, colorful winter wonderland. All the stores and restaurants are open with many selling special holiday treats, and attractions like the carousel and miniature train are decked out in their holiday colors. It's a unique holiday experience that can only be had in New Jersey.

What are your favorite things to do for Christmas in New Jersey? Let us know by filling out this nomination form. We hope you have a great time on your holiday adventures, and make sure to bring a warm winter coat.

If all this merriment puts you in the gift-giving mood, we've got a new gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for that traveler in your life.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in New Jersey, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

There are so many great things to do in Pitman, New Jersey, that it makes the perfect day trip.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

New Jersey is full of great small towns, but I often feel like the state's suburban south gets short-shift. These towns are actually Philadelphia suburbs, just a transit ride away from the area's second-biggest city, and they have a unique culture that's a little different from the usual Jersey vibe. A perfect example of this is Pitman, a town of around 8,800 people in the southwest corner of the state. The town was originally home to a massive Methodist camp meeting in the 1800s and has blossomed into a beautiful small town since. A visit to Pitman means you'll be able to experience charming scenery, great shopping, fantastic food, and a surprising amount of culture. You could easily spend more than a day here, but if you only have one, here are the best things to do in Pitman that you just can't miss.

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A train station with a brick building, a blue awning, and a nearby railroad track lined with trees and parked cars.
Adam Moss/Flickr

Pitman is a beautiful town, combining the best of suburban New Jersey with remnants of the old-school church architecture that defined the town. You can see these charming details everywhere, and the main street is one of the most peaceful in the state. During the warmer months, the town is home to Laurel Market, an outdoor farmer's market that's an incredible place to sample local goods.

The town's dining scene is one of the best in the region, as well. It's home to some of the state's best pizza at Pizzeria Mannino's, and some of the best Mexican at Dia de los Burritos, which offers funky fusion burritos. For dessert, make sure to stop by Chloe's Creme Puffs, one of the most decadent pastry shops in the state.

Neon Broadway theater marquee illuminated at night, featuring vibrant colors and a classic design.
Broadway Theater of Pitman/Facebook

The signature attraction in Pitman is the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, which offers a unique mix of theater experiences, ranging from local and touring musical acts and children's theater to classic and current musical hits in an environment that is still stunning almost 100 years after it opened as a classic vaudeville theater.

Have you gotten the chance to explore Pitman? Share your favorite things to do in Pitman, New Jersey with a friend and plan a day trip! If you just can't bring yourself to leave after one day, the town is home to The Inn on Holly Bed and Breakfast, one of the best local inns in New Jersey. The on-site garden, English-style breakfast, and daily room service make this the perfect spot for an intimate getaway.

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