⭐❄️Holidays Made Here: 2024 | A Day in Stars Hollow❄️⭐
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Getting There
My mom and I bought our tickets for the Holidays Made Here (and I Am All In Podcast LIVE recording) the day they went on sale. I wanted to make sure we were able to get in for a good time and secured our tickets. It’s become a tradition for us to go to the Warner Bros. event each year since they introduced a variation of it in 2018 as “Lunch at Lorelai’s.”We live about two hours north of LA, so we had to leave much earlier than I’d originally thought. Because traffic…And wanting to work around that as much as possible. We made good timing; Didn’t run into any major traffic. We pulled into the Warner Brothers parking garage just before 8:30.
Guest Service Center & Gift Shop
We made our way down to the lobby of Warner Bros. Guest Services from there.Normally, if you get to the Warner Bros. Studio before your tour window, they can usually fit you in on an earlier tour. Since it didn’t technically open until 9 a.m., we had a few minutes to use the restroom, look in the gift shop and wait a couple minutes. Not much longer after that, we were able to go into the “Power of Story” exhibit, which features a timeline of the studio, the Warner Bros. and important television and motion picture history.
The Backlot, Soundstages and More
Before going out on the lot, they play a short film that talks about the history of Warner Bros., the productions they’ve made through the years and the global impact it has carried, too. I always get goosebumps when I see it and think about all the magic that has happened there, and how I hope to someday be part of a production like some of my past favorites.They introduced the tour guides to each of our groups, then we were dismissed to the tram/golf carts waiting outside.
Off we went…
Because my mom and I have been on the tour so many times, I don’t know that there was much else we learned that we hadn’t before. But, I so enjoyed being on the backlot, once again, with so many production crews, extras and more walking around. It’s always the optimism of hoping we’ll catch a glimpse of someone or see something groundbreaking before it’s out in the world.
The tour guide you get can make or break the experience. We’ve had some wonderful guides through the years, who have made it a point to go by key locations from our favorite shows, like Gilmore Girls, Friends, Pretty Little Liars, Big Bang Theory and more. No tour is ever the same twice. Like snowflakes!
We didn’t get out of the golf cart, but were zipped around the lot from Warner Village (production offices, writer’s rooms, etc) and The Jungle to the Willard R. Abbott Elementary School and surrounding Philadelphia neighborhoods. We drove past the costume department, drove through The Mill (where all the sets are developed and built) and through the WB gas station and prop department. Warner Bros. is truly its own community with so many working pieces that come together for our favorite shows and movies.
Finally, the moment we’d been waiting for arrived! The tour portion lasts about an hour or so, then you’re dropped off at Stage 48 to explore the interactive soundstage to learn more about how TV shows and movies come to life from script to screen. But, this time around, you also had the option to go straight to Stars Hollow for all the Gilmore Girls festivities.
Stars Hollow & I Am All In Podcast Recording
This day was probably a bit different than most, as it was set up with a stage in front of “Stars Hollow High” for the I Am All In LIVE podcast recording with Scott Patterson (Luke Danes) and a few of his Gilmore friends.However, we still had time to make our way through most of town before finding a spot in front of the stage at the Stars Hollow High School.
We started at Lorelai’s house for photos before it was too crazy to get pictures and looked at some of the goodies on the porch for purchase. However, in the meantime, it looked like busloads of people were dropped off and continued to get busier.
From there, we just made our way in a circle — Past Sookie’s house, through Mrs. Kim’s (where you can hear actual audio/dialogue from the show) which is filled with antiques and such. You’ll end up on the side of the church right in front of Hewes Bros. Garage. We took a picture in front of that set, then continued walking — We made our way past Le Chat Club (where I almost bought a stuffed Paul Anka), then walked into the Beauty Sleep Shop, Seasons of Stars Hollow Shop, Doose’s, Stars Hollow Books and the Mercantile.
We also stopped by the Dragonfly Inn. It was actually filmed on the Warner Bros. Ranch lot (that no longer exists) but they did do a recreation of the set, along with the authentic dining room table set and props from Richard and Emily Gilmore’s house. It’s a fun spot for photo opportunities, glancing at all the little knick knacks and there’s even a store dedicated to the robes, tea pot and cups, and other items inspired by the Dragonfly Inn. Those robes looked very cozy!
By that time, there was about an hour until the podcast recording. We grabbed some popcorn and a Diet Coke to give us a little boost. Then, we wandered out into the middle of town, near the gazebo, and found a shaded spot. We talked with some of the others around us about Gilmore Girls and it passed the time off quicker. The podcast started just after noon and went straight through.
In attendance:
- Scott Patterson (Luke Danes);
- Michael Winters (Taylor Doose);
- Rose Abdoo (Gypsy);
- Ted Rooney (Morey Dell);
- Emily Kuroda (Mrs. Kim); and
- Gregg Henry (Mitchum Huntzberger)
We waited around for a few minutes, in case the cast stuck around to take pictures or sign autographs. But, then decided to go grab something to eat at Al’s Pancake World. We shared a chicken strip meal and grabbed drinks, then sat out on the curb in front of the high school/across from the gazebo. By that time, the area was flooded with people and a huge line formed to go in Luke’s.
We felt better after eating, so we decided to wait in line for Luke’s. It ended up being about two or two-and-a-half hours. But, honestly, it was worth it. In the meantime, I ran out of line a couple of times in hopes of meeting some of the cast who came out by their trailers (Emily Kuroda, Scott Patterson, Rose Abdoo, Ted Rooney and Gregg Henry). Unfortunately, they couldn’t make it to everyone, but it was still nice to see them closer and that they stopped to say hi.
Just before we made it into Luke’s, Scott Patterson ran in to film promotional things and surprise a few fans. I was so bummed that we missed him! What a dream it would have been to SEE Luke in Luke’s. Our turn came about 20 minutes later. They take your pictures in front of the door and the Luke’s sign, then we waited in another smaller line off to the side. It was our turn to go in next, and it felt like a ride at Disneyland. They took our photo as we walked in, at a table to the left. After, we got in line to order — Two sugar cookie (Scott P’s Big Mug) coffees. As we waited, I was taking it all in as much as I could and taking photos. We sat down at another table on the other side. And I tried to take more detailed shots. The guy who made our coffee was really nice. You could tell he was a genuine fan of the show, which made it even better! I knew it wasn’t a huge space before going in, but it was wild to me just how small it felt. It looks like there’s so much room on the show. Just another one of those TV magic things.
From there, we were pretty tired out from waking up so much earlier and being in the sun. I’d originally wanted to stay for the tree lighting, but since the cast members weren’t staying, and we’ve been there at night, we decided to head home a little earlier. Although, after seeing some of my friends’ posts, of those who stayed, I’m sad I missed out on the snow experience.
From there, we hopped on the tram back to the front of the tour center, which concludes with the fantasy realm exhibit with DC, the Bat Cave and Harry Potter memorabilia. We’d seen all of that before, too, so we went straight to the gift shop and to our car.
What a tiring, but amazing day! I’m not sure how much the crowds will fade out as word gets out about it. Word has it that Scott Patterson will be stopping by from time to time throughout the remaining couple of weeks! This is the first time I’d love to go back another time during the event’s run. Even if not, I love seeing everyone’s posts on Instagram and recaps of their memories.
A HUGE thank you to Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood, Scott Patterson, the I Am All In Podcast team, Scotty P’s Big Mug Coffee team and everyone who made this happen. Also, shoutout to us fans who have been there from the beginning/early days.
As much as I love that we’ve been able to get a reboot and events like these that continue, it doesn’t feel like that best kept secret anymore. Like, it’s way more accessible than it once was. Much like Taylor Swift. But, I guess that just happens. I’m very grateful for all the love and that people understand the genius of the creators, writers who wrote the scripts week after week and the cast that brought it to life, and brought it into our homes and lives.
Sidenote: There are fancier portable restrooms just behind the church in the middle of town. You can also use Stage 48, which has restrooms inside, next to Central Perk Cafe.
Here’s a complete guide and map for everything Stars Hollow, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Food & Refreshments
- Al’s Pancake World | As any Gilmore fan knows, Al serves quite the array of items, including Chinese (in the cute little to-go containers) and even chicken strips.
- Luke’s Diner | Coffee and pastries are served all day, just as it was on the show. Also, try Scotty P.’s Big Mug Coffee!
- Dragonfly Inn | High-tea is served with finger sandwiches and decadent treats. Pinkies up!
- Speakeasy | Opens 3 p.m. daily. There are a mix of wines, spirits and non-alcoholic themed beverages.
- Smoothie Bar | All smoothies are served in a commemorative mason jar.
- Hewes Bros. Garage | All-American favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers are served. Grab a photo in front of the garage, just stay out of Gypsy’s things 😉
- Coffee, Coffee, Coffee at Lorelai’s house | A small kiosk is set up in front of Lorelai’s house (in the shed/barn from Pretty Little Liars) to grab coffee, of course, along with other treats.
- Doose’s Market | While merchandise is sold in Doose’s, there are also a plethora of sodas, coffee, water and pre-made sandwiches and salads, if you’re looking for something quick and on the go as you explore town.
- Popcorn stand | Popcorn is one of the Gilmore major food groups. Buy yours in a commemorative bucket to keep!
Shopping
- Dragonfly Inn
- Lorelai’s House
- Stars Hollow Mercantile
- Doose’s Market
- Beauty Sleep Shop
- Seasons of Stars Hollow
- Camera Shop
- Stars Hollow Bookstore
- Le Chat Club
Things to see & do
- Kim’s Antiques | Walk through the shop
- Sookie’s House | 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily
- Tours of Midwest Street | A tour guide will point out film locations and behind-the-scenes stories from the show
- Black & White & Read Bookstore | Starting at 11 a.m., daily, trivia is hosted every hour on the hour.
- Friends Fountain | Not Gilmore related, but the original Friends fountain (that was located on the Warner Bros. Ranch
- Stage 48
- Scavenger Hunt
- Costume Contest
The Holidays Made Here event runs from December 18, 2024 - January 5, 2025.
You can buy tickets for the event/tour here: https://www.wbstudiotour.com/tickets/
Have questions about the event or want to know more?
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