While Central Florida may not be the location described in classic Christmas song, it was the setting for the 1988 seasonal comedy “Ernest Saves Christmas.”The film follows Ernest Worrell, played by Jim Varney, as he helps Santa look for a successor. Through Ernest’s antics and comedic charm, the film follows as the titular character travels all around Central Florida. The movie shows off an ’80s Christmas in Orlando with many iconic locations making appearances, either as primary locations or “blink and you’ll miss it” background cameo.Orlando International Airport (MCO) makes an appearance multiple times throughout the film with characters walking through terminal corridors and waiting at arrival pickup. The airport opened around 1975, making it only 13 years old at the time of the film’s release, with the MCO Terminal Complex being completed in 1981. Now in 2025, MCO is preparing for a potentially record-breaking winter travel season in which it expects over 3 million passengers to arrive and depart. The Orlando Children’s Museum is another primary location in the film, which many will know by its new name and location as the Orlando Science Center. The facility moved and changed names in 1997, with the original building now housing the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Later in the film a character finds themself at the Orlando Health/Amtrak Station, popularly known as Orlando Station. Next year the station will celebrate 99 years of operation as it opened for service on Jan. 11, 1927.A brief part of the film later takes the titular character to the fictional Diamond World Pictures studios. The real location is part of another local news station, Fox 35 Orlando, who made the move to their Lake Mary location in 1986.Fans of the Orlando Magic can spot a Magic FanAttic’s location early on at the start of the film. The Magic FanAttic, and its many subsequent locations, was the only store that fans of the NBA team could find merchandise and memorabilia before it finally closed in 2007. Today fans can find official gear at the Orlando Magic Team Shop located at the Amway Center.”Ernest Saves Christmas” may not be on the caliber of Christmas classic like “It’s a Wonderlife,” “A Christmas Story,” or the Home Alone franchise but the film keeps alive the Christmas spirit of Central Florida in the ’80s.>> Related Feel Good Holiday StoriesSurfing Santas take over Cocoa BeachChildren gather for Orlando’s 24th Annual Wheels for Kids Holiday Giveaway

ORLANDO, Fla. —

While Central Florida may not be the location described in classic Christmas song, it was the setting for the 1988 seasonal comedy “Ernest Saves Christmas.”

The film follows Ernest Worrell, played by Jim Varney, as he helps Santa look for a successor. Through Ernest’s antics and comedic charm, the film follows as the titular character travels all around Central Florida.

The movie shows off an ’80s Christmas in Orlando with many iconic locations making appearances, either as primary locations or “blink and you’ll miss it” background cameo.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) makes an appearance multiple times throughout the film with characters walking through terminal corridors and waiting at arrival pickup. The airport opened around 1975, making it only 13 years old at the time of the film’s release, with the MCO Terminal Complex being completed in 1981.

Now in 2025, MCO is preparing for a potentially record-breaking winter travel season in which it expects over 3 million passengers to arrive and depart.

The Orlando Children’s Museum is another primary location in the film, which many will know by its new name and location as the Orlando Science Center. The facility moved and changed names in 1997, with the original building now housing the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

Later in the film a character finds themself at the Orlando Health/Amtrak Station, popularly known as Orlando Station. Next year the station will celebrate 99 years of operation as it opened for service on Jan. 11, 1927.

A brief part of the film later takes the titular character to the fictional Diamond World Pictures studios. The real location is part of another local news station, Fox 35 Orlando, who made the move to their Lake Mary location in 1986.

Fans of the Orlando Magic can spot a Magic FanAttic’s location early on at the start of the film. The Magic FanAttic, and its many subsequent locations, was the only store that fans of the NBA team could find merchandise and memorabilia before it finally closed in 2007.

Today fans can find official gear at the Orlando Magic Team Shop located at the Amway Center.

“Ernest Saves Christmas” may not be on the caliber of Christmas classic like “It’s a Wonderlife,” “A Christmas Story,” or the Home Alone franchise but the film keeps alive the Christmas spirit of Central Florida in the ’80s.

>> Related Feel Good Holiday Stories

Surfing Santas take over Cocoa Beach
Children gather for Orlando’s 24th Annual Wheels for Kids Holiday Giveaway