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

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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."
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.
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".
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.
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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It's a Wonderful Life Town

Marla S. | December 05, 2022

What is there to do in Califon, New Jersey? 

Aside from seeing how Califon is the town in "It's a Wonderful Life," there are many other things to do in this small New Jersey community. This includes visiting the following spots:

 

Take a look at this small town in "It's a Wonderful Life," to learn more about other things to do in Califon, New Jersey.

What are some of the best small towns in New Jersey?

Along with the town in "It's a Wonderful Life", the following is a list of some of the best small towns in New Jersey.

 

To learn more about these and other charming destinations, take a look at some of the best small towns in New Jersey.

What are some unique day trips in New Jersey?

In addition to visiting the small town in "It's a Wonderful Life," here are some unique day trips in New Jersey.

 

Take a look at these additional unique day trip ideas in New Jersey, too.

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Califon, NJ 07830, USA