If you’ve ever sat down with a cup of cocoa to watch the 2019 soulful holiday extravaganza, you’ve probably felt that itch of curiosity. It’s a gorgeous production. The lighting is warm, the stage feels intimate yet grand, and the performances from legends like Smokey Robinson and the Temptations are just… electric. But if you’re trying to pinpoint the exact spot on a map, things get a little interesting. People often assume these big-budget music specials are taped in some cold, corporate studio in Los Angeles or maybe a historic theater in Detroit.
Honestly? The answer to where was A Motown Christmas filmed isn't as simple as one single address, though one specific iconic venue did the heavy lifting.
Most of the magic happened inside the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois.
It wasn't just a random choice. This theater is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture that opened its doors way back in 1931. When you see those sweeping shots of the velvet seats and the intricate gold leafing on the walls, that’s not a Hollywood set. That’s the real deal in the Chicago suburbs.
The Paramount Theatre: Why This Venue Mattered
You can't just film Motown anywhere. The music has too much history. It has a specific "vibe" that requires a space with soul. The producers, including Ken Ehrlich—a man who basically invented the modern televised music special—needed a place that looked like a million bucks but felt like a community gathering.
Aurora’s Paramount Theatre fits that bill perfectly. It’s got this massive, 1,888-seat auditorium that manages to feel surprisingly tight and personal on camera. If you watch the performances by The Temptations or The Spinners during the special, you’ll notice how the stage depth allows for those classic choreographed moves without the performers looking lost in space.
Why Illinois, though? Tax credits. Let’s be real for a second. While the artistic choice was about the aesthetics of the 1930s decor, the logistical choice was heavily influenced by the Illinois Film Tax Credit. It makes it way cheaper to bring in a massive crew, high-end cameras, and a literal busload of R&B royalty to the Midwest than it does to rent out a soundstage at Sony Pictures in Culver City.
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Detroit’s Spiritual Presence (and B-Roll)
Now, here is where some people get confused. You’re watching a show called A Motown Christmas. You see shots of the Hitsville U.S.A. sign. You see the snowy streets of Detroit. You might even see a quick cut of the Fox Theatre or the Motown Museum on West Grand Boulevard.
Naturally, you think: "Oh, they filmed it in Detroit."
Not exactly. While those "beauty shots"—what we call B-roll in the industry—were absolutely filmed on location in Detroit, Michigan, the actual concert performances were staged in Aurora. It’s a classic television trick. You establish the setting with authentic exterior shots of the city that birthed the sound, but you do the technical "heavy lifting" where the acoustics and the budget align.
Detroit is the soul of the special. Aurora is the bones.
The Logistics of Taping a Star-Studded Special
Taping a special like this isn't like a normal concert. If you were lucky enough to be in the audience at the Paramount when this went down, you know it’s a long day. It’s not a "one and done" performance.
They often record songs multiple times to get different camera angles. One shot might focus entirely on Smokey Robinson’s incredible vocal range, while the next take focuses on the reaction of the crowd. It’s a stop-and-start process.
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The production team also had to handle a massive roster. Think about the coordination required to get:
- Neffe Anderson
- Chloe x Halle
- Pentatonix
- The Temptations
All these artists have different schedules, different setups, and different lighting needs. The Paramount’s backstage area was basically a high-traffic airport for musical legends for a few days in 2019.
The "Look" of the Special: Lighting and Set Design
If you look closely at the stage design, you’ll see it’s incredibly lush. They used a lot of "warm" lighting—pinks, deep oranges, and soft yellows. This was a deliberate choice to contrast with the "cool" blues often used in modern pop specials. It gives the whole thing a nostalgic, "home for the holidays" feeling that matches the Motown brand.
The set designers didn't want to distract from the architecture of the Paramount itself. They kept the physical props minimal—some Christmas trees, some tasteful holiday lights—and let the venue’s natural grandeur do the talking. It’s a great lesson in production: when you have a beautiful location, get out of the way and let it shine.
Why People Still Search for the Location
There’s a reason we care about where things are filmed. It’s about the pilgrimage. Since the special aired, the Paramount Theatre has seen a bump in interest from Motown fans. It’s become a bit of a landmark for people who want to stand where Smokey Robinson stood.
Also, there's a certain irony to it. Motown moved from Detroit to Los Angeles in 1972. Yet, for this special, they chose a middle ground—the American Heartland. It sort of reinforces the idea that Motown isn't just a place; it's a global culture that fits in anywhere that appreciates good music.
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Finding the Spirit of Motown Today
If you’re looking to recreate the experience of the special, you have a couple of options. You can head to Detroit and visit the Motown Museum. It’s small, it’s humble, and it’s where the "Snakepit" (the legendary Studio A) still exists. You won't find the glitz of a TV special there, but you’ll find the grit that created the glitz.
Alternatively, you can go to Aurora. The Paramount Theatre is still a functioning performing arts center. They do incredible Broadway-style productions now. Standing in that lobby, you can almost hear the echoes of "My Girl" bouncing off the Art Deco walls.
Practical Steps for Fans
If you’re planning a trip to see these spots or just want to dive deeper into the history, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the Paramount Theatre Schedule: If you’re near Chicago, don’t just look at the building. Buy a ticket for a show. The acoustics are world-class, which is exactly why the Motown producers picked it.
- Visit Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit: This is the "exterior" location you see in the special. Be warned: you need to book tours weeks (sometimes months) in advance. It is a tiny house and it fills up fast.
- Watch the Credits: Next time you stream the special, don't turn it off when the music stops. Look for the "Filmed at" or "Special Thanks" section. It usually gives a shout-out to the Aurora Film Commission.
- Listen to the "Christmas Card" Album: To get the full context of the music performed in the special, go back to the 1970 Motown Christmas Card album. It’s the DNA for almost everything you see on screen.
The reality of where was A Motown Christmas filmed is a blend of Illinois production savvy and Michigan heart. It’s a testament to how television can bridge the gap between a historic past and a shiny, high-definition present. Whether you’re a die-hard Berry Gordy disciple or just someone who likes a good holiday tune, knowing the "where" makes the "how" of the music feel just a little more tangible.
Go see these places. Walk the halls. Support the theaters. The music is timeless, but the buildings are what keep the stories grounded in the real world.