Taylor Swift quietly spent a week in the UK to film a new holiday-themed music video, slipping in and out of several London locations without being seen.
According to those involved in the production, the 35-year-old arrived from New Jersey by private jet and operated under a level of security one crew member compared to “a military operation.”
The video is believed to be tied to Opalite, a track from her recent album The Life Of a Showgirl.
The production carried an estimated $1 million budget and was kept tightly controlled from the first day of shooting.
Filming opened at the Mildmay Club in Stoke Newington, where extras dressed in retro looks were spotted leaving with props that hinted at the festive theme — Christmas trees, glitter cannons, tinsel and more.
Banana milkshake stood in for eggnog, while grape juice replaced champagne for the scenes needing celebratory drinks.
Swift’s team then shifted to Croydon, taking over part of the Whitgift Centre for what appeared to be holiday shopping sequences. Large screens were positioned to shield the set, and performers were identified only by numbers to maintain secrecy.
People on set suggested that Lewis Capaldi and Domhnall Gleeson — both of whom recently joined Swift on The Graham Norton Show — filmed brief cameo appearances, though their involvement has not been confirmed.
With principal photography completed, the project has now moved into post-production. The release is expected before Christmas, aligning with the song’s seasonal tone.
Opalite has been linked to Swift’s personal life, echoing her earlier comments about the track being inspired by fiancé Travis Kelce, whose birthstone is opal.