With the festive season in full swing, film lovers are already pressing play on their favourite Christmas movies.
However, for those tired of watching the same scenes on repeat year-after-year and pining for a little Christmas magic beyond the screen, why not take a more immersive approach and go and explore where the best yuletide movies were brought to life.
Dee Burdock, Head of Product and Acquisition at American Holidays, along with Hazel Rickett, Travel Expert at UK tour operator Rabbie’s, says ‘set-jetting’, ie visiting the real-life backdrops of holiday films, is an ever growing trend.
Burdock explains: ‘The rise of screen tourism, particularly at Christmas, reflects a growing desire to experience the iconic festive locations from people’s favourite Christmas films.
‘As viewers become more invested in the worlds they watch, travelling to these destinations offers a unique, immersive way to connect with the stories and characters they love.’
From New York’s Rockefeller Center featured in Elf, to the charming Cotswolds cottages showcased in The Holiday, read on to discover seven real-life film locations you can visit this Christmas:
1. Home Alone – Chicago and New York
Pictured: Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone
The family home of the McCallisters in Home Alone is located in a suburb of North Chicago
Park Plaza, the New York City hotel featured in Home Alone 2, is offering mega-fans a package deal that includes a limousine ride around the city, a decadent sundae and large pizza
The iconic Home Alone house, central to the 1990 classic starring Macaulay Culkin, is situated on a pretty street in Winnetka, North Chicago.
In the film, the property marks the beginning of eight-year-old Kevin McCallister’s rollercoaster adventure when he is accidentally left behind while the rest of his family heads to Paris for the holidays.
Sharp-eyed viewers may also recognise the home’s exterior as the house Monica and Chandler purchase in the final season of Friends.
December in Chicago can be chilly, but it’s the perfect time to soak up the festive atmosphere, with The Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza offering a traditional German-style market and Magnificent Mile Lights Festival dazzling Michigan Avenue.
Travellers flying through Chicago O’Hare International Airport can also visit the spot where the chaotic scene of the McCallisters sprinting through the terminal was filmed – though recreating the frantic run isn’t advised.
And for those hoping to experience the true grandeur of the Park Plaza featured in Home Alone 2, the New York City hotel offers a package that allows fans to recreate some of their favorite scenes from the popular 90s film.
It includes a limousine ride around the Big Apple, visiting filming locations such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Carnegie Hall, a large cheese pizza and a decadent 16-scoop sundae – with all the toppings and sauces.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life – Seneca Falls, New York
Pictured: Actor Brian Rohan, dressed as George Bailey, poses for photos with movie buffs during the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls
Pictured: An aerial shot of Seneca Falls which is the inspiration for Bedford Falls in It’s a Wonderful Life
The 1946 classic, starring James Stewart, tells the enduring story of George Bailey, a man who sacrifices his dreams for the good of his hometown, the fictional Bedford Falls.
Although the film wasn’t shot in Seneca Falls, the town has long been rumoured to have inspired it – something the local community has since embraced.
The town is home to the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, which is open year-round and hosts an annual festival from December 12-14, complete with a parade and opportunities to meet former cast members.
For those travelling from New York City, there is plenty to do before a stop off in Seneca Falls, such as exploring the wintery landscapes of Central Park, or strolling through the Winter Village at Bryant Park.
There’s no direct train to Seneca Falls, but visitors can take an Amtrak service from Penn Station to Syracuse or Rochester. From either city, it’s about a 55-minute drive to Seneca Falls.
3. ‘Elf’ Rockefeller Center – New York City
Pictured: Will Ferrell as ‘Buddy’ the elf in the 2003 favourite Elf
Recreate the romantic scene in Elf where Buddy and Jovie share a heartwarming date under the lights of the Rockefeller Center ice rink in New York City
One of the most romantic scenes in Elf takes place on the Rockefeller Center ice rink, where Buddy (Will Ferrell) and Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) share a magical date under the twinkling lights of Midtown Manhattan.
Having visited many times, Dee Burdock recommends avoiding photos while on the ice.
Instead, visitors should head up to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck for sweeping skyline views – something that’s nearly impossible to capture from the crowded rink.
The Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting and ice rink officially opened to the public on 3 December and runs until mid-January, giving fans plenty of time to pay a visit to the famous attraction during the holiday.
The Rockefeller Center sits in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 45 Rockefeller Plaza, next to the 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center subway station.
Tickets must be booked in advance through the Rockefeller Center website, with prices starting at around $22 (around £16) per person.
4. The Holiday – Los Angeles and The Cotswolds
In the classic 2006 rom-com, The Holiday, Cameron Diaz’s character, Amanda Woods, lives in a breathtaking Mediterranean-inspired LA mansion.
While much of Love Actually’s filming took place in Surrey and Los Angeles, the Cotswolds also feature prominently
The real home is located in the leafy, affluent suburb of San Marino near Pasadena, Los Angeles – a location that provides visitors with a welcome dose of winter sunshine during the festive period.
Across the Atlantic, The Holiday showcases the traditional charm of the English countryside.
While much of the filming took place in Shere, Surrey, the Cotswolds also feature prominently, including scenic cottages and the picturesque Cornwell Manor near Chipping Norton.
Hazel Rickett adds: ‘The British countryside is simply magic at this time of year, with many superfans of the film flocking to the real-life filming locations to recreate their favourite on-screen moments. The combination of scenic landscapes and traditional cottage architecture is ideal for getting in the festive spirit.’
5. The Christmas Chronicles – Toronto
The 2018 hit, starring Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, was filmed across Toronto, Canada’s largest city, offering plenty of prime hotspots for fans to explore.
Nathan Phillips Square appears in the film’s opening, complete with its towering Christmas tree and the famous Toronto sign.
Pictured: the Christmas Tree and Cavalcade of Lights in Nathan Phillips Square, featured in The Christmas Chronicles
The skating rink and seasonal decorations create the perfect festive backdrop – and it’s the very spot where Kate and Teddy first encounter Santa.
Nathan Phillips Square is located at 100 Queen Street West, directly in front of City Hall. The nearest subway station is Queen Street West, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
Toronto has become a major hub for holiday movie production, with films like The Night Before Christmas and A Christmas Horror Story shot throughout the city, making Toronto an ideal choice for fans looking to tick off multiple filming locations.
In addition, the city becomes a snowy, sparkling destination in December, filled with festive markets and cultural events, such as Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District with its glowing lights, traditional stalls, and seasonal treats and nibbles.
6. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Utah
Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah, U.S., served as one of the filming locations for 2000 American comedy, starring Jim Carrey.
Nestled in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the resort is known for its powdery slopes and dramatic mountain scenery, making it an ideal backdrop for the film’s whimsical winter world.
Visitors today can explore the same alpine setting, from tree-lined trails to scenic viewpoints that feel straight out of a Christmas storybook.
Beyond the film connection, Solitude is a prime hotspot for skiing, snowboarding, and cosy après-ski experiences, offering a festive escape with all the magic of the holiday season.
Nestled in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah served as one of the filming locations for Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The resort’s powdery slopes and dramatic mountain scenery made it an ideal backdrop for the film’s whimsical winter world
For Love Actually fans, plenty of locations across London offer the chance to recreate scenes, from Notting Hill, to the festive South Bank to the luxurious Selfridges department store (pictured)
Even even landing at Heathrow feels cinematic, with real reunions reminiscent of the heartwarming scenes from the film’s finale
In Selfridges, this was where Rowan Atkinson’s unforgettable gift-wrapping performance was filmed (pictured)
7. Love Actually – London
The English capital is a magical place to experience Christmas, especially given how many films were set or shot here.
Love Actually is a movie that comes to life from the moment visitors arrive in the city – even landing at Heathrow feels cinematic, with real reunions reminiscent of the heartwarming scenes from the British film’s finale.
Fans can retrace their favourite characters’ steps across the city, bringing their favourite moments into the real world.
Wander through Notting Hill, stroll along the festive South Bank, or visit Grosvenor Chapel, where Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Juliet’s (Keira Knightley) wedding was filmed.
Or stop by Selfridges – where Rowan Atkinson’s unforgettable gift-wrapping performance for foolish husband, Harry (Alan Rickman), takes place.
Everywhere you go, the city feels like a living set from the film, offering a wonderfully nostalgic way to enjoy London at Christmas.