What if you could walk straight into the real-life Christmas movie sets of your favorite Christmas film? The good news is—you can! Christmas movies have some of the most magical locations in all of film-land. That’s just a fact. The stories often take place in small towns where the community’s charm is amplified every season with festive lights, decor, and wholesome activities. But let’s not forget the few films that transport us to bustling cities, like New York, and even take us on international escapades.
While watching these places come to life on screen is always a joy, many of the filming locations are possible to visit in real life. Sprinkle some pixie dust on your next year’s travel plans and explore locations for this season by visiting these real-life sets.
What Town is Most Like a Hallmark Christmas Movie?
The most Hallmark Movie-sounding town in the country is Santa Claus, Indiana. It is what comes to mind when you think of Hallmark-themed towns. There’s plenty to do in this charming town all year, but December is truly magical once the mercury drops.
Advertisement Between the massive 22-foot Santa and great shopping at the Santa Claus Christmas store, you’ll be able to get all of your holiday goods here and maybe even meet your true love.
It is famous for having a unique name in the country. Like all Hallmark movies, it goes all out for Christmas. You can do your Christmas shopping from there while watching the Christmas parade.
Jingle All The Way: Rounding Up Our Favourite Christmas Movies and Their Shooting Locations
The holiday season is the perfect time to revisit your favorite Christmas movies. But why stop at the screen? Across the globe, festive film locations await, offering fans the chance to step into the magic of these beloved holiday classics. Here’s a journey through some of the most memorable places where the magic of Christmas movies comes to life.
1. New York City: A Hub of Christmas Magic
When it comes to festive movie locations, New York City is a star on its own. Think about classics like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York or Elf. You can visit Rockefeller Center, where Kevin McCallister admired the grand Christmas tree, or head to Macy’s on 34th Street, immortalized in Miracle on 34th Street.
Walking through the city during the holidays feels like stepping into a real-world Christmas movie experience. The lights, the decorations, and even the street vendors selling hot chocolate make it magical. If you’re planning to travel to holiday movie locations, NYC deserves a top spot on your list.
2. Vancouver, Canada: A Hallmark Holiday Haven
While many Hallmark Christmas movies are set in small-town America, a great deal of them were filmed in Canada like The Christmas House (2020), Let It Snow (2013) A Glenbrooke Christmas (2020)and many more.
Specifically, Vancouver has been the backdrop for countless Hallmark classics. You feel yourself in some Hollywood christmas movie while walking by the Hycroft Manor seen in A Timeless Christmas (2020) or visit the Orpheum Theatre featured in Christmas Waltz (2020). You can practically design your own Hallmark Christmas movie tour in and around the city.
3. Chicago O’Hare International Airport: A Gateway to Holiday Adventures
We’re fairly sure that plenty of people recreate the scene (perhaps unintentionally) all the time en route to their flight—run, run, Rudolph! It is one of the iconic scene from Home Alone. This movie has various famous and memorable scenes. The barrage of attacks against the Wet Bandits, Kevin’s aftershave scream, and the McCallisters’ mad dash through the airport after they overslept, are some unforgettable scenes from the movie.
The family’s sprint through the terminal was filmed in Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, specifically in the central concourse of the American Airlines terminal.
4. Woodstock, Vermont: Quintessential Christmas Charm
If you’ve ever dreamt of spending the holidays in a cozy, snow-covered town, Woodstock, Vermont, is the place to be. This charming town has been the setting for several Hallmark Christmas movies.
The covered bridges, colonial-style buildings, and twinkling lights make it feel like a movie set. Visiting Woodstock offers a real-world Christmas movie experience that’s hard to beat. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Christmas vacation spots for movie fans.
5. Seneca Falls, NY: The Inspiration for Bedford Falls
Frank Capra’s classic It’s A Wonderful Life was set in a fictional upstate New York town. It was actually filmed in a studio in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, the small town of Seneca Falls claims to be the real Bedford Falls.
The geography mentioned in the film lines up. Also, there are unmistakable similarities to the homes, downtown, and even the bridge featured in the film. Capra had family in the area, too, and reportedly stopped to get a haircut in Seneca Falls while working on the movie. The Seneca Falls It’s A Wonderful Life Museum, housed fittingly in what was once the town’s first movie theater. This place hosts an annual festival in mid-December if you’re keen to see the city IRL.
6. Farmington, Utah: A Charming Holiday Backdrop
If you’re excited about the Christmas-themed village and farm from Christmas Land (2015), consider visiting Farmington, Utah. This fantastic movie was filmed in this location. The Pioneer Village in Lagoon Park was an excellent location for bringing the snow-covered, magical place to life. Filming also occurred in Riverton and Salt Lake City near the town’s Main Street.
7. Macy’s (Herald Square), New York, NY: Iconic and Festive Elegance
If there’s one store in America that screams Christmas, it’s the giant Macy’s flagship in New York. It’s the home base for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Here you can also see Santa ushers in the Christmas season each year.
It’s also the setting for one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time, Miracle on 34th Street. Today. Shoppers can still ride the original wooden escalators up to the eighth floor to visit Santa (who may or may not be the real Kris Kringle).
8. Cleveland, Ohio: Relive A Christmas Story
Do you remember the iconic leg lamp from A Christmas Story? You can see it in person at the house where the movie was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. The house has been turned into a museum. It allows fans to step into scenes from the beloved classic.
You may think you’re obsessed with your favorite movie, but probably not like this. In 2004, a fan purchased the original house from A Christmas Story on eBay and renovated it to match the movie perfectly. This stop is perfect for those who want to travel to holiday movie locations while immersing themselves in the nostalgia of the Christmas past.
A Christmas Story House is located in Cleveland. It offers tours and overnight stays to see that Major Award Leg Lamp in all its glory. And if you were wondering, yes, the gift shop has leg lamps to decorate your own home (plus bunny suits for Christmas morning, too).
9. Kansas City, Missouri: Festive Heartland Charm
In 2024, Hallmark gave us a new kind of Christmas movie. It is very loosely inspired by Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, titled Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.
It was filmed in Kansas City, Missouri, including at Arrowhead Stadium. During the holidays, the city is filled with plenty of winter magic in the form of various light displays and fun activities.
10. Chester, Vermont: Enchanting Small-Town Holiday Magic
For Candace Cameron Bure’s debut Hallmark Christmas movie Moonlight & Mistletoe. The filming for the 2008 movie took place in the small town of Chester, Vermont. The quaint location has all of the crucial ingredients for a cozy, festive film. It has charming inns, adorable boutiques, local cafes, and even a historic train station. Specifically, the local Fullerton Inn and Hugging Bear Inn (which is now closed) were featured in the movie.
Tips for Visiting Real-Life Christmas Movie Sets
- Plan Ahead: Many iconic movie filming locations offer tours during the holiday season. Book early to secure your spot.
- Dress for the Weather: Some Christmas movie towns, like Woodstock or Aspen, can get quite chilly. Layer up to stay warm!
- Bring a Camera: These spots are picture-perfect. Capture the magic and relive your favorite movie moments.
What Movie Takes Place During Christmas But Isn’t A Christmas Movie?
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) is a horror movie released on Christmas but isn’t a Christmas Movie. Directed by Henry Sellick, starring Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara.
After discovering a world engulfed by the spirit of Christmas, a man from a world engulfed by the spirit of Halloween tries to introduce its traditions to his fellow citizens, inadvertently threatening the sanctity of the season.
Why it is a Great Non-Traditional Christmas Movie
From producer Tim Burton, stop-motion classic The Nightmare Before Christmas is an undeniable holiday classic. It is also a perfect horror movie for kids to watch on Halloween… or any time of the year.
Need more movie recommendations? Read: Ho-Ho-Hulu: Top Christmas Movies to Stream This Holiday Season
FAQs
The Christmas Gift (1986) is inspired by a true story about the small town of Georgetown, Colorado.
There isn’t a single Christmas Town, but McAdenville, North Carolina, nicknamed Christmas Town USA, embodies the festive spirit.
The movie is set in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, but filmed in Cleveland, Ohio.
Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life are among the most beloved Christmas movies.
Yes, Santa Claus, Indiana, celebrates Christmas year-round with festive attractions and events.
Actor Andrew Walker is often dubbed the king of Hallmark Christmas movies for his numerous roles.
The origin of Christmas traces back to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
This Is Christmas is set in the picturesque countryside of England, in the fictional village of Langton.
There are several towns named Christmas, including Christmas, Florida, and Christmas, Michigan.
The Netflix movie Christmas with You is set in a cozy small town in upstate New York.
Why Real-Life Christmas Movie Sets Are Worth Visiting
There’s something special about seeing where the magic was filmed. To visit real-life Christmas movie sets are no longer a dream now. These locations allow you to connect with the stories and characters that have become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Whether you’re exploring a bustling city, a quiet small town, or a snowy wonderland, these places offer unforgettable experiences.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your favorite holiday movie playlist, and head out to visit real-life Christmas movie sets. It’s a journey filled with festive magic, nostalgia, and a dash of cinematic wonder.