10 Locations From Iconic Christmas Movies That You Can Actually Visit: 'Home Alone' To 'The Holiday'

Grab your eggnog, as we give you some of the most iconic real-life Christmas movie locations where you can visit, and some where you can actually stay!

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By Riddhika Das Last Updated:

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10 Locations From Iconic Christmas Movies That You Can Actually Visit: 'Home Alone' To 'The Holiday'

Christmas 2025 is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with your loved ones to watch (and even rewatch) cosy holiday movies. While watching Christmas movies is a seasonal ritual, visiting the real places where those scenes were filmed adds an entirely new layer of magic. From snow-clad suburban streets to iconic European villages, these locations let fans step directly into their favourite holiday films. 

So, if you want to add just the extra bit of magic to your Christmas spirit, plan a Christmas getaway, or bookmark future travel ideas, these 10 destinations will surely bring those beloved movie moments to life.

#1. Rockefeller Center, New York City (Elf, Home Alone 2, Miracle on 34th Street)

elf

The first location shouldn’t come as a surprise. Located in NYC, Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous Christmas locations in the world, both on and off-screen. From Buddy the Elf’s awe-struck reaction to the towering Christmas tree in Elf to appearing in classics like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Miracle on 34th Street, the massive tree overseeing the ice-skating rink perfectly captures the holiday spirit. 

rockefeller center

The iconic location stays busy throughout December: the massive Christmas tree, ice-skating rink, and glowing storefronts transform Midtown Manhattan into a living Christmas movie set that visitors can experience firsthand all through the month.

#2. The Parker House, Cleveland, Ohio (A Christmas Story)

parker house

Another all-time classic, A Christmas Story, has remained on many of our must-watch lists during the holiday season, and at some point, you must have wondered how magical it would be to see Ralphie’s iconic home. Well, turns out, you can! Located at 3159 West 11th Street in Cleveland, the Parker House has become somewhat of a pilgrimage site for fans. 

Continue reading below

ralphie

The house, fully restored to match the movie, features period-accurate furniture, Ralphie’s bedroom, and the legendary leg lamp glowing in the window. But that’s not all: just across the street, you’ll find A Christmas Story Museum displaying original props and costumes from the film. Visitors can even stay overnight at the house or the neighboring Bumpus House, making it one of the most immersive Christmas-movie experiences ever.

#3. Winnetka, Illinois (Home Alone)

home alone

The stately brick home where 'Kevin McCalister' was famously left behind during the holidays in Home Alone remains as iconic as ever. The iconic building still stands in a Chicago suburb at 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka. While most of the interior scenes were filmed on a movie set, the house's exterior remains instantly recognisable. Visitors can also visit the neighboring church and the town square that appears throughout the film.

home alone

PC: Airbnb

The house was, in fact, listed on Airbnb in 2021 to celebrate the movie, featuring themed decor, 90s snacks from the film, and even "booby traps" inside. However, it's no longer open for tours. It now stands as a private residence, but fans regularly stop by to admire it and relive one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time.

#4. Saint Luke’s Mews, London (Love Actually)

love actually

Love Actually, another go-to rom-com to enjoy the Christmas holiday, tugs all the right strings in a romantic's heart, making it the perfect watch for couples. One of the most memorable moments in the multi-starrer film was filmed on London's Saint Luke’s Mews, where 'Mark' silently declared his love for 'Juliet' using handwritten cue cards. That quiet, cobblestone street has since become a favourite stop for fans.

saint luke's mews

If you were to visit the city during December, you would be mesmerised to see the romantic filming locations along the River Thames and around London’s South Bank. Not only the street, but the whole city's lights and decorations add an extra layer of romance, and it leaves no place for doubt why the film remains a Christmas staple even two decades later.

#5. Selfridges, London (Love Actually)

love actually

Yes, the list simply doesn't stop at Saint Luke’s Mews. How could we forget the iconic (and adorably hilarious) gift-wrapping moment? The scene featuring Alan Rickman’s frustrated attempt to buy a necklace during an overly elaborate gift-wrapping session is both funny and relatable. This standout scene was filmed inside Selfridges, one of London’s most famous department stores.

selfridges

During the holidays, Selfridges goes all out with festive window displays, sparkly lights, and seasonal decor. So make sure to visit the iconic departmental store around Christmas, because it feels like stepping into the movie itself.

#6. Shere, England (The Holiday)

the holiday

The Holiday is perhaps one of the most popular holiday romances that’s sure to pull at the heartstrings, and Amanda’s cosy countryside escape has inspired countless fans to dream of trading busy city life for a snow-dusted English village at Christmas. If you didn't know, you can actually visit the romantic cottage!

the holiday

Ever since the movie came out, the village in Surrey, England, has been filled with historic cottages, winding streets, and charming pubs. While Iris’s cottage was built as a temporary exterior set and no longer exists, many outdoor scenes were filmed in Shere and nearby Cornwell Manor. Visitors can walk the same bridges and paths seen in the movie while enjoying the real-life holiday postcard setting.

#7. Seneca Falls, New York (It’s a Wonderful Life)

seneca falls

For the unversed, It's a Wonderful Life wasn't actually filmed in Seneca Falls; the town is widely believed to have inspired Bedford Falls. Director Frank Capra reportedly drew from its layout, bridges, and community feel. Though not originally shot here, Seneca Falls today embraces the connection with pride, especially when it comes to the Christmas holiday. Every year, the town hosts a holiday festival and even has a museum dedicated to the classic film. 

seneca falls

One can't ignore the downtown charm of Seneca Falls: from the iconic bridge and snow-clad scenery to its historic architecture, the town is a much-loved tourist attraction during the holiday season. Visitors say the town feels like stepping into George Bailey’s world.

#8. Historic Deerfield, Massachusetts (Little Women)

deerfield

Though not conventionally a Christmas movie, Little Women remains a go-to classic around the holiday season, and it surely evokes all the festive spirits. The 1994 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic opens with heartwarming Christmas scenes filmed in Historic Deerfield, which stood in for Concord, Massachusetts. The preserved colonial village still lends authenticity and warmth to the film’s wholesome holiday moments. Although most of the film was shot in Canada, these Massachusetts scenes ground the story in classic New England charm.

deerfield

Did you know, the house was actually inspired by the orchard house where the author lived and wrote the novel? Yes! And fans can visit the original house that's located not far from the locality, in Concord, Alcott's hometown. 

#9. Graceland, Memphis (Christmas at Graceland)

graceland

The 2018 Hallmark film, Christmas at Graceland, was filmed at the legendary Memphis home of the 'King of Rock and Roll,' Elvis Presley, and used its real Christmas decorations. The iconic estate is open for visitors during the holidays, when they can not only see the festive decor featured in the movie but also see the famous blue lights.

graceland-elvis

The Graceland estate, during Christmas, offers a once-in-a-year chance for fans to experience Presley's music legacy and holiday movie magic. For Hallmark fans, it may just be the perfect Christmas destination that feels the same as it does on screen.

#10. Snowshill, England (Bridget Jones’s Diary)

snowshill

Set in the picturesque village of Gloucestershire, England, Snowshill served as the hometown of Renee Zellweger’s character in the movie Bridget Jones's Diary. While not necessarily a Christmas movie, it remains a much-popular choice for rom-com lovers for its holiday feels, from reindeer sweaters to reunions in the snow. 

bridget jones's diary

During the holiday season, the picturesque village becomes a go-to destination for scenery lovers. Visitors can also explore the equally romantic nearby location, Wrotham Park, which doubled as Mark Darcy's family estate. 

These real-life Christmas movie locations prove that the holiday magic doesn’t have to stay on screen. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or planning your next winter trip, these destinations will surely make you experience your favourite holiday movies in the real world.

Read Next: 'Home Alone' And Christmas, Where Is The Cast Now? Inside Stars' Lives, Ariana Grande's SNL Revival

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