Holiday film destinations in the U.S. you can actually visit

The holidays are right around the corner, and it’s about that time to start thinking of ways to spend the festive season. Few things are more comforting than cozying up on your sofa with a classic holiday film, but what if you could take it a step further?

This season, instead of reliving your holiday go-to’s through a screen, why not take a trip to experience moments from your favorite seasonal films in person? Civitatis is here to make your holiday travel plans a breeze – check out these holiday film destinations you can actually visit as inspo for this year’s holiday travel!

Home Alone, Chicago

We start off our list of holiday film destinations with a Christmas classic: Home Alone. We all know the story: eight-year-old Kevin McCallister defends his home from burglars after accidentally getting left behind on a Christmas family vacation. The film’s exterior scenes, as well as a few spots in the interior, were filmed on location at a home that still stands today in a suburb right outside Chicago, in Winnetka, Illinois.

While you’re in Winnetka reliving scenes from this family favorite, you may also recognize places from other films by director Hughes, like The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Sixteen Candles, all of which were shot in the same town. As an added bonus, after you check out young Kevin’s old stomping grounds, you can take a fun tour of the Windy City by bike, bus or even segway.

Home Alone: Lost in New York, New York

We couldn’t continue the list without mentioning the sequel! This installment of the Home Alone franchise takes us to the Big Apple, where we see loads of iconic NYC locations. You can check out the ritzy Plaza Hotel where Kevin uses his dad’s credit card to check in, or head to Carnegie Hall, where Kevin has a heart-to-heart with the pigeon lady. Of course, you can’t miss a visit to Central Park, the Wollman Skating Rink and the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which also make appearances in the film.

Jingle All the Way, Minneapolis

Who doesn’t love a Christmas movie with the Terminator? This film starring the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger is definitely one for the books. This classic tale of holiday consumerism takes place at none other than the Bloomington Mall of America, the largest shopping mall by size in the U.S., located in Minneapolis. So, as an added bonus while you explore this holiday film destination, you can pick up the perfect gift for that special someone! Do you dare to try and find your very own Turbo Man? Fans will also recognize set locations in downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul.

Miracle on 34th Street, New York

An oldie but a goodie. This heartwarming 1947 classic was shot right in the heart of New York City. What better excuse to visit the famous Macy’s Department Store on 34th Street? Fans wanting to relive their favorite scenes can also head to the New York County Courthouse or head to the location of the former Macy’s rival, Gimbels, in Manhattan.

There are few better places to soak up the holiday spirit than the city that never sleeps. You’ll have plenty of activities to add to your itinerary while you check out this popular holiday film destination: check out NYC’s dazzling holiday lights, catch the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular or take a cozy carriage ride through Central Park!

It’s a Wonderful Life, Seneca Falls

While this 1946 holiday classic was filmed mostly on sets in Hollywood, legend has it that the film’s fictional Bedford Falls is based on the real town of Seneca Falls in upstate New York. Seneca Falls residents have gladly welcomed the comparison and even has an It’s a Wonderful Life museum open year-round! Fun fact: one of the scenes in the film also features Beverly Hills High School’s famous “Swim Gym,” a gym floor that retracts, revealing a swimming pool below (and yes, it still exists).

The Holiday, Los Angeles

An undisputed holiday favorite, this Christmas rom-com was filmed in the U.K. and the U.S. Prefer to stay stateside this holiday season? Head to Los Angeles to revisit some of your favorite scenes from the film. A must-see (and iconic) holiday film destination! You can visit The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills where Arthur and Iris dine together or even check out the exterior of Amanda’s house in San Marino.

While you’re in town, don’t pass up the chance to see other film sets on a tour of Universal Studios Hollywood or live it up with a tour of the city, celebrity homes and beaches.

Elf, New York

This lighthearted family favorite starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen has scenes set all over New York City. Aside from the Rockefeller Center and Central Park, to relive your favorite scenes from Elf, you can check out the Empire State Building where Buddy’s dad works or head to the Macy’s Flagship store which was used as the interior of Gimbels in the film. You can even see the exterior of Buddy’s family’s apartment on Central Park West, where Buddy famously covers his spaghetti in maple syrup!

Die Hard, Los Angeles

Although unconventional, Die Hard is a Christmas go-to for those who crave a little more action in their holiday films. This Bruce Willis classic was filmed in sunny Los Angeles, where Nakatomi Tower is in fact the Fox Plaza tower, headquarters of 20th Century Fox. To check out the set of this 1988 holiday film, just head to L.A.’s financial district, Century City. Plus, while you’re in the city of stars, it’s the perfect opportunity to check out other L.A. staples like Warner Bros Studio, Hollywood or Griffith Park!