Top 5 travel destinations based on your favourite Christmas film
The official start of the festive season brings a lineup of Christmas films, ushering in a time of cosy nights, hot chocolate, and heartwarming stories that help embrace the festive spirit and evoke feelings of wonder and nostalgia. It’s also the perfect opportunity to find inspiration for a festive trip, from beautifully decorated cities to alpine winter wonderlands.
We have compiled a list of the top locations featured in popular Christmas films to inspire holiday travel. Below are the top five destinations that have served as iconic backdrops for some of the most beloved Christmas movies. These locations offer a chance to step into the magic and experience the festive atmosphere firsthand.
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1. New York
New York is a highly popular setting for Christmas films thanks to its cold climate, snowy forecasts and spectacular decorations. From heartwarming family films like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) and Elf (2003) to romantic comedies like Serendipity (2001) and comedies like The Night Before (2015), New York has provided the backdrop for a wide variety of festive movies.
A visit to New York offers the chance to see several famous film locations. Highlights include the Empire State Building, featured in Elf and Macy’s Herald Square, which appears in both Elf and Miracle on 34th Street. Furthermore, the iconic Christmas tree and ice skating rink at the Rockefeller Centre are showcased in Elf and Home Alone 2.
Beyond the famous film landmarks, New York boasts numerous other enchanting attractions during the Christmas season. These include the Fifth Avenue Window Displays and Light Show, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show.
Explore our New York cruises here.
2. London
London is an iconic city that fully embraces the spirit of Christmas. While it may not always (ever) be covered in snow, it compensates with light displays, Christmas markets and an unbeatable festive atmosphere. The city has served as the backdrop for beloved holiday classics, including Love Actually (2003), A Christmas Carol (2009), and Last Christmas (2019).
When in London, consider visiting St. Luke's Mews in Notting Hill, notable for its role in Love Actually, where Mark confesses his love to Juliet using cue cards. Just outside the city, the village of Shere in Surrey served as a filming location for The Holiday (2006), featuring charming spots like the White Horse pub. Additionally, Covent Garden and Alexandra Palace, which appeared in Last Christmas, are worth exploring.
During the festive season, don’t miss Winter Wonderland, a large and festive event held in Hyde Park. Admire the lights on Regent Street and take the opportunity to go ice skating at Somerset House. Kew Gardens also hosts the enchanting "Christmas at Kew." You can enjoy a pantomime at the London Palladium or attend a carol concert at St. Paul's Cathedral or Westminster Abbey.
See our cruises to London here.
3. Chicago
Chicago fully embraces the festive season with its snowy city landscapes and freezing temperatures, making it a popular backdrop for Christmas films. Home Alone (1990) was filmed in the city suburbs of Winnetka, Wilmette and Highland Park, with memorable scenes shot at Chicago O'Hare International Airport and the iconic McCallister house at 671 Lincoln Avenue, which can still be seen today.
While You Were Sleeping (1995) also showcases the city, featuring scenes on the 'L' train through the Loop. Key locations include Peter's apartment in Lake Point Tower, located at 505 N. Lake Shore Drive, a prominent skyscraper overlooking Lake Michigan. The film captures the essence of daily life in Chicago during the festive season.
Office Christmas Party (2016) also features landmarks like the Chicago River and its bridges. The exterior of the Zenotek office is, in reality, the John C. Kluczynski Federal Building downtown. Aside from visiting these film locations, Chicago's Christmas offerings include the Christkindlmarket, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and performances like A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre and The Nutcracker ballet at the Lyric Opera House, making it a wonderful destination for the holiday season.
4. Austrian Alps
The Alps offer an unparalleled setting for a white Christmas, making them a popular choice for films seeking guaranteed snow and picturesque winter scenes. This is captured in Chalet Girl (2011), which was set in the ski resort of St. Anton in the Austrian Alps. More recently, the film Your Christmas or Mine 2 (2023) showcased the Sölden-Hochsölden ski area and the Ötztal Glacier, also located in the Austrian Alps near Innsbruck.
A visit to the Alps offers a wide range of activities beyond skiing. While many people come to the region for its world-class slopes, there are numerous other winter activities available, such as tobogganing and dog sledging. For those who prefer to relax and indulge, experiencing the famous spas, après-ski parties and enjoying traditional dumplings or apple strudel are perfect ways to unwind after a day of outdoor fun.
The Austrian ski resort towns in the Alps transform into winter wonderlands during the season, filled with festive lights and a widespread Christmas spirit. This magical atmosphere appeals to both adventurers and those seeking a Christmas celebration.
Take a look at our river cruises through Austria.
5. Norway
Norway offers a stunning backdrop for Christmas films, thanks to its northern location and rich winter traditions. One notable movie is Teddy’s Christmas (2022), a heartwarming family film set in a charming Norwegian town complete with Christmas markets. The film features the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, which serves as the setting for the town square and candy shop.
Three Wishes for Cinderella (2021) is also set against the stunning backdrop of the Norwegian Arctic landscape. Filming locations included areas near Otta and Sjodalen, in the mountain region of Jotunheimen, featuring snowy forests and towering mountains. The Lillehammer Museum Foundation, a museum featuring historical houses from the medieval period, was used to film the farm scenes representing Cinderella's home, and is open to visitors all year round.
If you plan on visiting Norway during Christmas, be sure to explore the Christmas markets in Oslo and Bergen. In Bergen, don’t miss the world’s largest gingerbread city. Additionally, the Norwegian Folk Museum hosts a Christmas fair that showcases how Christmas has been celebrated throughout different eras. The fair features Santa's workshop and offers horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Book your cruise to Norway here.
Ready to trade the film list for a real-life adventure?
A festive cruise is the ultimate Christmas experience, combining all the magic of festivities into one effortless getaway. From the moment you step onboard, you'll find yourself surrounded by twinkling decorations, Christmas dinners and special entertainment.
It’s the perfect stress-free way to explore these incredible destinations, whether you dream of a white Christmas or a sunny holiday escape. Explore your next Christmas cruise here on our website.