CHRISTMAS: Real Places. Reel Magic

Travel Destinations

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Have a favorite Christmas movie? Of course you do. We all do. Ever wanted to visit the movie in person? Well, we can’t put you in the story itself, but these locales are where the magic happened. And some can be not just visited but also allow overnight accommodations. Did we leave one out? Let us know and we’ll chase it down.

1. A Christmas Story House – Cleveland, Ohio

Few Christmas classics feel as nostalgic as A Christmas Story, and its iconic house in Cleveland has become a seasonal pilgrimage for fans. Located at 3159 W. 11th Street, this early-20th-century home serves as the backdrop for Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. Today, it’s more than just a façade — it’s a fully restored museum filled with props and scenes straight from the movie, including the unforgettable leg lamp in the front window

You can tour the interior and see holiday memorabilia, or even stay overnight in the upstairs loft — truly letting you live the “triple dog dare-ya” experience. Visiting in winter adds extra magic, as nearby Cleveland puts up festive lights and celebrations for the season. For both longtime fans and casual travelers, it’s an immersive dose of cinematic Christmas nostalgia

2. Home Alone House – Winnetka, Illinois

Another silver-screen classic comes to life (very literally) in the Chicago area with the Home Alone house. The sprawling suburban home where Kevin McCallister famously defended his house from the Wet Bandits is a real private residence in Winnetka, Illinois

Though you can’t go inside (it’s still someone’s home), fans regularly stroll by the property to snap photos of the distinctive grand staircase and exterior that stood in for Kevin’s base of operations. Pair the house visit with a holiday trip to downtown Chicago — where Home Alone 2 scenes like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and Central Park ice skating helped define Yuletide movie memories

Even if you’re not a die-hard superfan, seeing this quintessential holiday house in person adds a fun real-world anchor to your Home Alone re-watches — and makes for a great road-trip stop in winter

3. Sun Peaks Resort – British Columbia, Canada

For a snowy, postcard-perfect setting that feels straight out of a Netflix holiday rom-com, Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia recently starred as the winter wonderland in Netflix’s My Secret Santa

Perched amid snow-dusted peaks, this sprawling mountain village and ski resort doubles as a real destination you can visit year-round — but it’s especially magical in winter. The film highlights cozy streets lit with twinkling lights, the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, and charming European-style cafés set against a backdrop of fir trees and ski trails

Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, relaxing spa days, or simply wandering through a winter village that feels movie-made, Sun Peaks delivers. Its connection to a recent holiday film gives travelers a modern twist on classic Christmas destination vibes, making it a great pick for those who want both adventure and seasonal cheer

4. New York City – Elf & More Holiday Classics

If you want Christmas movies everywhere you look, few places top New York City during the holidays. While several films capture the city’s festive spirit, Elf remains one of the most beloved — and many of its most memorable scenes were filmed around real NYC landmarks

Visit Rockefeller Center to see the massive tree and ice rink where Buddy and Jovie share their iconic moments, or wander Central Park for snowy strolls like those that helped define Buddy’s holiday cheer

Even beyond Elf, NYC landmarks like Macy’s Herald Square (a stand-in for Miracle on 34th Street’s department store scenes) and the festive, window-lined avenues of Fifth and Madison Avenues deliver that picture-postcard Christmas feel year after year

You won’t just watch these scenes — you’ll walk them, live them, and maybe even sip hot cocoa under the same lights that lit up some of the most enduring holiday films ever made

Final tip: If you’re a Hallmark fan, consider exploring the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail — a curated route highlighting over 100 filming locations from seasonal favorites across the state, complete with local businesses and eateries featured in the films