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New York is a wonderful city to spend any holiday! As Hollywood has shown us time and time again, it’s an ideal spot to celebrate Christmas. Whether you love the classics and want to know more about where they were filmed or love modern films and want to recreate a scene on your next trip, New York has a little bit of everything to offer!
Ahead, find some of the buildings you can see in these New York City Christmas movies and learn more about how the films were made!
Scrooged (1988)
Based on the classic Charles Dickens story, “A Christmas Carol,” “Scrooged” is one of my favorite New York City Christmas movies. It stars Bill Murray as a miserable television executive who has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. He is, in turn, visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve in an attempt to show him the error of his ways. Though it is a bit dark for a Christmas movie, it is loads of fun and shows a great view of New York City in the late ’80s. A grim, gritty place at the time, it was a perfect setting for this updated classic.
It should come as no surprise that the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree can be seen in the background of a few scenes in this movie. There is one point in the film where Murray’s character walks by the decorated windows at Saks Fifth Avenue, saying he actually likes the holiday season because it brings in the money. You can walk that same route between Saks and the tree if you’re on Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets.
Keep in mind that during the holiday season, this area gets very busy! Many people come to New York to experience the holiday decor, so you may experience some crowds. To help navigate the area, you can opt for joining our Rockefeller Center Walking Tour, which goes through Rockefeller Plaza.
Elf (2003)
“Elf” tells the story of a man searching for answers. Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell, took the country by storm upon its release. After finding out that he is not the elf he thought he was, Buddy takes a trek from the North Pole all the way to New York City. Along the way he visits Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Gimbels, a now defunct NYC department store!
While Gimbels may not be around anymore, it’s that mix of old and new New York that places “Elf” among the classic New York City Christmas movies! You can also still visit the building that once housed Gimbels. It is now the Manhattan Mall, located at 100 W. 33rd St. While you won’t get the charm of what Gimbels once was, you’ll know that you’re experiencing a piece of movie history.
You can also head back to Rockefeller Center to recreate one of the cutest scenes in “Elf.” If you’re in the mood for ice skating, you and your sweetheart can be like Buddy and Jovie (played by Zooey Deschanel) and have a romantic moment at the rink.
Ghostbusters 2 (1989)
Another favorite of mine, “Ghostbusters 2” features even more landmarks than the first and takes place right around the holidays! The boys are back, busting ghosts and saving the city. While technically the climax of the film happens on New Year’s Eve, the holiday spirit is in full force in this New York City Christmas movie and the soundtrack may be one of the best ever!
Any “Ghostbusters” fan absolutely must visit the movie’s firehouse, aka the Ghostbusters HQ. The fully functioning firehouse is located on the corner of N. Moore Street and Varick Street. It’s right off the 1 train (at Franklin Street). The fire station sells a smattering of “Ghostbusters”-related merch that has the actual firehouse number on it, too, in case you want to take something home — other than a photo, of course!
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A movie so nice, they made it twice! The real Santa Claus takes over his own role in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While people at Macy’s don’t believe his claim that he is the real Kris Kringle, there’s one little girl who believes him wholeheartedly! It’s a warm, wonderful tale that gives you a great look at New York at Christmas time in a time gone by.
The Herald Square Macy’s where the movie takes place is the perfect spot to experience a bit of Christmas magic. That same Macy’s where the real Kris Kringle works goes all out decorating for Christmas. Not only will the outside windows be sparkling with holiday decor, but inside you’ll find a Christmas market with plenty of trinkets to purchase.
The Herald Square Macy’s — which is, of course, on 34th Street — is also where you can mail your own letters to Santa Claus. You’ll find a mailbox inside the store that is a direct route to the North Pole!
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York
This is another personal favorite! (Can you guess how old I am?)
Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin) and his family love traveling for the holidays, and despite their best efforts to bring the clan to Florida, Kevin winds up in NYC! The city looks even more magical through the eyes of a child. He goes everywhere from the Plaza Hotel to Carnegie Hall to Central Park. And it all ends under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree! New York never looked more enticing!
You can check out the sights that Kevin did — many of which are in the same area. Start at the Plaza Hotel, which is on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street. It’s right next to Central Park, where you can wander around. If you want to escape the cold, you can spend the evening at a show at Carnegie Hall. The iconic theater is located at Seventh Avenue and 57th Street.
Local tip: Eat at The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel for an elevated experience. My favorite thing to do is to do the afternoon tea service and then continue on with my day!
Bonus: Serendipity (2001)
We couldn’t leave this list with just five movies!
Another one of my favorite New York City Christmas movies is “Serendipity.” In this sweet movie — that isn’t only about Christmas — Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) meet by chance while Christmas shopping at Bloomingdale’s. They tempt fate to see if the spark they’re feeling is meant to be.
The pair end up at Serendipity 3 the night they meet, tying in the movie’s name and the possibility of a reunion. The New York restaurant, located at 225 E. 60th St., is the spot you can go to to recreate your own romantic moment — or to just snap a few pictures and try out the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. There is a whole list of flavors to try, but my favorite is the Frrrozen Hot Mint Chocolate!
Your New York Christmas moment
Want to feel like you’re in your very own New York Christmas movie? Head to Brooklyn! Dyker Heights puts on the biggest neighborhood light display in the five boroughs and people come from miles around to see it.
We offer a guided tour, leaving from Manhattan, with extra stops for more lights in Brooklyn and returning to Bryant Park’s festive Winter Village.
We have lots of other New York tours in Manhattan if you want to stay closer to the big tourist sites. There’s truly so much to see here during the most wonderful time of the year. Even if all you do is walk around looking at the lights, you’re sure to have a merry time.
For more inspiration, check out our guide on things to do in New York in winter or stop by an NYC Christmas market to pick up some snacks and gifts.
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