What Christmas movie takes place in New York City?
New York City has been the wonderful backdrop to many classic Christmas movies blending the holiday spirit with city icons. Ranging from the heart-warming "Miracle on 34th Street" to comedic adventures in "Elf," these films take the flavor of the season in the city that's full of sparkles and charm. In this blog, we will view some of the most popular Christmas movies made in NYC as well as their memorable moments and locations that make them special.
Iconic Christmas Movies Made in NYC
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
In one of the most-beloved Christmas movies, "Miracle on 34th Street," Kris Kringle assumes the role of the real Santa Claus at the Macy's department store. The movie has several iconic locations, such as Macy's Herald Square and Central Park. The heartwarming message of faith and belief in Santa keeps audiences returning year after year. It not only brings out the magic of Christmas but also New York City's festive decorations and busy holiday spirit.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
In this follow-up sequel to the original "Home Alone," young Kevin McCallister discovers himself alone in New York City during Christmas. As he runs around the city avoiding two of his familiar burglars, he passes in front of famous landmarks, such as The Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Center. It is fun to be a kid and experience the wonder and excitement in a big city during holidays, making this movie something that is definitely watched and enjoyed by family during the Christmas season.
Elf (2003)
"Elf" has become the modern holiday classic that depicts Will Ferrell as a human raised by elves at the North Pole. When he travels to New York City to look for his biological father, Buddy's innocent enthusiasm is a joy to everyone in his path. The movie shows several NYC locations, among them Central Park and Gimbels department store. For the film, that was turned into a winter wonderland. Its humor and heartwarming moments make it a favorite among audiences of all ages.
Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray stars in the modern retelling of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." A cynical television executive learns of compassion and generosity through visits from three ghosts on Christmas Eve in the movie "Scrooged," which was shot in New York City and features several iconic locations like the Seagram Building as well as many Manhattan streets with holiday decorations. Its take on comedy and heartfelt redemption messages makes it a wonderful addition to the Christmas movies genre.
You've Got Mail (1998)
Not strictly a Christmas film, "You've Got Mail" has a few sweet scenes shot during the holiday season. With Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, this romantic comedy has many Upper West Side locations decorated for Christmas. Love and connection are what this film is about, which is perfect for this festive time of year.
Why NYC is Perfect for Holiday Films
New York City has a vibrant atmosphere and great landmarks that make it such an enchanting backdrop for holiday films. The festivity of the city and its decorations, the crowd on the streets filled with holiday shoppers, and beautiful parks create an ambiance of capturing the magic of Christmas. Filmmakers are often drawn to NYC because they feel it can evoke nostalgic and warm feelings during this special season.
Moreover, many traditional Christmas movies have family, love, and generosity themes that resonate with the people especially during Christmas. Putting it all together, this is why NYC is perfect as a setting for any film that would tell of Christmas spirit.
How to Enjoy NYC at Christmas
If you are visiting New York City during Christmas just to see these films live, here are some tips:
Plan Your Itinerary: Research filming locations from your favorite movies and create an itinerary to visit them. This can enhance your experience as you explore the city.
Dress Warmly: December can be quite cold in NYC, so be sure to wear layers and comfortable shoes for walking around.
Use Public Transportation: Navigating NYC can be easier using public transportation. The subway is efficient and can take you close to many iconic sites.
Embrace the Crowds: Expect large crowds at popular attractions like Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. Embrace the festive atmosphere as you join fellow visitors celebrating the season.
Consider Cleaning Services: If you're staying in an apartment or rental during your visit, utilizing services like Sparkly Maid NYC can help keep your space tidy amidst all your holiday activities.
Christmas Movie Magic
New York City presents the perfect mythical setting for hundreds of wonderful films about Christmas that epitomize what Christmas means and stands for. From "Miracle on 34th Street" to "Elf," films like these showcase heart-warming plots along with wonderful NYC destinations that complement this magical theme. Enjoy one of these jewels during this year's Christmas holiday and recognize how all of this points to how great Christmas will be while staying in NYC.
For those who want to enjoy all that NYC has in store for them during their visit while maintaining a clean space, Sparkly Maid NYC offers excellent cleaning services tailored to your needs. Holiday cheer in one of the world's most iconic cities is guaranteed while reliving your favorite Christmas movie moments!
