Christmas Movie Inspired Destinations: Places That Will Make You Feel Like You’re in a Holiday Film

This guide highlights places promising a festive getaway and authentic experiences that will make you feel you are inside a Hollywood-style Christmas film. We begin with a city that defines the holiday spectacle for the entire world: New York City. And many will agree: if Christmas had a capital, it would be New York City.

New York City, USA

Movie vibes: Home Alone 2, Elf, Serendipity

Experience Christmas in New York City, where the holiday energy is undeniable. Iconic store windows sparkle like jewelry boxes, while the air on street corners is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and coffee - making every vista photo-worthy. For a cinematic holiday experience, grab a cup of hot cocoa and wander through the twinkling winter village at Bryant Park. Experience the twinkling lights and iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, glide across the ice at one of the city’s famous ice skating rinks or enjoy a cozy horse carriage ride in Central Park. Don't miss the bustling holiday markets that pop up around the city, offering everything from Twinkling lights , handmade crafts to seasonal treats. For more festive experiences, check out Get Your Guide for curated tours and activities to make your holiday season in New York truly unforgettable.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Movie Vibes: Santa Claus: The Movie, The Christmas Chronicles

Rovaniemi is not just a destination; it is the official, magical hometown of Santa Claus himself. Nestled right on the Arctic Circle, this snowy landscape is the definitive place to experience Christmas in its purest, most traditional form. The air is crisp and clean, the snow is deep, and the forests hold the promise of adventure. Here, childhood dreams are tangible: you can cross the Arctic Circle, receive a special postmark, and shake the hand of the big man in red.

Your journey starts at the Santa Claus Village, an enchanting festive hub where you can meet Santa every day of the year in his office. Don't forget to visit the Santa Claus Main Post Office to send postcards stamped with the official Arctic Circle postmark—a truly unique souvenir. For hands-on fun, head to SantaPark, an underground theme park where you can join Elf School and cross the Arctic Circle line below ground.

Embrace the Arctic wilderness with classic Lapland activities. Take a serene reindeer sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest, or feel the rush of a husky-pulled sledding safari. By night, venture out into the quiet landscape, away from the city lights, to hunt for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing across the vast, dark sky.

For more festive experiences, check out Get Your Guide for curated tours and activities like Northern Lights hunts or combination reindeer and husky safaris.

London, England

Movie Vibes: Love Actually, The Holiday, Bridget Jones's Diary

If Christmas were wrapped in a cozy, slightly melancholic, but utterly charming blanket, it would be London. The city embraces the festive season with a sophisticated sparkle, turning its streets into living movie sets. Here, the sheer scale of the lights is juxtaposed with the intimate glow of a pub fireplace, creating a beautiful mix of bustling celebration and cozy tradition. Wander the cobblestone streets of Covent Garden under giant mistletoe chandeliers, and you'll feel that cinematic possibility of unrequited love and unexpected cheer.

Experience the Magic: wander through Covent Garden, where the iconic gold bells and giant disco balls hang overhead, filling the market piazza with shimmering light. For a dose of full-throttle festive fun, head to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, an entire seasonal town featuring thrilling rides, ice skating, circus shows, and bustling German-style markets. Catch the stunning displays on Regent Street and Oxford Street from the top of a red double-decker bus, or seek out the unique, themed lights of Carnaby Street. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine at a traditional pub, and be sure to check out the extravagant, elegant window displays on Bond Street and at luxury department stores like Harrods.

For more festive experiences, check out Get Your Guide for curated tours and activities like Christmas lights bus tours or walking tours that guide you to the most magical holiday spots in London.

Strasbourg, France

Movie Vibes: European Holiday Films, The Holiday (Europe scenes)

Known as the "Capital of Christmas" (Capitale de Noël), Strasbourg is where the charm of France blends seamlessly with centuries of Alsatian Christmas tradition. Home to the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570, the city transforms its medieval, half-timbered streets into a fairytale wonderland. Every corner, window, and balcony is draped in extravagant festive décor, from glittering garlands and teddy bears to twinkling stars, making a simple stroll feel like stepping into a holiday movie set. Don't Miss: Wander through the picturesque district of Petite France, where the romantic canals and crooked houses are beautifully illuminated and reflected in the water. Indulge in the rich Alsatian Christmas food: sip on vin chaud (mulled wine), savor spicy pain d'épices (gingerbread), and try the famous local Christmas biscuits, bredele. Be sure to seek out the intricately decorated streets like Rue des Orfèvres for the most stunning photo opportunities.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Movie Vibes: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (Inspiration), Medieval Christmas Classics

If you want to step into a real-life medieval fairytale, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the place. This small Bavarian town is famous for its completely preserved walled city, timbered houses, and cobblestone streets, which served as direct visual inspiration for the Land of the Snowflakes in Disney's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. During the holidays, the entire town transforms into a pristine Christmas paradise.

Wander through the town's central Christmas Market, known locally as the "Reiterlesmarkt." Here, you will find traditional German handcrafted goods and warm, local treats like Lebkuchen (gingerbread). A major highlight is visiting the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village and the German Christmas Museum, which are dedicated to the history of German ornaments and decorations and are open year-round.

Walk the complete, well-preserved Town Walls that encircle the city for a perfect view of the snowy rooftops. Sample the unique local pastry called Schneeball (snowball), a fried dough treat dusted with powdered sugar or chocolate. At night, the town's small size and twinkling lights create an atmosphere that truly feels historic and secluded from the modern world. For more festive experiences, check out Get Your Guide for curated tours and activities that let you explore the history and charming sights of this iconic Bavarian Christmas town.

Vienna, Austria

Movie Vibes: Classic European Festive Films, Period Dramas, Hallmark Christmas Movies

Vienna, the former capital of a vast empire, transforms into a city of unparalleled elegance during the holiday season. Known for its classical music, grand palaces, and rich history, Vienna’s Christmas atmosphere is sophisticated, stately, and truly reminiscent of a lavish period film. The city’s famous Ringstrasse, lined with stunning architecture, sparkles under intricate festive light displays, turning every walk into a visual spectacle.

Experience the Magic: The heart of Vienna's Christmas is its majestic markets. Start at the Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, located in front of the illuminated City Hall, which features one of Europe's most dramatic backdrops. Another must-see is the market held in front of Schönbrunn Palace, where the festive mood is combined with imperial grandeur.

Don't Miss: Experience the city’s classical heritage by attending a New Year's Eve Concert or a festive performance by the world-famous Spanish Riding School. Wander the elegant streets, pausing at a traditional Viennese coffee house for a slice of Sachertorte and a warm drink. The city’s trams, decked out in lights, offer a charming way to see the glowing streets and enjoy the elegant winter atmosphere.

Salzburg, Austria

Movie Vibes: The Sound of Music, 12 Dates of Christmas (Hallmark), My Sweet Austrian Holiday

Nestled beneath the snow-dusted Alps, Salzburg is a baroque masterpiece that truly comes alive in winter. Though famous as the backdrop for The Sound of Music (you can visit many iconic locations even when the hills aren't green), during the holidays, the city layers cinematic charm with centuries of Austrian Christmas tradition. The historic squares, framed by majestic baroque domes and fortresses, transform into twinkling scenes straight from a holiday card.

Experience the Magic: Wander through the Salzburg Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt) in the historic Old Town, one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Europe. Here, you can sip authentic Austrian mulled wine (Glühwein), browse regional crafts, and enjoy the sound of brass bands playing festive music beneath the towering Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Don't Miss: Follow the footsteps of the Von Trapp family at the Mirabell Gardens (though the famous steps may be dusted with snow!), or view the back of Schloss Leopoldskron across the lake. Beyond the movie sites, enjoy a cozy hour in one of Salzburg's famous traditional cafés, sample the iconic sweet dessert Salzburger Nockerl, and take a festive horse-drawn carriage ride through the illuminated Old Town.

Vancouver, Canada

Movie vibes: The Christmas Chronicles, A Christmas Story

Vancouver becomes a cinematic winter wonderland during the holidays. Explore artisan Christmas markets, ride the Bright Nights Christmas Train, and enjoy outdoor adventures against snow-capped mountains. Solo travelers will love the city’s welcoming vibe, cozy cafés, and festive events. For even more holiday cheer, check out some fun tours and activities available in Vancouver to make your season extra special.

These destinations offer more than just beautiful backdrops; they provide the authentic atmosphere, traditions, and energy that inspire classic holiday films. Which of these incredible locations will be the setting for your next Christmas adventure? Don't just watch the movie this year - live it! Start researching flights and accommodations now, as the most popular Christmas movie destinations book up quickly. Your dream of a Hollywood-style Christmas is completely within reach.