12 Days of Christmas Travel: Destinations Inspired by Your Favorite Holiday Movies

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The holiday season isn’t just about decking the halls and sipping hot cocoa; it’s also the perfect time to let your favorite Christmas movies inspire your next vacation! From iconic filming locations to festive destinations that evoke the magic of your most-loved holiday classics, here are 12 travel ideas to match the 12 Days of Christmas.

Day 1: Cleveland, Ohio – "A Christmas Story"
Kick off your Christmas adventure in Cleveland, home to the iconic house from A Christmas Story. You can tour the restored home-turned-museum, snap photos with the infamous leg lamp, and relive Ralphie’s hilarious antics. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Higbee’s Department Store for an extra dose of nostalgia.

Day 2: New York City, New York – "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Die Hard"
While "Die Hard" might spark debate as a Christmas movie, its New York City ties and thrilling action make it an iconic choice. Relive the intensity of the holidays in NYC by visiting Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree, ice skate at Central Park’s Wollman Rink, and stop by The Plaza Hotel, where Kevin stayed in true luxury. Grab a slice of pizza in his hono

Day 3: Chicago, Illinois – "Home Alone"
The McCallister family’s hometown is a winter wonderland. Take a stroll through Millennium Park, admire the holiday lights along Michigan Avenue, and enjoy a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza. Bonus: head to Winnetka to see the actual McCallister house!

Day 4: London, England – "Love Actually"
Feel the romance of the holidays in London, the setting of Love Actually. Visit iconic spots like Somerset House for ice skating, Covent Garden for Christmas markets, and St. Luke’s Mews, where Andrew Lincoln’s famous cue card scene was filmed.

Day 5: Aspen, Colorado – "Christmas Vacation"
Experience snowy mountain magic in Aspen, reminiscent of Clark Griswold’s zany holiday spirit. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and sipping hot cocoa by a roaring fire. Aspen’s picturesque scenery screams holiday cheer.

Day 6: Bedford Falls (Seneca Falls, New York) – "It’s a Wonderful Life"
Step into the charming world of It’s a Wonderful Life by visiting Seneca Falls, the inspiration for Bedford Falls. Tour the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum and celebrate the holiday spirit in this idyllic small town.

 Day 7: Vancouver, Canada – "The Santa Clause"
Many scenes from The Santa Clause were filmed in Vancouver. Explore its festive downtown areas, visit holiday markets, and take a trip to nearby Grouse Mountain for a snowy winter escape perfect for Santa’s sleigh.

Day 8: Salzburg, Austria – "The Sound of Music"
While not strictly a Christmas movie, The Sound of Music evokes holiday warmth with its snow-covered Alps and charming villages. Explore Salzburg’s Christmas markets, and feel the magic of Austria’s festive traditions.

Day 9: Vienna, Austria – "Three Wishes for Cinderella"
Vienna’s enchanting Christmas markets and baroque architecture feel straight out of a fairy tale. Fans of the European classic Three Wishes for Cinderella will find this destination fits the bill for a romantic, storybook holiday.

Day 10: Whoville (Universal Studios, Orlando or Hollywood) – "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
Visit the live-action Whoville at Universal Studios. Whether in Florida or California, you’ll find Seussian holiday decorations, meet the Grinch himself, and revel in Whoville’s festive cheer.

 Day 11: Reykjavík, Iceland – "The Holiday Calendar"
Channel the holiday magic of The Holiday Calendar with a trip to Reykjavík. Iceland’s snow-covered landscapes, Northern Lights, and cozy hot springs create a unique, magical Christmas experience.

 Day 12: North Pole (Rovaniemi, Finland) – "The Polar Express"
End your journey in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Meet the jolly man himself, ride a reindeer sleigh, and experience the Arctic Circle’s enchanting winter wonderland.

Whether you’re reliving your favorite movie moments or seeking holiday magic around the world, these destinations are sure to fill your Christmas with joy, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

Want to plan your perfect holiday-inspired getaway? Call us today at 202-320-3373, and let’s make your Christmas travel dreams come true!