5 Iconic Christmas Movies Set in New York That Capture Holiday Magic

Around this time of year, countless Christmas movies hit the airwaves, each with a different tale and theme. Yet, out of all of these options, one can notice a particular trend among many of these celebratory movies—they have been filmed and take place in New York City. The holiday spirit of Christmas just seems to mix better with the mystical spell this city has cast.

Between the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the iconic streets shining bright with twinkling lights, it makes the greatest setting for a photo-worthy holiday film. Shiny streets and a festive vibe—its image is quickly associated with Christmastime celebration activities. Whether a romantic comedy or a touching family tale, there is just something about reaching the holiday spirit with the hustle and bustle of New York City. Without further ado, the Top 5 Christmas Movies Set in New York.

5. Serendipity (2001)

Serendipity is one of those romantic treasures that often slip through the cracks in relation to the other holiday flicks. To coincide with the own-the-holiding-year book-for-school universe of the film, the picture shows Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale), who cross paths during a vacation, destroy the weak. They are instantly attracted to each other, and they have an incredible night roaming the streets of NYC. The two of them are both in relationships at the time and decide to leave their connection to fate. So they pen names and phone numbers onto five-dollar bills and into books, trusting that if destiny wants them to meet again, they will.

Jump years into the future, both Jonathan and Sara are engaged to someone else when every time they think about that special night in New York, it still never finds itself leaving their minds. The film depicts their desperate throwing in pursuit of one another, their dazzling chemistry, and the force of fate at its best. Though a warming setting, Christmas is merely the backdrop in this touching rom-com that shakes off most of the clichés typical of the genre (albeit for the time). It beautifully blends holiday magic with love, destiny, and timing.

4. Scrooged (1988)

The classic Scrooged from 1988 is a different kind of retelling of the Charles Dickens classic tale, A Christmas Carol. In present-day New York City, a bitter television executive named Frank Cross (Bill Murray) has an ice-cold heart. Three hilarious ghosts come to show Frank the error of his ways and the true meaning of love and kindness just before Christmas.

Despite its comedic premise, Scrooged is not devoid of horror and serves to blend the two genres and make them work together rather than against each other, making for a truly harrowing yet fun story all around. In addition, Bill Murray totally nails it as Frank Cross, his expert delivery and seasoned acting prowess peaking in the late 80s when the man was killing it in his prime. Thanks to Murray, Scrooged is a fast and funny take on this perennial tale that deserves a spot on your holiday watch list.

3. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

TMiracle on 34th Street is a timeless classic about New York around Christmas, and the 1994 remake of the movie is one of those movies with a bit of a holiday pedigree. In the film, a little girl called Susan Walker (Mara Wilson) meets a man who says he is the real Santa Claus, played by Richard Attenborough. This film is a beautifully illustrated battle of faith that tests Susan’s disbelief in miracles (and Santa Claus) but helps manifest the spirit of Christmas.

Miracle on 34th Street has become a staple Christmas film and resonated with viewers of all ages thanks to its heartwarming story and top-level performances. Well, I mean even without the obvious charms of the subject matter, the film manages to encapsulate the magic and wonderment of what is New York during the holidays. Everything from center city, the beautiful Christmas displays in department stores to the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the film has a perfect slice of Christmas in the big city.

2. Elf (2003)

Written byDavid Moinanian, Elf is a 2003Christmas film that became an instant holiday classic. Buddy (Will Ferrell in a star-making performance) is a human transported to the North Pole as a baby and raised by Santa’s elves. Buddy learns of his true heritage and sets off to New York City to find his real father and spread Christmas joy. Played by every bit the hilarious Will Ferrell here as well, Buddy was the lovable and largato figure whose childlike innocence lit up the big screen and made Ferrell a household name. The movie Elf, with its plot about family and Christmas spirit, world-class, altogether lost for the ages quotes, and Miranda swagger, has captured the hearts of kids and adults for decades. More than 20 years later, it seems the movie has only continued to grow in popularity, attracting fresh blood every holiday season and leaving its mark as a holiday classic.

1. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

The film Home Alone was released in theaters in 1990, and its success was blinding. And with its family-centric premise and its onslaught of action and laughs, it is easy to see why the flick appealed to kids and adults alike. Thus, Home Alone was now permanently branded as a Christmas movie. Thus, following that success, 1992 brought Home Alone 2: Lost in New York into theaters. By using the galling premise of the first film and dropping those stupid shenanigans into New York City, it at least gave Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) a much larger playground for his mischief and booby-traps as he crosses paths with the dastardly home invaders Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern).

While many moviegoers agree on the idea that the original Home Alone is the best of the bunch, the follow-up Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was able to up the ante. This one upped the antics with a bigger budget and bigger and crazier stunts. What makes it unique and makes it more Christmassy is being in New York during the Holidays. The busy city transforms into a winter scene, and the movie uses well-known Christmas feature spots, such as the glittering Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree, for a more festive world winning over the plot.