Best Vacation Spots To Feel Like You’re In Your Favorite Christmas Movie!

One of the best ways to spend this upcoming holiday season is to travel. An even better way to get in the spirit is to travel to locations that make you feel like you’ve been transported into your very own Christmas movie. Whether you’re looking to feel like a kid again on Christmas morning, or just looking for a mature and calm escape this holiday season, we have a destination for you!

1. New York City, New York 

If you want to feel like a kid on Christmas morning, and be reminded of a time when the world felt brighter and more adventurous, New York City is the place to go.

One of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time is Home Alone 2. In this installment, we see protagonist Kevin McCallister get separated from his family at the airport and accidentally end up in New York City, all alone. While most children would be scared, Kevin makes the most out of his situation. He stays at the Plaza Hotel, eats the most delicious foods, and takes a limousine to the toy store. It’s every kid’s dream come true! 

If you want to recreate Kevin’s magical experience, you can. According to the Plaza, you can book his experience -- minus the crazy robbers -- and can get a 4-hour private limousine ride all over New York City, and even indulge in your very own delicious hot cheese pizza during the ride, just like Kevin. You can also have the same ice cream sundae that Kevin did and have it delivered right to your bed, making it a tasty Christmast trip. 

2. Stowe, Vermont

If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas setting, full of snowy mountain views and village lights, then you need to add a trip to Stowe, Vermont, to your bucket list. 

One Christmas song with a music video that feels like it’s a movie is  Wham!'s “Last Christmas", especially with the sky resort setting.  

You can feel like you’re in your own romantic Christmas music video by finding the perfect ski resort for you in Stowe, Vermont.  

And if you want to feel like you’re spending Christmas in Stars Hollow, with Lorelai Gilmore herself hosting you, then you should check out the Stowe Village Inn. This cozy Inn is right near the snowy mountains, perfect for snowboard lovers, and hosts a variety of activities during the holiday season. 

3. Chicago, Illinois 

One of the best destinations for a Christmas vacation is the Windy City. Chicago is home to many beloved Christmas movies, including While You Were Sleeping, Prancer, and Surviving Christmas, perfect if you want to feel like a main character this holiday season. 

If you want to see a town come to life this holiday season, Chicago is the place to be. Many neighborhoods go all out with bright lights, big trees, decorated storefronts, ice-skating rinks, and a soundtrack of carols and laughter.  

Nothing says “Merry Christmas,” like a lively holiday market. You can indulge in some hot smores at Christkindmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza, a German-inspired holiday market with wooden stalls, ornaments, and even some hot mulled wine.  

4. Port Clinton, Pennsylvania

If you grew up watching The Polar Express, you have to check out Port Clinton, Pennsylvania, during the holiday season. 

You can feel like you’re a passenger on the Polar Express by visiting the Polar Express Train Ride in Port Clinton. Pennsylvania. In this experience, passengers board a festively decorated vintage train, sip hot chocolate, and meet Santa Claus while listening to the Polar Express story come to life. You’ll also get to take home a silver sleigh bell, making it a nostalgic and heartwarming ride for all ages. 

5. Congo, County Mayo, Ireland 

For those looking to feel like royalty this holiday season, check out Congo, County Mayo, Ireland, specifically Ashford Castle. This 800-year-old castle-turned-five-star hotel goes all out for Christmas. During the holiday season, you can find this hotel decked out with massive Christmas trees. They also serve festive dinners and even carriage rides and live music. You’ll feel like you've been transported to The Princess Bride movie during Christmas. 

6. London, England 

One of the most magical places on Earth during the holiday season is London, England. During Christmas time you’ll find London decked out in dazzling light displays and massive seasonal shows in every corner.

One gem to check out is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which takes place from November 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This park’s got everything you could wish for this Christmas, from thrilling rides and ice displays to delicious food. There is also live entertainment everywhere, from a circus performance to a band. This holiday experience will have you feeling like you stepped inside a Christmas cartoon!

7. Surrey, England       

If you prefer a quieter, more intimate holiday escape, with rolling hills, picturesque villages, and country cottages that look straight out of a storybook, you should pay Surrey, England, a visit.  The 2006 film The Holiday was inspired by this quiet yet mystical town. In Surrey, you can trade in long hour work weeks for fireplaces, warm pubs, and countryside walks in crisp air.

If you’re craving a new holiday tradition, you can check out festive Sunday Carvey at Oaklands Park Hotel. Sunday Carvey happens every Sunday in December, and it’s when you treat yourself to a cup of afternoon tea. Perfect if you want to feel warm and calm this busy holiday season.  

Surrey also has multiple Christmas markets open during December, from the Christmas Craft Fair, where you’ll find handcrafted gifts from local artists, to Dorking Christmas Festival, where you can check out Christmas lights, listen to festive music, and window shop at the decorative town center shops. You’ll feel like you’re in a warm and delightful Christmas movie. 

Wherever you plan to spend your Christmas, we hope it's a merry one!