8 Famous Christmas Movie Filming Locations in NYC
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While NYC is a great tourist destination all year round, millions of tourists choose to visit during the festive holiday season for a reason. As someone who loves this time of year, it has been on my bucket list for so long. I finally got my opportunity to see what all the fuss was about while living in Philly (a quick 2 hour drive). While Philly is a wonderful holiday destination, there is no way I was missing out on seeing The Big Apple decked out in holiday cheer while living so close.
With an entertaining lineup of festive annual events, 3 famous ice rinks, beautiful decor around every corner, and one of the country’s most famous trees, it’s the best Christmas destination city in the country. Thus, it is no surprise that the city is often used as a backdrop for so many holiday classics. Iconic movie filming locations continue to draw millions of tourists to the city each winter. Right off the bat, I knew that I had to see where one of my favorites, Home Alone 2 was filmed. Many other holiday classics have filmed in the city including Elf and Miracle on 34th Street.
NYC truly embodies the essence of the holiday season, thus making it the perfect setting for any film. Each winter season, the city transforms into an urban winter wonderland filled with holiday magic around every corner. I love Christmas, movies, and NYC in the winter, so I decided to take a self-guided tour of some of the most famous sites. Happy Holidays and enjoy my guide!
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
Featured in: Home Alone 2 and Elf
One of the most famous movie scenes of all time is when Kevin McCallister (MaCaulay Culkin) makes a wish by the big Rockefeller Center tree to see his family again. Of course, his mom (Catherine O’Hara) knows he loves trees and quickly realizes he would be by the biggest one of them all. They are reunited in a cozy scene which screams Christmas. Although the tree looks just as magnificent in person, do not expect the crowd-free experience which Kevin enjoyed. In real life, there are always thousands upon thousands of people cramming in to get a good look.
The tree is also featured in another holiday favorite, Elf. In the scene, Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) takes Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) to see New York’s tallest tree. Additionally, a number of made-for-TV films feature the famous tree. The goofy Seth Rogan comedy The Night Before (2015) and the decent ensemble cast New Year’s Eve (2011) also featured scenes at Rockefeller Center. I’ve also seen shots in various Hallmark and ABC Family movies.
Prepare for massive crowds especially in the weekends leading up to the big day. Consider visiting earlier in the morning to take a few photos, then stop by at night (fighting your way through crowds) to see the pretty lights. This annual tradition began in 1933. The tree changes by year, but is always adorned with the trademark star, comprised of 3 million Swarovski crystals.
Rockefeller ice skating rink
Featured in: Elf
While this rink is much smaller than the Wollman in Central Park, skating at Rockefeller has become the quintessential NYC winter experience. If you watch Elf every holiday season, you will probably remember the charming scene where Jovie and Buddy enjoy skating at the rink after seeing the big tree at Rockefeller.
It’s an amazing experience to skate amongst the pretty lights, festive music, and bustling crowds in one of the best cities in the world. While it’s almost impossible to get on the rink on any random weekend night in December, you can now thankfully reserve your spot online. Really, skating at this rink is a bucket list contender for anyone who loves the holidays and Elf. I admit, it’s not one of my all time favorites, but I do usually catch it once per season.
Radio City Music Hall
Featured in: Home Alone 2
One of my favorite scenes in Home Alone 2 is Kevin’s sightseeing adventure after he arrives at LaGuardia. Right after he takes a taxi across the Queensboro Bridge into the city, the catchy All Alone on Christmas plays in the background as he checks out famous sites. This is one of my favorite holiday songs and it went perfectly with the scene. Most notably, in the scene while he is snapping pics on his polaroid (so old-school!), he passes the famous Radio City Music Hall.
The iconic Christmas Spectacular by the Rockettes has taken place at Radio City Music Hall every November-January since the 1990’s. If you are looking for a festive fun show for the whole family, this is definitely one to put on your bucket list. As an added bonus, the iconic giant red ornaments (also featured in countless films) are located just across the street on 6th Avenue! Be sure to stop by for a pic both day and night as the setting is equally spectacular!
The Wollman Rink
Featured in: Home Alone 2 and Serendipity
Rarely does a holiday movie, whether big budget or made-for-TV, leave out the iconic winter ice skating scene. To me, the holiday season would not be the same to be without skating at least a few times. I pretty much skate the entire winter season (Philly is home to some nice rinks), but I really wanted to skate in the holiday capital of the US. I’ve skated on some nice city rinks including Millennium in Chicago and Boston’s Frog Pond, but nothing compares to skating in New York
Manhattan is home to several incredible ice rinks, the Wollman featuring the most picturesque setting in the park. You really cannot beat skating while surrounded by amazing architecture, plus the beautiful natural surroundings of Central Park. In addition, 2 popular holiday movies (Home Alone 2 and Serendipity) have filmed here.
In Home Alone 2, you may remember the scene when Marv (Daniel Stern) is snatching mittens and earmuffs off fellow skaters. This is also where Marv and Harry (Joe Pesci) discuss plans to rob Duncan’s Toy Chest. In Serendipity, the wonderful rom com featuring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack, the duo share a romantic moment on this rink at night.
The setting is so romantic and dream-like, you will definitely want to put this one on your bucket list after seeing this film. This is one of my favorite films of all time: if you haven’t seen and you are a John Cusack fan like me, definitely put it on your list!
After you skating session, attempt to get into Serendipity (the line is often super long!), the cute little dessert cafe Cusack/Beckinsale visit. They are known for their frozen hot chocolate, however, you can pick amongst a long list of entrees, desserts, and hot drinks.
Skating here will cost you a pretty penny. Check the rink site for more details on this year’s dates and pricing.
The Plaza Hotel
Featured in: Home Alone 2
“Guests of The New Celebrity Ding-Dang-Dong stay at the world renowned Plaza hotel – New York’s most exciting hotel experience.” If this quote sounds familiar, then you have probably seen Home Alone 2 a time or two. We may not all have the spare cash to stay in this glamorous hotel, however, it’s a must-see in person for anyone who grew up watching the movie. Wouldn’t it be a dream to say here over the holidays? If I had the funds, it would be on my bucket list. The hotel actually offers an amazing Home Alone 2 package but it’s super pricey.
The lobby is only open to registered guests. Nevertheless, Central Park offers the best views of the hotel (and is home to the famous shot shown in the movie). You really cannot help but think of the holiday classic when you see this magnificent property. When the Plaza opened in 1907, it was considered the greatest hotel in the world. According to the Plaza’s website, an old saying goes, “Nothing unimportant ever happens at The Plaza.”
Central Park
Featured in: Elf, Home Alone 2
The prettiest urban park in the country has provided a leafy walking background for dozens of movie scenes. I find it most beautiful in the fall, however, the park holds a special quiet dreary enchantment during the winter months. It looks even more dazzling after a winter storm. Several popular holiday movies have featured scenes within the iconic park. Most famously, several scenes with Kevin & the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2 filmed here.
A few notable holiday filming locations
- The Pond: Great view of The Plaza Hotel see in in Home Alone 2.
- Gapstow Bridge: Scene of Kevin’s first encounter with the Pigeon Lady
- Pinebank Arch: Snowfall fight scene in Elf
- Bethesda Fountain: Elf Santa sleigh scenes
The Empire State Building
Featured in: Elf
One of the must-do experiences on any first trip to the city is taking in the once-in-a-lifetime NYC vistas via the 86th floor of the Empire State building. While it’s touristy, it has been one of my favorite experiences in the city. Plus, there is this great little pizza place (NY Pizza Suprema) within walking distance.
Not only will you get some breathtaking photos, but you will also get to check off another iconic movie filming site. In Elf, Buddy’s dad works in the Empire State building as a children’s book publisher.
If you decide to book tickets, you will notice the lobby looks familiar. Here you will find the beautiful marble plaque featured in the movie. As you take the elevator up, you will be thinking of the hilarious scene when Buddy is fiddling around with the buttons. “Looks like a Christmas tree!” he exclaims to a disinterested rider. Many popular movies filmed here. As you walk down the hall, you will see lots of movie memorabilia including clips from one of my personal favorites, Sleepless in Seattle.
Macy’s at Herald Square
Featured in: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The holiday windows displays, the famous Thanksgiving Parade (I finally checked this one off my bucket list!), grand Christmas decor…the iconic retailer will forever be associated with the kick off of the holiday season to me and a lot of other people.
The flagship store in Manhattan opened back in 1902. While originally quite small, the store today consists of 11 levels and takes up an entire city block! With 10 floors of shopping heaven, multiple restaurants, and a Starbucks, you could literally spend all day here. Due to its central location, the store has also been featured in various media including movies, tv shows, and even music videos.
The classic Miracle on 34th Street film takes place in the city. To refresh your memory, the story revolves around a department store Santa who claims to be the real Mr. Claus. The film features scenes inside the store (located on 34th street, hence the title) and also at the real Thanksgiving Parade held in 1947. I was interested to learn that Kris Kringle in the film actually really played Santa in that year’s parade!
