Spinblitz has analysed some of the most popular Christmas movie locations you can actually visit around the world, from snowy cottages in Surrey to iconic suburban houses outside Chicago.

Christmas movie locations that you can actually visit

Film	Location	IMDb rating	Monthly search volumes (USA)
Home Alone (1990)	Illinois	7.7/10	520,000
Love Actually (2003)	London	7.6/10	263,000
The Holiday (2006)	Surrey	6.9/10	202,000
A Christmas Story (1983)	Cleveland, Ohio	8/10	192,000
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)	Chicago, Illinois	5.4/10	128,000
The Santa Clause (1994)	Ontario, Canada	6.5/10	101,000
Jingle All the Way (1996)	Minnesota	5.7/10	91,000

Home Alone: Winnetka, Illinois

Winnetka, a suburb north of Chicago, is home to one of the most recognisable Christmas properties in film history,  the McCallister residence. With the movie generating the biggest monthly searches at 520,000 and a strong 7.7/10 IMDb rating, it’s clear that the film’s an influence. Visitors frequently walk the neighbourhood to photograph the iconic red-brick building, enjoy the area’s boutique shops, and stop by its cosy cafés. During December, the streets are adorned with wreaths, fairy lights, and festive displays, creating a charming seasonal atmosphere reminiscent of the film’s most memorable scenes.

Love Actually: London, England

As one of the most iconic British Christmas films, Love Actually enjoys a strong 7.6/10 IMDb rating and has 263,000 US searches each month. London provides an atmospheric backdrop during the festive season, with locations such as Somerset House, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden illuminated by lights and seasonal displays. Visitors can wander the elegant Notting Hill streets featured in the film or enjoy ice skating, concerts, and Christmas markets throughout the city. London’s vibrant holiday culture mirrors the warmth and excitement captured on screen.

The Holiday: Surrey, England

Surrey’s idyllic villages continue to captivate film fans, with around 202,000 US searches every month for The Holiday. Despite Rosehill Cottage being a set, the film’s 6.9/10 IMDb rating reflects the appeal of the film and the region’s romantic, wintry aesthetic. Visitors can explore the real villages of Shere and Godalming, with their historic pubs, scenic woodland walks, and traditional English charm. During the festive season, frost-covered cottages, local craft fairs, and cosy fireside English pubs create a winter escape that feels straight from the film.

A Christmas Story: Cleveland, Ohio

With the highest IMDb rating on the list at 8/10, A Christmas Story remains a beloved holiday classic, and Cleveland offers one of the most immersive film experiences available. Attracting 192,000 searches each month, the A Christmas Story House and Museum allows visitors to step directly into Ralphie’s world. Guests can view the famous leg lamp glowing in the front window, explore detailed room recreations and even book an overnight stay. The surrounding Tremont district, known for its Victorian architecture and independent shops, complements the festive spirit with seasonal markets and decorative displays.

Christmas with the Kranks: Chicago, Illinois

Christmas with the Kranks holds a 5.4/10 IMDb rating but continues to spark strong public interest, with 128,000 monthly searches from the US. While the movie’s original setting was a custom-built set, the suburbs surrounding Chicago deliver comparable Christmas cheer, known for their lavish light displays and community-driven festive spirit. In the city itself, visitors can enjoy the Christkindlmarket, Millennium Park ice rink, and the vibrant Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. 

The Santa Clause: Ontario, Canada

Ontario’s snow-covered suburbs provided the perfect backdrop for The Santa Clause. This film maintains a big following reflected in its 6.5/10 IMDb rating and 101,000 monthly searches from the US alone. Travellers can explore the neighbourhood settings featured in the film while enjoying the region’s winter traditions, including Christmas markets, ice skating trails, and light festivals. With reliable cold weather and charming small towns, Ontario captures the cosy, nostalgic atmosphere that made the film a family favourite.

Jingle All the Way: Minnesota

Despite its light-hearted 5.7/10 IMDb rating, Jingle All the Way remains a nostalgic holiday staple, attracting 91,000 US searches each month. Many of its memorable scenes were filmed in Minnesota, particularly at the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping centres in the world. In December, the mall transforms into a grand festive display, featuring themed events and Christmas activities. Minneapolis and Bloomington also offer seasonal parades, decorated parks, and winter markets, making the region an engaging festive destination for families and film fans alike.