Christmas Movies Filmed in New York City
Elf (2003)
Elf is a classic New York City Christmas movie that has become an annual tradition for many families. The movie tells the story of Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell), who embarks on a trip to New York to meet his biological dad (James Caan).
Along the way, he develops a love interest (Zooey Deschanel) and has to help Santa save Christmas by reclaiming the holiday spirit. Better still, Elf is one of the best Christmas movies filmed in New York for kids since the humor is clean and the storyline is easy to follow.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Available on: Disney+, Starz
Rating: PG
Rarely is a sequel better than the original, but Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is an exception. Considered the most iconic Christmas movie filmed in New York City, it follows Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin) on his unsupervised trip to the Big Apple.
The plot begins with Kevin getting separated from his parents at the airport. He hops aboard a flight to NYC where he finds himself fending off two criminals (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) keen to get him. Festive scenes in Central Park, The Plaza Hotel and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree make an appearance as Kevin navigates the city.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Available on: Disney+
Rating: Not rated
In Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle, an elderly man working as Santa Claus at Macy’s, insists he’s the bonafide Saint Nick. Doubts arise, leading to a court case to determine his sanity and identity. A lawyer and a little girl rally to prove Kris’s authenticity, showing kindness and growing a belief in the magic of Christmas.
The film is one of the most famous Christmas movies filmed in New York City and inspired a remake in 1994 (but I suggest watching the original). It’s fascinating to see what New York City looked like seven decades ago.
New Year’s Eve (2011)
Available on: YouTube TV, Apple TV, Amazon Prime
Rating: PG-13
A star-studded cast featuring Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashton Kutcher and Halle Berry makes New Year’s Eve one of the best holiday movies filmed in New York City. The film covers a group of New Yorkers living separate lives who serendipitous converge on New Year’s Eve. The stories intertwine but generally, there’s no central plot, just individual feel-good stories.
The Night Before (2015)
Available on: Amazon Prime, Starz
Rating: R
The Night Before is an R-rated movie for adults who want raunchy humor. Starring Seth Rogan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie, the movie tells the story of three friends who have celebrated every Christmas together since childhood.
As they grow older and their paths begin to part ways, the friends decide to have one last hurrah, leading to a drug-induced and relationship-testing Christmas Eve. It’s one of the best Christmas comedies filmed in NYC and will surely provoke laughter from those who find humor in inappropriate situations.
Scrooged (1988)
Available on: Paramount+
Rating: PG-13
Scrooged is a 1988 adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, which tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as he meets the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. In the movie, Bill Murray plays the role of Frank Cross (Scrooge), a selfish television executive visited by the ghosts on Christmas Eve.
The Ghosts strive to teach him about the crucial things in life, like generosity and love. The important message and idyllic holiday scenes make Scrooged one of the best Christmas movies based in New York City.
The Family Man (2000)
Available on: Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon Prime
Rating: PG-13
The Family Man is a romantic comedy starring Nicolas Cage, a wealthy Wall Street executive who gets a glimpse into a more humble life. Throughout the movie, Jack (Cage) learns about the life he could’ve had if he prioritized love over his career. Although a bit predictable, Family Man is a feel-good Christmas movie filmed in New York City that should fit the bill for a cozy night in.
Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
Available on: Apple TV, Vudu
Rating: PG
Many Christmas movies set in New York City feature Santa, but only one explains how he came to be. In Santa Claus: The Movie, you can learn about the Big Man’s origin. Since it was filmed in 1985, the film has some dated special effects, which could be a turn-off for some folks.
But the writing is excellent, and kids don’t seem to mind the outdated effect. Although the movie was a box-office failure, its frequent reruns on TV have made it a cult classic.
Dash & Lily
Available on: Netflix
Rating: TV-14
Dash & Lily is a Netflix series filmed during the holiday season in New York City. It follows two young adults who meet through a notebook at The Strand bookstore. The duo starts communicating by leaving notes in the book, tasking each other to embark on experiences that push them outside their respective comfort zones. It’s a sweet romance that’ll give you plenty of idyllic scenes of NYC during the holidays.
Something from Tiffany’s (2022)
NYC Holiday Scenes
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Available on: Tubi
Rating: R
When Harry Met Sally is a timeless Nora Ephron romcom that follows two best friends who unwittingly fall in love. There are plenty of New York City landmarks in the film, including the famous “fake orgasm” scene at Katz Deli which is acknowledged with a sign (“I’ll have what she’s having”).
In terms of Christmas scenes, there’s a little stretch where the movie follows the duo through the holidays. One clear standout is when Sally and Harry schlep a Christmas tree to their apartment.
Serendipity (2001)
Available on: Max
Rating: PG-13
One of the best movies set in New York City, Serendipity starts (and ends) with a little shopping at Bloomingdales. After trying to buy the same cashmere gloves, Jonathan and Sarah decide to have dessert at nearby restaurant Serendipity 3 (which serves some of the best hot chocolate in NYC). Both in committed relationships prior to the spontaneous encounter, the movie follows the couple’s chance meetings all over NYC.
Collateral Beauty (2016)
Available on: YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video
Rating: PG-13
Collateral Beauty is a heart-wrenching movie about loss, honesty, and love. The film stars Will Smith as Howard Inlet, a dad whose daughter passed away unexpectedly. Howard begins writing intimate letters to deal with his crippling depression. Unfortunately, Howard’s business partners find out about the letters and use them to oust him from the company.
The final scene occurs on Christmas Eve, but I won’t spoil it. All you need to know is that this is one of the best movies filmed in New York City during Christmas, so don’t miss it.
Ghostbusters II (1989)
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube
Rating: PG
Ghosts are usually associated with Halloween, but Ghostbusters II has plenty of Christmas scenes filmed in New York City. Taking place five years after the original, the crew comes together to save the city once more.
The Statue of Liberty, Firehouse Hook & Ladder Company No. 8, and Washington Square Arch make prominent cameos in the film. Plus, the movie’s climax occurs during New Year’s Eve, so most of the scenes take place around holidays.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Available on: Hulu premium subscription
Rating: PG
You’ve Got Mail stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as two business rivals who form an anonymous online relationship without knowing who the other person is. The movie highlights the charming Upper West Side (one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan), New York fashion in the 90s, and scenes showcasing the city adorned in Christmas decorations.
List of Movies Filmed in New York City During Christmas
- Something from Tiffany’s
- Elf
- Miracle on 34th Street
- The Night Before
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- Scrooged
- Santa Claus: The Movie
- The Family Man
- New Years Eve
- Dash & Lily
- When Harry Met Sally
- Serendipity
- Collateral Beauty
- You’ve Got Mail
Frequently Asked Questions
“Elf” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” are Christmas movies that feature scenes in Central Park.
Many Christmas movies are set in New York due to the city’s iconic landmarks, bustling holiday atmosphere, and ability to evoke a sense of magic and wonder during the festive season.
Several Christmas films set in New York include “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” “Elf,” and “Miracle on 34th Street,.”
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And there you have it my friends, the 15 best Christmas movies set in New York City. I hope you enjoyed the post, Let us know if we missed your favorite!
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