This list of the best Christmas movies set in New York City was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
New Christmas movies get released year after year, and some of the best are set in New York City and showcase the city in all its holiday glory. After hours of binging holiday films set in New York City, I wrote this article about the best of the best. In the guide, I’ll go over the best Christmas movies based in NYC, perfect for families, casual at-home date nights. Let’s dive in!
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Best Christmas Movies Set in New York City
Table of Contents: Top NYC Christmas Movies
Table of Contents: New York City Christmas Films
Something from Tiffany’s (2022)
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Rating: PG
One of the newest Christmas movies set in New York City, Something from Tiffany’s is the perfect blend of cityscape scenes with a heartwarming storyline. The plot follows two couples whose relationships become intertwined after an accident outside Tiffany & Co. in SoHo.
During the commotion, the couple’s bags get swapped, and the protagonist has to track down the engagement ring he bought, only to feel a spark with a girl he didn’t plan on proposing to. Bryant Park, SoHo, and Little Italy are all instantly recognizable in the film, all charmingly decorated with Christmas decorations.
Elf (2003)
Available on: Available for rent on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV, and Google Play
Rating: PG
Elf is one of the few Christmas movies set in New York City that families can watch year after year and always get a good laugh. The movie tells the story of Buddy the elf’s (Will Ferrell) 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 helping the world reclaim the spirit of Christmas. Elf is also one of the best Christmas movies set in New York to watch with kids since the humor is clean and the storyline is easy to follow.
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 genuine 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 set in New York City and even inspired a remake in 1994 (but I suggest watching the original). It’s fascinating to see what New York City looked like 75+ years ago, considering the movie was filmed in 1946.
The Night Before (2015)
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Starz
Rating: R
Far from a classic Christmas film, 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 comedy films set in NYC and will surely induce a laugh from those who find inappropriate situations funny.
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. In one of the most iconic Christmas movies set in New York City, viewers get to follow Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) on his unsupervised trip to the Big Apple. The plot begins when Kevin’s parents lose him at the airport while taking the family on vacation.
He’s left to fend for himself and finds himself intertwined in the criminal plans of the Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern). Viewers get to enjoy scenes of Central Park, The Plaza Hotel and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree as Kevin navigates the innocent mischief one would expect from a 10 year old.
Scrooged (1988)
Available on: Paramount+
Rating: PG-13
Scrooged is a 1988 film version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, which tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as he meets the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. In the movie, Bill Murray plays the role of Frank Cross (Scrooge), a selfish television executive who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future on Christmas Eve.
The Ghosts are there to teach him about the crucial things in life, like generosity and love. The important message and idyllic scenes of the Big Apple during Christmastime make Scrooged one of the best Christmas movies based in New York City.
Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
Available on: Available for rent on Apple TV and 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, viewers learn Santa’s origin story and the work drama in the North Pole. 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 either (so watch the film with your family). Although the movie was a box-office failure, its frequent reruns on TV have made it a cult classic.
The Family Man (2000)
Available on: Available for rent on Apple TV, Google Play, and Amazon Prime Video
Rating: PG-13
The Family Man is a romantic comedy and a Christmas movie led by Nicolas Cage. The movie is about a wealthy Wall St. executive who gets a glimpse into a humble but more fulfilling 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 set in New York City for a cozy night.
New Year’s Eve (2011)
Available on: Available for rent on YouTube TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video
Rating: PG-13
A star-studded cast of Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashton Kutcher, Halle Berry, and more makes New Year’s Eve one of the best holiday movies set in New York City. Yes, I know it’s not about Christmas, but the film still takes place during the festive season.
The film covers a group of New Yorkers, each living their own lives and learning their own lessons, looking to have the best New Year’s Eve ever (or avoid it). Along the way, some of their stories overlap, but generally, there is no central plot, just individual feel-good stories.
Dash & Lily
Available on: Netflix
Rating: TV-14
Dash & Lily isn’t a movie, rather it’s a series on Netflix set around Christmas time in New York City. The show follows two young adults who meet through a notebook at The Strand bookstore.
Communicating by notes left in the book, they task each other to do things that push them out of their comfort zones. It’s a cute coming-of-age story that both adults and teenagers will enjoy. Plus, the crew gives us some of the best New York City Christmas scenes filmed in recent memory.
Movies Set in New York City with Christmas Scenes
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Available on: Tubi
Rating: R
This cute, timeless rom-com follows two best friends who unwittingly fall in love. There are plenty of New York City landmarks in the film, including an infamous scene at Katz Deli that the iconic restaurant now acknowledges with a sign (I’ll have what she’s having).
The film has a few scenes set during Christmas in New York City, notably when Harry and Sally pick up a Christmas tree and set it up in their shockingly large NYC apartment.
Serendipity (2001)
Available on: Max
Rating: PG-13
One of the best movies set in New York City, Serendipity starts (and ends) with Christmas shopping at Bloomingdales. After trying to buy the same cashmere gloves, Jonathan and Sarah decide to have dessert at nearby restaurant Serendipity 3 (for some of the best hot chocolate in NYC), although they’re both in committed relationships. The movie then covers all their serendipitous meetings and, in doing so, shows beautiful scenes of the Big Apple.
Collateral Beauty (2016)
Available on: Available for rent on YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video
Rating: PG-13
A heart-wrenching movie, Collateral Beauty is about loss, honesty, and love. The film stars Will Smith as Howard Inlet, a dad whose daughter has passed away and is spiraling emotionally. Howard begins writing letters to Love, Time, and Death, which his business partners get their hands on.
The partners go to incredible lengths to oust Howard from the company, which only shines a light on their own personal struggles. 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 set in New York City and has notable Christmas scenes.
Ghostbusters II (1989)
Available on: Available for rent 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 Ghostbusters, the crew of ghost hunters must get back together to save the city once more.
The Statue of Liberty, Firehouse Hook & Ladder Company No. 8, and the Washington Square Arch are all instantly recognizable in the film. Plus, the movie’s climax occurs during New Year’s Eve, so most of the scenes take place around Christmas.
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 in an anonymous online relationship without knowing who the other person is. All the clips of the charming Upper West Side (one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan), New York fashion in the 90s, and the scenes showcasing the city adorned in Christmas decorations make You’ve Got Mail one of the best movies set in New York City to watch during Christmas.
NYC Christmas Movies (Post Summary)
- 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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Christmas on a Budget: 20 Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
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Where to Eat on Christmas: 20 Toothsome Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York City
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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