What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than visiting the setting of your favourite festive film?
WORDS: ZOE WEST. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY. DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING
Have you ever imagined skating around the Rockefeller Center’s ice rink like Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel in the family classic, Elf, or wondered what it would be like to stroll through the village where Cameron Diaz stayed inThe Holiday? While you may not be able to step into the film, you can be transported to some of the iconic locations. And, great as it is to hunker down every year in front of the TV for a good dose of nostalgia, maybe this is the year to relive those magical cinematic moments for real.
Home Alone Chicago
Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown.
A double room based on two people sharing from £88; hilton.com
What could be more exciting for a child than being left at home on their own? For Kevin McCallister that became a reality in this iconic 90s film. And the star of the show, besides Macaulay Culkin, was the red-brick mansion in which he lives. Located on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago’s affluent Winnetka suburb, the house is privately owned, but you can walk past this iconic building to get that all-important photo.
The Santa Clause Canada
When Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) accidentally causes Father Christmas to fall off the roof of his house on Christmas Eve, it’s up to him and his son to deliver the gifts – and fans of The Santa Clause can get up close to this very house in Oakville. Visit the town on Lake Ontario, near Toronto, known for its picturesque harbours, shopping districts and parks, and make your way to 17 Chisholm Street for a sighting of the house. Near Toronto and Niagara Falls, there’s plenty to explore.
Stay: TownePlace Suites Oakville. A double room based on two people sharing from £137; marriot.com
Last Christmas London
Spend a day in London and see some of the most memorable spots in Last Christmas. This romantic comedy is inspired by Wham’s legendary song and takes place in Covent Garden, where Emilia Clarke’s character, Kate, works as an elf in a shop; her home on Brixton’s Electric Avenue; and Regent Street, where she hangs out with her love interest, Tom (pla
