Where to travel based on your favorite holiday movies
There's something about chilly weather during the holidays that makes curling up on the sofa with a mug of cocoa, a bowl of popcorn and a good movie the perfect indoor activity.
Whether you're a fan of Hallmark movies, classic films, what I call "holiday adjacent" movies (such as "Die Hard") or a mix of all of the above, there are plenty of great Christmas-themed movies to watch this time of year — and some might even inspire your next real-life adventure.
As we all dream of trips we might take in 2022, here's a roundup of where you should book a trip next on your favorite holiday movie.
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'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'
In the same way that "Die Hard" is absolutely a Christmas movie, so is "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." And if you're dreaming of a Hogwarts holiday season, you don't have to go far to make those dreams a reality.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, is an immersive section of the theme park that recreates some of the settings from the Harry Potter movies. There, you'll find all of your favorite wizarding world locations, from Diagon Alley to Hogwarts Castle. You can visit Olivanders and The Three Broomsticks and even ride the Hogwarts Express.
Of course, there's no shortage of ways to experience the magic of Harry Potter. You can visit filming locations across the U.K. or do a set tour in London. New York City is now home to a Harry Potter store filled with specialty merchandise, a wand shop, bookable experiences and even a cafe where you can get your very own butterbeer.
Related: 7 locations every Harry Potter fan should visit
'Eloise at Christmastime'
If there's one Christmas movie I associate with my childhood, it's "Eloise at Christmastime." The movie is based on the stories by Kay Thomspon, starring a precocious little girl named Eloise as she stirs up mischief at The Plaza hotel. You can recreate the magic from this iconic movie by visiting New York City — specifically The Plaza.
After shutting down at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the hotel reopened to guests in May 2021. You can now book a stay here, but you can also go visit without spending the night. There's even a Manhattan Tea package offered at The Palm Court for those who want to get the full Plaza experience.
Of course, New York City is the setting for many Christmas movies. If films such as "Miracle on 34th Street," "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" or "Elf" are more your style, the Big Apple is still the place to visit to recreate the magic from those holiday movies.
'The Holiday'
As my absolute favorite Christmas movie of all time, I couldn't skip out on "The Holiday." The movie tells a story of two women looking to escape their problems during the holidays by swapping homes with a stranger across the world. Both end up finding true love and a dose of Christmas spirit through the exchange.
While half of the movie is set in Los Angeles, it's the fictional cottage in the English countryside that stars in my daydreams about this movie. Unfortunately, the cottage used in filming isn't real, but the cottage that inspired the movie set is Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary. And you can find the same vibes in holiday cottages in Surrey, England.
'The Polar Express'
"The Polar Express" is a magic-infused animated movie based on the children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. The wholesome tale follows a young boy who learns to believe in Santa while on a magical train ride from his home to the North Pole.
While there is (unfortunately) no magical train that can take us to meet Santa Claus up at the North Pole, you can still experience stunning views and possibly a little northern lights magic on the Aurora Winter Train.
The 12-hour trip between Anchorage and Fairbanks traverses through snow-covered scenery, and packages include activities such as dog-sledding and chasing the northern lights.
Related: 14 of the most scenic train rides on Earth
'Love Actually'
This Christmas romantic comedy is set in London and showcases 10 different stories about love. Most of the film was shot on location in London, which means travelers who love the movie can easily visit where some of their favorite scenes were filmed.
Grosvenor Chapel on South Audley Street is where Peter and Juliet's wedding is held. Harry purchases the necklace for Mia at Selfridges department store on Oxford Street. Daniel has the heart-to-heart with his son on a bench found on Gabriel's Wharf, a section of Queen's Walk that stretches down the South Bank of the River Thames.
Related: An expert's guide to London neighborhoods
'It's a Wonderful Life'
"It's a Wonderful Life" is a Christmas classic many families watch every year as a holiday tradition. Though the story is set in the fictional Bedford Falls, many believe the town was based on real-life Seneca Falls, New York.
A bridge in Seneca Falls does have a resemblance to the steel truss bridge George Bailey jumps from in the film to save his guardian angel, Clarence. And each year, the "It's a Wonderful Life" Museum hosts a festival in the film's honor during the second weekend of December (though the museum is open year-round).
The small town is located in the Finger Lakes region with plenty to do in the surrounding area for travelers who want to pay homage to the iconic Christmas movie while on a larger vacation to the area.
'Christmas at Dollywood'
If you're a fan of Hallmark movies, then you've likely heard of "Christmas at Dollywood." Dolly Parton herself makes an appearance in the film about an event planner from New York City who falls in love during her holiday trip home to Tennessee when she ends up working during the Christmas event at Dollywood.
Dollywood is a worthwhile destination all year long, but the park goes all out during the holiday season. Dollywood is lit up with millions of lights, and seven different holiday shows are presented during the extravaganza. According to Dollywood's website, its Smoky Mountain Christmas festival has been hailed as America's best Christmas event for more than a decade.
'The Santa Claus'
Finally, you can't forget "The Santa Claus," the first film of the iconic Christmas movie franchise starring Tim Allen. In the film, Scott learns that he is the new Santa Claus and must take over for the previous St. Nick before the next holiday season.
The film visits Santa's workshop in the North Pole. The actual North Pole is a bit less exciting (and you won't find any elves working on this year's Christmas gifts), but you can visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland. It's considered the Official Hometown of Santa Claus. At Santa's Village, you can meet Santa's reindeer, go on dog sled rides, attend the Elf's Hat Academy and so much more.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.