Need a little Christmas? 8 places that feel like a holiday movie
Editor's Note
When I wrote my first Hallmark movie, "Christmas Camp," it was inspired by several charming towns I’d visited doing my "Travel Therapy" TV segments and one magical historic home, the Quartermain House B&B in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
As I went on to write more Christmas movies for Netflix, Hallmark and Lifetime, I continued to draw from the places I had visited that brought me such comfort and joy, like a hug from an old friend.
I think now more than ever, we all need to feel that same boost of positivity and uplifting escape, so why not visit the destinations that can give us the same warm and fuzzy vibe all winter long?
Here are eight favorite places to visit where you can feel like you’re starring in your own Christmas movie.
Fredericton, New Brunswick
On my first visit to Fredericton, the capital of beautiful New Brunswick in eastern Canada, which runs along the Saint John River, I was immediately captivated by this quaint, artsy city.
Fredericton is known for its rich history, culture, music, unique local shops, restaurants and bars, and nature. The city says you’ll find more trees in Fredericton, aka Forest City, than anywhere else in Canada, turning Fredericton into what looks like a magical Christmas movie set as soon as the snow starts to fall.
Where to stay: Voted one of the best bed-and-breakfasts in North America, the Quartermain House B&B is just like stepping into a Hallmark movie. When I wrote my first script, "Christmas Camp," I remembered my special stay at Debra Quartermain’s B&B, where her whimsical historic home, warm welcome and delicious cooking had my heart from the moment I arrived.
Don’t miss: A visit to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, one of Canada’s best art museums.
Insider tip: If fiddleheads are on the menu, order them. This edible fern top is a delicious local culinary gem.
Closest airport: Fredericton International Airport (YFC) is right outside the city. Other nearby airports include Saint John Airport (YSJ) and Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM). You’ll find the most flight options on Air Canada and United Airlines.
Leavenworth, Washington
I grew up in Washington state, so a trip to the small Bavarian-style alpine village of Leavenworth during Christmas was always on my wish list. The dreamlike gazebo inspired the cover for my novel "Finding Christmas."
Leavenworth’s many unique shops, art galleries and restaurants evoke all the Christmas cheer. With more than a half-million Christmas lights, this Northwest gem will spark your Christmas spirit.
Where to stay: The Bavarian Lodge and Icicle Village are popular picks and there are cabin rentals throughout the area if you’re looking for extra space.
Don’t miss: The Nutcracker Museum with more than 7,000 nutcrackers.
Insider tip: Download the event guide on Leavenworth’s website to make sure you don’t miss any of the festive fun.
Closest airport: The closest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), then it’s about a 2 1/2-hour drive in the Cascade Range up to Leavenworth.
Quebec City
Quebec City will likely remind you of those royal romance Christmas movies that always top the ratings.
Old Quebec is 400 years old and on UNESCO's list of Treasures of the World Heritage of Mankind. The historic city's charming cobblestone streets, boutiques and bistros helped inspire the two royal rom-coms I wrote, Netflix’s "A Christmas Prince" and my novel "A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale."
Related: 5 small Canadian towns where you can use your points
Where to stay: I felt like a princess staying at the five-star Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, which looks like a majestic castle and is consistently rated one of the top hotels in Canada.
Don’t miss: Shops and street vendors rolling up maple taffy on ice is unique to Quebec City.
Insider tip: Enjoy local cuisine at Aux Anciens Canadiens, situated in one of the oldest buildings in Quebec City.
Closest airport: Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is about 6 miles outside the city. It’s only an hour-and-a-half flight to Quebec City from New York City or Toronto.
Redding, California
In Redding, they’re all about celebrating romance in the same kind of enchanting settings Hallmark Christmas movies are celebrated for.
At the dazzling Redding Garden of Lights, the Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge commissioned renowned artist Tres Fromme to use more than 1 million twinkling lights to create stunning festive displays covering 10 acres.
Some highlights include reindeer encounters and the Candy Cane Causeway, covered with red, green and white lights where machines pump in the mouthwatering scent of peppermint for an immersive experience.
Where to stay: Stay in the heart of where all the action is at the Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge, where there are several overnight hotel packages and Marriott Bonvoy Moments.
Don’t miss: The Polar Pathway, featuring a super-cool 30-foot-wide illuminated igloo and a snowy pathway to explore.
Insider tip: The Holiday Village is a great place to pick up some delicious food, artisanal snacks and s’mores.
Closest airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is 154 miles away, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 220 miles away and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 228 miles away.
Related: A wellness trip through the Northwest
Sun Valley, Idaho
For one of my first jobs as a TV reporter, I worked at KMVT-TV in Twin Falls, Idaho, and the resort town of Sun Valley was my beloved winter skiing escape.
Made famous by Hollywood’s elite, Sun Valley is a superstar without the attitude. The romantic sleigh ride from the Sun Valley Inn to the Trail Creek Cabin for dinner is an all-time favorite experience that I can’t wait to include in a movie I’m working on.
Related: Overlooked ski resorts
Where to stay: Stay in the legendary Sun Valley Lodge, a favorite of writer Ernest Hemingway.
Don’t miss: The Sawtooth Botanical Garden, which features a prayer wheel blessed by the Dalai Lama.
Insider tip: If you like unique cocktails, try Duchin Lounge for drinks like the Jack Winter Sour made with Jack Daniel's whiskey, cranberry-cinnamon simple syrup, Becherovka liqueur, fresh lemon and orange juice, and egg whites.
Closest airport: Sun Valley’s closest major airports are Boise Airport (BOI) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). You can find nonstop flights from six major cities: Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Denver and Chicago.
Related: Why you should visit Twin Falls, Idaho
Park City, Utah
When I lived in Salt Lake City, I visited Park City as much as possible because I loved the city’s authentic charm and its two world-class ski resorts.
The city’s Snowfest celebration is Christmas movie gold with music and carolers, ice sculptures and Santa's appearance riding on the town’s ski lift.
Where to stay: For a ski-in, ski-out property, the luxurious Grand Summit Hotel is a fabulous choice. If you’re traveling with your family or friends, the Apex Residences should have a vacation rental that’s right for you.
Don’t miss: Spend some time on Main Street, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, where you’ll find some unique local shops, restaurants, bars and art galleries.
Insider tip: If you’ve always wanted to try dog sledding, this is your place. Park City has several companies with some furry four-legged rock stars that are ready to take you on the ride of a lifetime. Mush! Mush!
Closest airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the closest airport and is just under 30 miles from Park City.
Related: 15 of our favorite ski-friendly resort hotels you can book on points
Paris
I’ve spent the holidays in Paris and I’ve seen firsthand how the dreamy City of Light is illuminated even more during the holidays, making it feel like one of the most romantic cities in the world.
From the famed Christmas markets to the lovely Nativity scenes at the city’s historic churches, Paris embraces Christmas with an exuberant joie de vivre that our favorite holiday movies are famous for.
Related: Book this, not that: Getting the most from your hotel points in Paris
Where to stay: The award-winning Dorchester Collection’s Paris properties, Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athenee, are always my top hotel picks when you’re looking for world-class hospitality and cuisine in a gorgeous Christmas setting.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking Christmas lights and holiday display along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, Avenue Montaigne, in the Montmartre district and at Bercy Village.
Insider tip: Indulge and relax with a special Christmas tea at Le Meurice, where you can sip Champagne while enjoying French pastry chef Cedric Grolet’s glazed chestnuts, gingerbread, truffles, and sugar and cinnamon brioche.
Closest airport: Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) is the closest airport to Paris, just eight miles away. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the main airport and is 14 miles from Paris. It's also France's busiest.
Related: The best ways to get to Paris using miles and points
New York City
I lived in New York City for 14 years, and it will always have my heart at Christmas.
I’m not alone — millions of visitors come to see Manhattan’s spectacular Christmas decorations, with a highlight being the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Skating at the magical ice rink always makes me feel like I’m in a Christmas movie and that anything is possible at Christmas.
Where to stay: For a phenomenal festive view of Central Park, the Mandarin Oriental is one of my favorite places to stay. Its award-winning spa is just what you need to unwind during the hectic holiday season.
Don’t miss: The New York Botanical Garden Glow, where you can explore this sensational setting all lit up for the holidays while enjoying live music and fun holiday-themed food and drinks.
Insider tip: If you love Christmas lights, go to the Dyker Heights neighborhood, where you’ll be blown away by the millions of lights decorating all the houses.
Closest airport: New York's La Guardia Airport (LGA) is just about 5 miles from the city. Other nearby airports are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Related: 37 best hotels in New York City for every type of traveler
Other options to get you in the spirit
If you’re looking for even more magical places to visit that feel like you’re walking into one of your favorite Christmas movies, you can do a little research and find out where those movies were filmed. Movie locations are often mentioned in the show’s credits and movie databases like IMDB.
Related: Famous holiday movie destinations
A Google deep dive will show you that many holiday movies are shot in Canada, especially in Vancouver, British Columbia, known as “Hollywood North.”
Before you pack your bags and go searching for hot chocolate and romance, make sure the places where the movies were shot actually have the things you’re looking for and that they weren’t just constructed as part of the movie sets.
For more festive fun, make a list of places in your community that have elements that feel like they’re Christmas movie-worthy and create your own holiday staycation.
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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
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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.