You know the feeling: twinkly lights, hot cocoa, and that one iconic house you spot every December and think, “I’d move there tomorrow.” From snow-covered Chicago suburbs to storybook English cottages, these holiday homes aren’t just movie backdrops, they’ve become pop-culture landmarks.
Here are 10 of the most unforgettable houses from classic holiday films, plus where you can actually find them (and maybe take that perfect photo op).
The McCallister House from Home Alone
Where: 671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, Illinois
Why we love it: This stately red-brick Georgian home instantly brings back memories of booby traps, aftershave screams, and Kevin McCallister’s independent streak. Its symmetrical windows, arched doorway, and glowing Christmas lights perfectly capture suburban holiday magic.
Fun fact: The interior scenes were mostly shot on a soundstage, but the exterior is very real—and fans flock to it every December.
The Griswold House from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Where: Warner Bros. Backlot, Burbank, California
Why we love it: No holiday movie home screams “over-the-top” like Clark Griswold’s suburban palace of blinking bulbs. The house, covered in 25,000 lights, became the ultimate symbol of holiday enthusiasm (and mild chaos).
Fun fact: The same façade was used in other productions, including Bewitched and Lethal Weapon—a true Hollywood chameleon.
Buddy’s Dad’s Apartment from Elf
Where: 55 Central Park West, New York City
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Why we love it: The elegant Art Deco building where Buddy crashes his dad’s uptight world blends New York luxury with childlike wonder. It’s the perfect contrast to Buddy’s candy-coated enthusiasm.
Fun fact: It’s the same building used in Ghostbusters, giving it double the movie magic.
The Stone Family Home from The Family Stone
Where: Madison, New Jersey
Why we love it: A quintessential New England-style Craftsman that feels like the heart of every big, boisterous family Christmas. Its wraparound porch, weathered shingles, and glowing windows evoke warmth and nostalgia.
Fun fact: The home was filmed in the quiet suburb of Madison, where local architecture echoes that same cozy, old-money charm.
The “Love Actually” Cottage
Where: Godalming, Surrey, England
Why we love it: Nestled in the English countryside, this stone cottage is straight out of a storybook. Ivy climbing up the walls, a cobblestone path, and soft candlelight in the windows make it one of the dreamiest holiday homes in film.
Fun fact: Though not open to the public, the surrounding villages are known for their picturesque architecture and quaint holiday markets.
The “Holiday” Cottage from The Holiday
Where: Shere, Surrey, England
Why we love it: Although the cottage itself was built for filming, the real village of Shere is every bit as charming as Amanda and Iris’s fictional world. Think cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and rolling green hills turned snowy white.
Fun fact: The White Horse Pub featured in the movie is real—and a must-visit for fans.
The Bing Family House from White Christmas
Where: Paramount Studios Backlot, Los Angeles, California
Why we love it: The Vermont inn from the film may have been built on a soundstage, but its rustic wood beams and snow-draped exterior created the gold standard for holiday coziness.
Fun fact: The “snow” was made from a mix of asbestos and soap flakes—movie magic of the 1950s at its most inventive (and questionable).
The Chris Kringle Home from Miracle on 34th Street
Where: 718 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, New York
Why we love it: This timeless brownstone captures everything we adore about classic New York holidays—garlands on the railings, wreaths on the door, and an unshakable belief in miracles.
Fun fact: The house’s stoop and ironwork have barely changed since the film was shot, preserving that vintage 1940s charm.
The “Scrooged” Penthouse
Where: Manhattan, New York City
Why we love it: Bill Murray’s character’s sleek penthouse in Scrooged is the embodiment of 1980s excess—floor-to-ceiling windows, skyline views, and just enough cold modernism to make his eventual redemption feel that much warmer.
Fun fact: Exterior shots were filmed near Columbus Circle, one of NYC’s most festive areas during December.
The Ralphie House from A Christmas Story
Where: 3159 W. 11th St, Cleveland, Ohio
Why we love it: From the pink bunny pajamas to the infamous leg lamp in the front window, Ralphie’s home is pure Americana nostalgia. Its modest 1940s design feels instantly familiar, like the house your grandparents might’ve owned.
Fun fact: It’s been fully restored and turned into a museum and overnight rental—fans can actually sleep in Ralphie’s room!
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Pavel Khaykin
Pavel Khaykin is the founder and author of Pavel Buys Houses, a nationwide home buying company that helps homeowners sell their properties quickly for cash. With a strong background in real estate and digital marketing, Pavel has been featured in The New York Times, ABC News, and The Huffington Post. His mission is to make the home-selling process simple, transparent, and trustworthy for every homeowner he works with.
