If you are looking for a strong injection of holiday spirit and magical inspiration then look no further than ‘The Big Apple.’ New York City is the number one place to be jolly this winter. In fact, the season of good cheer, pretty much lasts straight through to February, although the festive lights sadly do not.

This article will provide you with some very entertaining movie favorites to get you in the mood for your trip and provide you with some movie locations to add to your travel itinerary. So, you may want to get a pen and paper or print out this page. If you know somebody who is soon to visit the city that never sleeps, please share this article with them on social media.

New York City Movie #1: Home Alone 2 (1991)

This fun film from the ’90s, starring Macaulay Culkin, remains a popular film for many families on the run-up to Christmas, and right through to the New Year. Much of the movie is filmed in Chicago, but the streets of New York City also play are a strong part. The locations to note include:

• The Plaza Hotel, Fifth Avenue at 59th Street
• Central Park, Columbus Circle at Central Park South
• The Wollman Skating Rink, 830 5th Ave
• The Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza

>>Further reading: Make your way to the best New York City hotel experience<<

New York City Movie #2: When Harry Met Sally (1989)

For those who fell in love with their best friend, watch Oscar-nominated, ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ It focuses on the evolution of the relationship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan). Both deliver many laughs out loud moments throughout the film. Top locations to visit include:

• Washington Square, North, and 5th Avenue
• Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Avenue, and East 82nd Street
• The most famous scene takes place at Katz’s Delicatessen, 205 East Houston Street and Ludlow Street
• Bethesda Terrace, (Mid-Park at 72nd Street) Central Park

New York City Movie #3: You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Another romantic film set in New York City starring Meg Ryan, as Kathleen Kelly, is ‘You’ve Got Mail’. This time her onscreen love interest, Joe Fox, is played by Tom Hanks. This film does a great job of making New York City feel small, homely and full of whimsy. If you enjoyed watching this film visit:

• Kathleen Kelly’s Apartment, 328 West 89th Street and Riverside Drive
• The food market where the characters meet as friends is located at Verdi Square, West 72nd Street, and Broadway
• Kathleen’s bookshop, shop around the corner, is located at 106 West 69th Street and Columbus Avenue, Manhattan. But it has gone through many transformations since 1998, including being a laundrette

>>Winter Travel Advise for New York City: Pack your hat, scarf, and gloves<<

New York City Movie #4: Elf (2003)

Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) entered our hearts in 2003 and through his naive eyes, we saw the magic of New York when he searched for his biological father. Fans of the film should plan to visit:

• Empire State Building, 350 5th Avenue and West 34th Street
• 41 West 68th Street and Central Park West, Manhattan, where Buddy sits to wait for his brother
• Queensboro Bridge at East 59th Street, connecting the neighborhoods Manhattan and Queens.

>> Check out a few of the top NYC restaurants<<

New York City Movie #5: Miracle on 34^th Street ( 1947 & 1994)

If your kids are questioning the existence of Santa Claus, watch ‘Miracle on 34^th Street’, either the original or the remake, with Richard Attenborough. When you travel to New York with believers, visit:

• Macy’s Store, 151 West 34th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenue)
• New York County Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street, Financial

New York City Movie #6: Scrooged (1988)

If you have a family member that is grumpy during the holidays consider watching the marvelous Bill Murray in ‘Scrooged’. It was filmed over Christmas 1987. You can visit the building that he works at 375 Park Avenue (between East 52nd and 53rd Street).

New York City is a wonderful place to spend Winter with your family. If you plan on driving they’re please read ‘Fun Car Activities For Calm Kids and Happy Parents‘ as you will find it super helpful. But, if you traveling by plane, you may be interested in ‘Airport Activities for Kids, in case of a flight delay.’  With these articles, your vacation should be great from the moment it begins and watching these films will create anticipation.