Christmas Movies Set In Chicago

Amon Skres

less than a minute read

·

06-01-2025

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Chicago, with its iconic architecture, bustling streets, and undeniable charm, provides the perfect backdrop for a heartwarming Christmas movie. While not as prolific as New York or Los Angeles in cinematic Christmas settings, a few films have captured the Windy City's festive spirit. Let's explore some notable examples.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

While the title suggests otherwise, a significant portion of Home Alone 2 takes place in Chicago. Before Kevin McCallister finds himself stranded in New York, we see him navigating the city's O'Hare International Airport and even catching a glimpse of the iconic Plaza Hotel, albeit briefly. This early Chicago segment sets the stage for his subsequent New York adventures.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

This romantic comedy doesn't explicitly center on Christmas in Chicago, but the holiday season is definitely a key element. The movie features charming scenes of wintery Chicago streets, creating a quintessential holiday atmosphere. The film cleverly incorporates the city's ambiance into the charming narrative.

Other Notable Mentions

While fewer films prominently feature Christmas in Chicago, several holiday movies utilize Chicago locations for other scenes, often subtly woven into the storyline. These appearances often serve to establish location or contribute to the overall film aesthetic. Unfortunately, a definitive list pinpointing all such appearances is challenging due to the varied nature of film production and location uses.

The Appeal of Chicago as a Christmas Setting

Chicago's unique blend of architectural grandeur, bustling city life, and festive spirit makes it a potentially compelling setting for Christmas films. The city's snowy landscapes offer a visual contrast to the bright lights of the holiday season, adding to the overall aesthetic. The potential remains largely untapped, however, compared to other major metropolitan areas frequently featured in Christmas films.

Conclusion

While the number of Christmas movies explicitly set in Chicago might be limited, the city's presence in holiday films often adds a unique charm and visual appeal. With its distinct character, Chicago offers a compelling alternative setting to the more traditional holiday movie locations. Hopefully, future filmmakers will further explore the potential of this captivating city during the Christmas season.