Peoria Standard

The windy city of Chicago has long been known for its iconic skyline, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant culture. But did you know that it is also a popular setting for many beloved Christmas movies? With its stunning downtown scenery, picturesque suburbs, and the possibility of snow during the winter months, Chicago offers the perfect backdrop for heartwarming holiday films.

One of the most famous Christmas movies set in Chicago is the timeless classic, Home Alone. Released in 1990, this film follows the misadventures of young Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, as he defends his family's Winnetka home from bumbling burglars. The movie captures the beauty of Chicago's suburbs and showcases the city's charm during the holiday season.

Another Chicago-based Christmas favorite is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Starring Chevy Chase as the lovable but clumsy Clark Griswold, this 1989 comedy takes place in a suburban Chicago home. While most of the filming was done in California, the movie still captures the essence of a Chicago-style Christmas.

But these two films are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Christmas movies set in the Windy City. Happy Christmas, a 2014 film, was actually filmed on-site in a Chicago residence. It can be streamed for free on YouTube, allowing viewers to experience the holiday spirit in the heart of the city.

Nothing Like the Holidays, released in 2008, takes viewers on a journey through Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. This heartwarming film showcases the vibrant culture and diversity of the city during the holiday season. It is also available for free streaming on YouTube.

The Princess Switch, a romantic comedy released in 2018, is another film that takes place in Chicago. While only two scenes were shot in the city, the film still captures the magic of Christmas in the Windy City. It is available for streaming on Netflix.

Netflix also released The Christmas Chronicles in 2018, featuring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus. While the majority of the movie was shot in Canada, there are brief shots of Chicago and its iconic CTA stations. The film's sequel has also been released on Netflix, allowing viewers to continue their holiday adventure.

Office Christmas Party, a 2016 comedy, brings together a star-studded cast including Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Munn, and Jason Bateman. This film was filmed in both Chicago and Georgia, showcasing the city's unique charm during the holiday season. It is available for rent on Amazon Prime.

For those looking for a more raunchy comedy, A Bad Moms Christmas is the perfect choice. As the sequel to Bad Moms, this film is set in the Chicago suburbs but was actually filmed in Georgia. It is available for streaming on Netflix.

Christmas with the Kranks, released in 2004, may have a low score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it still offers a festive holiday experience. Starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, the movie is set in the suburb of Riverside and was filmed on location in Illinois, California, and Canada. It can be found on Hulu.

Fred Claus, a 2007 film, features Chicago-area native Vince Vaughn as Santa Claus' down-on-his-luck brother. Filmed in various locations in Chicago, including Michigan Avenue, this movie showcases the city's holiday spirit. It can be rented on various platforms.

These are just a few examples of the many Christmas movies set in Chicago. From classic favorites to recent releases, the city continues to charm audiences with its holiday magic. So, if you're looking to get into the Christmas spirit, why not indulge in some of these films and experience the joy and beauty of a Chicago-style holiday?

Sources:

- "Christmas Movies Filmed or Set in Illinois" - [source]

- IMDb

To find out more, go to this link: https://repryanspain.com/2023/12/04/christmas-movies-filmed-or-set-in-illinois/