With the fear of the Omicron variant looming, let’s embrace the holiday season with movies that will virtually transport us to destinations that are larger than life. Think snow-capped mountains, quaint country villages, over-the-top Christmas markets, Christmas tree farms and bakeries brimming with sweet deliciousness. Many think of the holiday movie genre as an unnecessary decoction of melodrama. First, those people are definitely going to be on Santa’s naughty list. And second, what people don’t realise is that some of our most sought after wanderlust moments have emerged from these classics.
So dim the lights, grab your favourite blanket and pillows, make a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled cider—whatever gets you in the spirit and settle in. Here are some of the best Christmas travel movies of all time.
The Holiday (2006)
LA and Surrey, England come alive in this holiday romantic comedy about two women signing up for a home swap. You get a gorgeous glimpse of the English countryside, the pub culture, the posh LA social scene and let’s not forget the gorgeous Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz.
The Polar Express (2004)
Based on a children’s book, the movie follows the adventures of a boy on his journey to the North Pole. The snow-capped mountains and festive scenes make the film a must watch to get you in the mood for some hot chocolate, hot buns and all things Santa.
Last Holiday (2006)
If you had to take one last holiday, where would you go? Well, Queen Latifah chose the Czech Republic. Czech it out for yourself!
Holiday in the Wild (2019)
Not your typical Christmas movie, this is set in a unique location, that is, an elephant preservation in Zambia. Starring Kristin Davis as the lead, it shows her character, Kate Conrad, leaving New York City and travelling solo to Zambia. The movie takes you on an African adventure showing you the wildlife and gorgeous natural beauty of Zambia.
Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone: Lost in New York (1992)
The story is about a nine-year-old brat who was accidentally left behind by his family when they took off to Paris for the Christmas holidays. One of the greatest Christmas movies shows you, New York, from a child’s POV.
Planes, Trains, And Automobiles (1987)
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, the movie is all about getting home for the holidays— and hilariously at that. Watch it for a hilarious tour of Midwest US and get the itch for your next road trip.
White Christmas (1954)
You can’t celebrate the holidays without seeing one of the greatest music and dance holiday movies of all time. Train travel from Florida to Vermont, the vintage old-school feels… watch it and you may just start watching those old movies you refused to watch with your grandfather as a kid.