7 Additional Holiday Movies That Inspire Travel
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‘Tis the season to binge holiday flicks while sipping mulled wine and devouring festively decorated treats! Who’s with me?!
To help you with this endeavor, I’ve created a brand new list in my series of holiday movies that inspire travel. Some of these movies will have you dreaming of exotic locations or idyllic Christmas settings and others will simply transport you back in time.
Keep scrolling to see which of your favorites made my newest list and which ones you need to add to your own must-see list as the holidays roll around each year.
And if that is not enough to fill your streaming queue, be sure to check out the first 7 movies I deemed worthy of holiday-themed travel inspiration. Then round out your viewing pleasure with my second list of festive flicks.
If you have been doing the math, that gives you 21 holiday movies to watch, so you better get started!
As you settle into your cozy couch for a holiday movie marathon, hopefully you can find many of these holiday movies on your various streaming services. If not, go old school and click on the images below to purchase the DVDs from Amazon.
1. Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square (2020)
First on my list is my newest favorite Christmas flick! I’m a huge Dolly Parton fan so I was elated when this song and dance-filled movie came to Netflix during the height of the pandemic.
Christmas on the Square has all the ingredients for a heartfelt holiday movie where good triumphs over evil, grace and forgiveness are possible, and neighbors pull together to ensure a magical Christmas for all.
If you enjoy a well-choreographed musical, you will love traveling to the fictional small town of Fullerville in this star-studded, family-friendly flick. The fact that Dolly Parton sings in all her rhinestone-covered glory throughout the movie is just icing on the Christmas cake!
I hate to admit how many times I have watched this movie, and yes I know all the songs by heart.
If I get to pick my guardian angel, I’m going with Dolly Parton!
2. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
While I don’t always think of Meet Me in St. Louis (in this instance pronounced as Saint Louie) a Christmas movie, it is a Judy Garland classic that everyone should see, no matter the time of year.
This movie will not only take you to the marvelous Midwest city of St. Louis, but it will also transport you back to a simpler time. Follow along as the four Smith sisters tackle the challenges of growing up, squabbling with their siblings, and finding love.
The party dresses, including the lacing of corsets, provide a wonderful history lesson on female fashions. This movie is a bit reminiscent of another classic, Little Women, but you get the bonus of hearing Judy Garland’s unparalleled musical talent.
Judy Garland’s rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is sure to give you all the Christmas feels.
3. Four Christmases (2008)
While jetting off to Fiji for the holidays may sound fabulous to some, Four Christmases reminds you that spending time with family often takes center stage this time of year.
Full of laughs and lots of physical comedy, Four Christmases will likely have you feeling a bit better about your own family dynamics.
Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon surely aren’t the only ones who have traveled from house to house to experience numerous family gatherings in one jam-packed holiday season.
This movie (and your own hectic holidays traveling to see your kin) will have you reaching for the spiked eggnog as the realization hits that we all have a bit of dysfunction in our families. And the holidays are all about family!
4. The Family Stone (2005)
Speaking of families, The Family Stone is another star-studded holiday film that gets a viewing every year at my house.
Can anyone relate to the stress and anxiety that comes with meeting their potential new in-laws during the holidays?
Melding holiday traditions as you think about starting your own family are sure to bring on some growing pains, which this flick illustrates through both laughter and tears.
You get to travel to Connecticut and through several political landmines with this movie. There are also some unique twists and turns that I won’t spoil for those who have yet to watch this gem of a holiday movie.
5. Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994)
Miracle on 34th Street is the ultimate Christmas classic, full of holiday nostalgia and childlike belief in Santa. It’s no wonder there have been several adaptations of this iconic holiday movie.
You can choose to watch it in color or in black and white. View the original version set in 1947 or the more modernized version from 1994 (or one of the less well known versions in between). No matter the version you select it will renew your Christmas spirit and have you planning a trip to the Big Apple.
Seeing New York City during Christmas time is definitely on my travel bucket list!
6. The Santa Clause (1994)
The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen is the perfect holiday movie for the whole family with elements that both kids and adults will relate to.
Whether you are five or 95, who wouldn’t want to visit the North Pole to see Christmas magic in action?
This film has some beautiful imagery that brings out the kid in me as well as lots of wholesome family messages amidst plenty of comedic elements. Rather than bundle up for a trip to the actual North Pole, I think I’ll sit by a roaring fire and live vicariously through The Santa Clause!
I can’t say that any of the sequels hold up to the first film, yet I’m excited to check out the new mini-series now streaming on Disney+. The Santa Clauses is a 6 episode series that will uncover what happens when Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) hangs up his red suit and beard.
I hear Peyton Manning makes an appearance so that alone is worth checking out The Santa Clauses!
7. Die Hard (1988)
I know I’m in controversial territory with this one!
Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?
As someone who gravitates towards the feel-good nature and predictability of Hallmark Christmas movies, I’d be hard-pressed to say yes. A hostage situation that includes death and tons of violence hardly screams Christmas spirit!
However…since introducing this flick to my teenage daughters a few years ago, they insist on watching it every time the holidays roll around. And since this momma relishes the opportunity to spend a full two hours with her active teenagers any time she can get it, I’ve come over to the dark side and declared Die Hard a Christmas movie.
I’m not sure this film makes anyone want to jump on a plane to Los Angeles, but Die Hard will transport you back to the 80’s when big hair and shoulder pads were all the rage. And there are some holiday decorations thrown in to add a festive touch to this unforgettable office Christmas party!
So which of these holiday films will be gracing your TV screen this season? Whatever you choose to watch, Traveling Tanya wishes you a holiday season fill with joy and wonder…and overflowing cups of hot chocolate!
Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya
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