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The city of Chicago, known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, is also a popular destination for filmmakers looking to capture the magic of Christmas on the big screen. With its picturesque downtown skyline, charming suburbs, and the possibility of a winter wonderland covered in snow, it's no wonder that so many iconic Christmas movies have been filmed and set in the Windy City.

One of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time, "Home Alone," takes place in Chicago. The film follows young Kevin McCallister as he defends his home from burglars while his family is away for the holidays. The movie showcases the city's beauty and features Kevin's family home in Winnetka, a suburb of Chicago.

Another classic Christmas film with ties to Chicago is "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." Starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, the movie tells the hilarious and chaotic story of the Griswold family's attempts to have the perfect Christmas. While the movie is set in the Chicago suburbs, most of the filming took place in Warner Brothers studios in California.

In addition to these iconic films, there are plenty of other Christmas movies that either filmed or set in Chicago. "Happy Christmas" (2014) was filmed on-site at a Chicago residence and can be streamed for free on YouTube. "Nothing Like the Holidays" (2008) was shot mostly in Humboldt Park and can also be streamed on YouTube.

"The Princess Switch" (2018), a romantic comedy, is based in Chicago, although only two scenes were actually shot there. The movie, released by Netflix, takes viewers on a delightful holiday journey. Another Netflix release, "The Christmas Chronicles" (2018), features Kurt Russell as Santa Claus and includes brief shots of Chicago and its CTA stations, even though most of the filming occurred in Canada.

The city of Chicago also served as a backdrop for the star-studded comedy "Office Christmas Party" (2016), which features Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Munn, and Jason Bateman. Scenes for the film were shot both in Chicago and Georgia. Another comedy, "A Bad Moms Christmas" (2017), takes place in the Chicago suburbs but was primarily filmed in Georgia.

"Christmas with the Kranks" (2004), starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, is set in the suburb of Riverside and was filmed on location in Illinois, California, and Canada. While it may not have received critical acclaim, the movie can be found on Hulu for those looking for a festive laugh. "The Holidate" (2020) includes shots of Michigan Avenue and references to local landmarks, but it was actually filmed in Georgia and is available for streaming on Netflix.

Chicago native Vince Vaughn takes on the role of Santa Claus' down-on-his-luck brother in "Fred Claus" (2007). The film was shot in various locations in Chicago, including Michigan Avenue. It can be rented on various platforms for those who want to enjoy some holiday cheer with a local twist.

While these are just a few examples of Christmas movies set or filmed in Chicago, there are many more that have graced the silver screen. From Sandra Bullock's "While You Were Sleeping" to the cult classic "Mean Girls," the city has provided a beautiful backdrop for holiday stories. Recent films such as "Christmas Lost and Found" (2018) and "Christmas Under the Stars" (2020) have also showcased the charm of Illinois.

Whether it's the iconic landmarks, the festive atmosphere, or the possibility of a snowy backdrop, Chicago continues to attract filmmakers and serve as a setting for heartwarming and entertaining Christmas movies. So, this holiday season, gather your loved ones, curl up on the couch, and enjoy the magic of Christmas in Chicago through these beloved films.

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