Escape the hustle and bustle of the party season in London and discover six of the best Christmas getaways, inspired by our favourite yuletide movies

Words Ling Li

Perfect Christmas getaways inspired by the silver screen

HomeAway has rounded up six seasonal properties inspired by six of the best Christmas films. Whether you want to live your own love story in a beautiful English countryside cottage like Cameron Diaz in The Holiday, or you’re seeking a New York adventure inspired by Buddy the Elf, they have the perfect suggestions for a Christmas escape.

HOME ALONE: MIDWESTERN FAMILY MANSION

The Midwestern family mansion is a newly remodelled house in the heart of Wisconsin. This 3,100 square foot mansion is truly an amazing Christmas escape for a big family like Kevin McCallister’s in Home Alone. The venue boasts a two-storey living room with fireplace, a master suite, a fancy kitchen, three luxury bathrooms and three-car garage. There is also a large family room, perfect for spending Christmas in true raucous, board-gaming style.

Rooms from approx £446 per night, midwesternfamilymansion.com 

THE GRINCH: THE HIDDEN CAVE

Enjoy the warmth of the Med and the refreshing coolness of a large pool at The Hidden Cave. This alternative holiday rental in the South of France matches the magic of The Grinch. Striking a balance between rustic charm and modernity, the cave is open plan with no doors, just simple character lintels and arches across the entire room. The ideal spot for a cosy Christmas for two.

Rooms from £112  per night, thehidencave.co.uk

JINGLE ALL THE WAY: MINNEAPOLIS RETREAT 

This classic holiday home is one of the oldest remaining residences in South Minneapolis and has been carefully maintained and lovingly renovated over the past century. The home features a large living room ideal for entertaining the whole family, a master bedroom suite with double walk-in wardrobes to keep the parents happy, and even a games room for the kids to play with their new toys… Turbo-man anyone?

Rooms from approx £355 per night, minneapolisretreat.com 

THE SANTA CLAUS: ILLINOIS FAMILY HOME

Much like Tim Allen’s house in The Santa Claus, Illinois family home is fully furnished with a large kitchen kitted out with everything you need to cook up the perfect Christmas dinner. Three comfortable bedrooms, large dining room and comfy living area with a large flat-screen TV make it the perfect bolt-hole for the festive season.

Rooms from £111 per night, illinoisfamilyhome.com

THE HOLIDAY: SURREY HILLS COTTAGE

Arguably our favourite festive film, nothing evokes the warmth and comfort of the Christmas period like Kate Winslet’s Surrey cottage in The Holiday. The retreat has a huge open plan living space with a high ceiling, a library, snooker room, dining room and a sitting room with a wood burning stove.

Rooms from £293 per night, surreyhillscottage.co.uk

ELF: UPPER EAST SIDE APARTMENT

This Central Park and Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side apartment is the top destination for those looking for an America escape this Christmas. Primely positioned in the heart of the city, and based on the film Elf, this chic one-bedroom apartment boasts an exceptional open concept living room, perfect for the party season.        

Rooms from approx £119 per night, uppereastside.com