Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

We all have favorite movies that we answer when people ask, and favorite movies that are for more private consumption. For me, that movie is Home Alone. And the dorkiest reason why I love New York is that, during the holidays, the city is very reminiscent of the sequel to that movie—which I also love.

So I was relieved to discover that other people appreciate how Home Alone 2: Lost in New York lends itself to tourism and that organized tours of Central Park actually market sites from the movie as part of their itineraries.

Whether your idea of a holiday classic is It’s a Wonderful Life or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, here’s a rundown of ways you can celebrate the holiday season on celluloid—and get out of town:

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member RoBoNC

1. Reenact A Christmas Story in Cleveland: A San Diego entrepreneur bought Ralphie’s house and painstakingly restored it to mirror the movie’s depiction, studying the film frame by frame. The house is open for tours and has acted as something of a tourism boom for the Ohio city. Head there on November 23 for the first-ever movie convention and Ralphie look-alike contest.

2. Avoid Being Home Alone in Chicago: Illinois’ tourism branch handily provides the addresses for the major landmarks in the life of Kevin McCallister. It’s a creative way to familiarize yourself with the winter wonderland of Chicago’s North Shore.

3. Witness a Miracle on 34th Street in Manhattan (or Baltimore): Macy’s Herald Square is one of my favorite holiday-film destinations. Besides being in close proximity to the whole Home Alone 2 Central Park pigeon experience, Macy’s annual Miracle on 34th Street window display ensures you get an authentic taste of the classic movie despite the 21st-century bustle around you. For slightly less bustle, head to 34th Street in Baltimore to see how residents there got their names in lights.

4. Buddy Up with an Elf in New York: While you’re in Manhattan, head to the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center to see the world through Buddy’s eyes—and to catch a glimpse of Buddy alter ego Will Ferrell’s old stomping grounds at Saturday Night Live’s studios.

5. Remember It’s a Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls: Further north in New York, this town lays claim to being the real-life inspiration behind Frank Capra’s legendary Bedford Falls. December 7 marks the beginning of the town’s celebration of the film’s 61st anniversary, and it has ambitious plans for transforming itself into its better known counterpart.

6. Meet Santa Clause in Oakville: Even further north, this idyllic Ontario town served as the location for Tim Allen’s jolly masterpiece. It’s a lovely escape from Toronto any time of year, but recognizable as home to little Charlie when it boasts a blanket of snow. You’re guaranteed at least one star sighting at the town’s Santa Claus Parade.

7. Join National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation in Colorado: Breckenridge was the scene for outdoor shots of Chevy Chase and family in perhaps the most beloved of the Lampoon movies. Besides being prime turf for Griswold nostalgia, the ski terrain is unbeatable.

8. Sing Along to The Sound of Music in Salzburg (or Stowe): I’ve watched the von Trapps sing their hearts out countless times on screen, and even I’m not sure why someone decided that "My Favorite Things" would be a Christmas song and the movie, a television staple during this season. Regardless, the musical makes for a wonderful, wintry travel inspiration. I have very fond memories of a winter Sound of Music tour in Austria, and you can even find holiday-themed trips to the area for film buffs. Closer to home, Stowe, Vermont, is another winter favorite, and staying at the renowned Trapp Family Lodge is the stuff of Sound of Music fans’ dreams.

Have you ever indulged in a little silver-screen travel? Or can you think of holiday-movie destinations I’ve missed? Let me know!