By: Sherifat A. Mohammed 

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As the holiday season approaches, the air grows crisp, twinkling lights illuminate homes, and the smell of cinnamon and pine fills the air. Amidst the festive cheer, one tradition that stands out above the rest is watching Christmas movies. Whether you're curling up on the couch with a hot cocoa, enjoying a family movie marathon, or simply seeking a way to escape into a world of holiday magic, Christmas films have a special way of making the season feel complete.

But what is it about Christmas movies that makes them so universally beloved? Let's explore why these films have become a cherished part of the holiday season and highlight some of the most iconic titles that continue to warm our hearts year after year.

Christmas movies have an almost magical quality to them. They tap into our deep-rooted need for connection, joy, and nostalgia. Many of these films are set against the backdrop of snowy landscapes, festive decorations, and the spirit of generosity, which creates a sense of comfort and togetherness. Whether you're watching with family, friends, or alone, Christmas movies invite viewers to slow down, reflect on the past year, and embrace the feelings of warmth and goodwill that define the season.

There is a special kind of joy that comes from watching films that celebrate love, kindness, and the holiday spirit. They remind us of the importance of giving, sharing, and spending time with the people who matter most. Whether it's the innocence of a child discovering the magic of Christmas or the story of an adult rekindling their belief in the season's magic, these films evoke emotions that transcend age, making them beloved by audiences of all generations. Many of the new holiday movies have been filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Over the past two decades, Atlanta has transformed from a bustling Southern city to one of the most prominent centers of film and television production in the United States. Often referred to as "Hollywood South," Atlanta has rapidly established itself as a key player in the global entertainment industry. Thanks to a combination of state-of-the-art facilities, favorable tax incentives, and a growing talent pool, the city's film industry has boomed, attracting some of the biggest names in Hollywood and independent filmmakers alike.

There is something very special about watching a movie and seeing landmarks from your own neighborhood showing up on your screen. If you are in the holiday spirit and you and your family want to watch a Christmas movie, why not watch a Christmas movie filmed in Atlanta. Here are five Christmas movies filmed in Atlanta to enjoy this holiday season. 

Our Little Secret premiered on Nov. 27, 2024 and instantly inspired droves of audiences with its delightful holiday aesthetic, themes of long-lost romance rekindled, and star players. Super-fans of the film may even find themselves trekking into the Atlanta area for more insight into the enticing holiday getaway, eager to engage in their own Winter Wonderland love story. If this sounds like you, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to the Big Peach. We’ll walk through the primary shooting location of Our Little Secret, while also outlining some of the best restaurants, tours and day trips for new and returning visitors alike. As a vibrant cultural epicenter, Atlanta is one of the best places in the contiguous United States to explore!

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Dear Santa is streaming on Paramount+ and premiered on November 25, 2024. Dear Santa stars Jack Black, who wreaks havoc on the holidays when a young boy mails his Christmas wish list to Santa with one crucial spelling error. The movie, from the hilarious minds behind Dumb & Dumber, filmed in metro Atlanta, including Decatur and Duluth.  

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Dashing Through the Snow was filmed in Atlanta and stars Ludacris, who plays Eddie, a social worker for the Atlanta Police Department who despises Christmas. While spending Christmas Eve with his daughter, Eddie meets a mysterious man named Nick, who helps him understand the joy and magic of Christmas. Lil Rey Howery plays Santa Claus, and Teyonah Parris is Eddie’s wife, Allison. Atlanta scenery and landmarks feature prominently throughout the movie, including Besharat Gallery & Museum in Castleberry Hill near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Stonecrest’s Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, which is a private residence, but visitors can experience the New Black Wall Street Market a shopping, dining and entertainment destination nearby.

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A Jenkins Family Christmas (2021) was directed by Robin Givens and stars Regina Taylor, Kim Coles, and Tammy Townsend, “A Jenkins Family Christmas” streams on BET+ and tells the story of two sisters who must make Christmas happen without getting into arguments, but an unexpected twist arrives at the festivities. Filmed primarily at a private residence in Roswell, the movie also features

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Red One is still in theaters and premiered on November 15, 2024. The action-packed holiday fantasy comedy follows the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) and the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) on a globe-trotting hunt to rescue Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) from his kidnappers. Filming took place throughout Georgia, including in Atlanta, Conyers, Savannah, and Jekyll Island.

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Happy Movie Watching! 

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