A holly, jolly guide to Christmas movie filming locations

"A Christmas Story" is a holiday staple. You can catch it on Christmas Day, as it plays for 24 full hours on TBS, or you can just visit the A Christmas Story House and Museum. The house was used for exterior shots of the home where Ralphie plotted to get his official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle from Santa, and even though the interior shots were filmed in a studio, the inside of the house has been remodeled to match. You can take a tour and learn all about the film, including some awesome behind-the-scenes facts, and even purchase a pink bunny suit and other movie-themed memorabilia at the gift shop.

At some point during the holidays, we all relate to "Home Alone", specifically Kevin McAllister's frustrations with his family. Plus, the appeal of being left home along to "eat junk and watch filth" is undeniable... especially if your family leaves you behind in a mansion like the one used for exteriors of the McAllister home.

Oh, and while we're on the topic of "Home Alone", everyone should admit that Duncan's Toy Chest from "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" looked like the coolest shop ever. It's not real, of course, but the scenes were filmed at The Rookery.

One filming location for the Christmas classic "Lethal Weapon" is the Emser Building. Today, it still serves as the headquarters for the Emser Tile Company. If you choose to visit... don't jump off the roof like Mel did.

In "It's A Wonderful Life" when George courts Mary, he does it in one of the most unique gyms in America. Who could forget the scene where George and Mary are dancing, and then someone opens up the floor to reveal a swimming pool, which they fall into?? The gym with the floor that opens up to reveal a pool is at Beverly Hills High School... and it's still around today.

There's only one other surviving filming location for "It's a Wonderful Life"... the Martini House, where Bedford Falls' favorite bartender, Martini, lived.

Or, if the charming little town of Bedford Falls (or Pottersville, if you're more into dystopian alternate timelines) has swept you away, then pay a visit to Seneca Falls, which many suspect to be the real-life inspiration for the movie's setting. It also happens to be home to the It's a Wonderful Life Museum, which is an adorable little stop.

The apartment building from "Ghostbusters" also happens to be where Buddy the Elf's dad (and wife and son) live in the strange and adorable movie "Elf"... so whether you're looking for Zuul or some Christmas cheer, this is a great classic filming location. The best way to get there? Pass through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then walk through the Lincoln Tunnel.

First, kudos if you ever remember "Prancer". Second, remember this house? Well a mean old lady doesn't live there. It's actually an inn now. Perfect place to crash before letting your reindeer loose... and we've got the perfect place for that.

At the end of the movie, Prancer is released at Antler Ridge, which was filmed at Starved Rock State Park. Incidentally, Starved Rock is a nice place for winter hiking, ice climbing, and cross-country skiing.

Let's just cut to the chase. Pretty much all of The Santa Clause is shot in Canada, particularly the town of Oakville. Many of the same stores seen in the movie are there today on the town's main drag.

Oh, and the zoo featured in the movie is the Toronto Zoo.