Key Takeaways
- There are several Christmas movies with Syracuse and Central New York ties that can be streamed online.
- Some movies feature actors from the Salt City, while others were filmed in Syracuse or reference CNY.
- Highlights include "The Holdovers," "The Christmas Letter," "It’s a Wonderful Life," and "Scrooged."
- Other movies with CNY ties include "Eyes Wide Shut," "Carol for Another Christmas," and "Rise of the Guardians."
- Some TV episodes with CNY ties are also available to stream, including "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "New Girl."
Introduction to Local Holiday Films
Looking for Christmas movies that aren’t the usual classics? Maybe something with a little local spirit? There are several holiday films with Syracuse and Central New York ties that can be watched right now on streaming services. These movies offer a unique perspective on the holiday season, with some featuring actors from the Salt City, while others were filmed in Syracuse or reference CNY.
The Holdovers and The Christmas Letter
Two notable movies with CNY ties are "The Holdovers" and "The Christmas Letter." "The Holdovers" stars Paul Giamatti as a New England boarding school teacher who stays on campus over Christmas break to supervise held-over students. The movie features an Oscar-winning performance by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and a direct shoutout to Syracuse during the final moments. "The Christmas Letter," on the other hand, centers on an everyday man from Utica who decides to top his wealthy friend’s annual Christmas letter by cashing out his 401K and taking his family on a year-long series of crazy adventures. Scenes were shot throughout the Mohawk Valley, and the project features a "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation" reunion with Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, and Brian Doyle-Murray.
Classic Holiday Films with CNY Ties
Some classic holiday films also have CNY ties. "It’s a Wonderful Life," for example, was partly inspired by Seneca Falls, N.Y. The 1946 film tells the story of an angel who helps Jimmy Stewart see the value of his own life. Another classic film, "Scrooged," features Syracuse native Bobcat Goldthwait and stars Bill Murray as a cynical TV exec who is convinced to find the true meaning of the holiday by three ghosts.
Modern Holiday Films with CNY Ties
In addition to classic films, there are also several modern holiday films with CNY ties. "It’s a Wonderful Binge," for example, is a 2022 sequel to "The Binge" that was filmed in the Syracuse area. The movie is set in a near future where all drinking and drugs are banned except for on one glorious day known as The Binge, which falls on the same day as Christmas. "Eyes Wide Shut," on the other hand, is a 1999 erotic thriller that stars Syracuse native Tom Cruise and his then-wife Nicole Kidman as a couple on a sexual adventure during the holiday season.
Other Holiday Films and TV Episodes with CNY Ties
Other holiday films and TV episodes with CNY ties include "Carol for Another Christmas," "Second Chance Christmas," "Autumn in New York," and "Rise of the Guardians." "Carol for Another Christmas" is a 1964 adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" that was written by Syracuse native Rod Serling. "Second Chance Christmas" is a TV movie that was filmed in Armory Square and other parts of Syracuse in 2017. "Autumn in New York" is a film that stars North Syracuse high school graduate Richard Gere and features ice skating scenes in New York during the holidays. "Rise of the Guardians" is an animated film that features Alec Baldwin, who frequently visits family in Syracuse, as Santa Claus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several Christmas movies with Syracuse and Central New York ties that can be streamed online. These films offer a unique perspective on the holiday season, with some featuring actors from the Salt City, while others were filmed in Syracuse or reference CNY. Whether you’re looking for a classic film or a modern comedy, there’s something for everyone on this list. So why not get into the holiday spirit and watch one of these movies today?
