With the holiday season in full swing, people can’t help but want to get cozy and comfy on the couch and be transported to a festive and jolly world. Many enjoy celebrating Christmas with their favorite characters like Rudolph, Frosty, andBuddy the elf, delighting in the exciting adventures these lovable figures embark upon.
And, viewers can’t help but experience some serious envy after witnessing the magical and whimsical nature of the North Pole, with beloved flicks likeThe Polar Express, Elf,andandThe Nightmare Before Christmasproviding a fantastical glimpse at Santa’s legendary home. Let’s take a look at 10 of the most popular films that went to the snowy wonderland known as the North Pole.
10Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Though not a full-length film, the fan-favorite 1964 Christmas animated TV specialRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeeris based on the timeless holiday tune and is a stop-motion masterpiece that follows the iconic young reindeer as he is ostracized by Santa’s other flying helpers because of his bright and bold red nose, and he goes on a soul-searching journey to discover his self-worth and embrace his uniqueness. The holiday classic features legendary musician Burl Ives as the heartwarming flick’s narrator, and it has been telecast every year since its premiere 59 years ago.
The Home of the Reindeer
Widely regarded asone of the greatest Christmas films ever made,Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeerprimarily takes place in the enchanting North Pole and chronicles Rudolph’s adventures as he meets many wondrous characters like an abominable snowman, spirited elves, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus. It has been lauded for its captivating animation, positive message, and toe-tapping soundtrack, and has become an undisputed Christmas must-see that viewers love to watch during the festive season.Buy on Apple TV+.
9The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas
One of the most beloved Christmas movies of the ’90s and a major cinematic triumph, Henry Selick’s 1993 stop-motion animated fantasy filmThe Nightmare Before Christmasfamously follows the bored King of Halloween Town Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon) as he ventures into the woods and discovers wondrous holiday-themed worlds hidden within it, including the mesmerizing Christmas Town. Jack decides to shake up his own mundane routine and bring some festive spirit to his spooky realm, creating unforeseen problems within the two worlds.
Halloween Comes to the North Pole
Jack is completely mystified when he stumbles upon Christmas Town, which is located in the North Pole and is a jolly representation of the holiday itself. He takes his time exploring the bright and colorful world, memorably belting out the song “What’s This?” due to his sheer excitement marveling at the cheerful village, massive decorated Christmas tree, and snowy landscape.The Nightmare Before Christmasis considered one of the best animated films of all time andbrilliantly captures the allure and heartof the holiday.Stream on Disney+.
8The Santa Clause (1994)
The Santa Clause
Tim Allen famously took on the role of Jolly Saint Nick in the 1994 comedyThe Santa Clause, which tells the story of average father Scott Calvin as he finds his whole world completely turned upside down after he accidentally startles Santa and causes him to fall to his death, resulting in Scott becoming the next Kris Kringle. A highly-skeptical Scott discovers that he has eleven months to prepare for his official role as Santa, which delights his young son Charlie but concerns those around him, who believe he has effectively lost his mind.
Related:Best Santa Claus Movies of All Time
Scott’s New Home is the North Pole
After inadvertently causing the original Santa’s demise, Scott and Charlie discover his reindeer and sleigh waiting for them on the roof, and the duo finish delivering presents before being whisked away to the North Pole. Hidden deep within the Arctic ice, they arrive in the magical, snowy land and Santa’s workshop (that Scott has now officially inherited), and the countdown begins for the following Christmas and his transformation into the beloved holiday figure.Stream on Disney+.
7Elf (2003)
Undeniably one of thegreatest Christmas films of all time, the spirited and wholesome 2003 comedyElfstars the phenomenal Will Ferrell as the eccentric Buddy, a man who was raised by elves in the North Pole who learns decades later that he is not actually one of Santa’s little helpers and is actually from the human world. Buddy decides to go on a noble quest to be reunited with his biological father (James Caan) in New York City, spreading festive cheer and holiday glee to those who cross his path.
Related:Best Will Ferrell Movies, Ranked
A Human in the North Pole
The North Pole that Buddy grew up in payshomage to the stop-motion claymationutilized in the Christmas classicRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, with director Jon Favreau imitating the stylings of Rankin & Bass as Buddy travels through the snowy landscape and says goodbye to his pals as he heads off to find his father. Buddy journeys through candy cane fields and even catches up with a wise snowman as he bids farewell to his breathtaking white tundra home in the North Pole.Stream on Max.
6The Polar Express (2004)
The Polar Express
Robert Zemeckis brought the celebrated titular children’s story to life with the 2004 adventure fantasyThe Polar Express, brilliantly blending live action elements and motion capture animation to tell the heartwarming tale of a young boy in 1950s Grand Rapids who rediscovers the magic and wonder of Christmas when he is brought aboard the awe-inspiring passenger train and taken to the North Pole. Zemeckis enlisted the help of frequent collaborator Tom Hanks, who ended up voicing a whopping six characters, including the train’s kind-hearted conductor.
A Train to the North Pole
After growing skeptical of the existence of Saint Nick, Hero Boy embarks on an unforgettable ride to the hallowed North Pole where he and other children will meet Santa and witness what goes into making the holiday happen. They see the factory the toys are made in as well as the helpful little elves, and learn that one special child will receive the first gift of Christmas from Santa Claus himself.The Polar Expresswas lauded for its stunning visuals and animation, and wonderfully transported viewers to the fantastical North Pole in the process.Stream on Hulu.
5The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Jolly Saint Nick goes toe-to-toe with the devious Jack Frost in the 2006 comedyThe Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, in whichTim Allen returnsas the legendary gift giver and appears alongside Martin Short, following Scott Calvin/Santa as he must contend with not only the arrival of his in-laws but also a power play by Jack Frost, who wants to be in charge of the North Pole. The pair engage in a battle of wits and Scott must enlist the help of his family and colorful friends to stop his scheme and protect the sanctity of Christmas.
Battle at the North Pole
Scott invites his in-laws, ex-wife, and son Charlie to visit the North Pole for the holiday season, dazzling his guests with the village’s beauty and majestic views and cozy, jubilant spirit. He’s going to need all the help he can get to stop Jack Frost from carrying out his nefarious plan, which wreaks havoc on the North Pole and makes the reindeer and elves miserable despite the joyous nature of the holiday season. Scott must not only save the North Pole from Frost, but also Christmas itself.Stream on Disney+.
4Fred Claus (2007)
Fred Claus
Vince Vaughnand Paul Giamattistarred as mismatched brothers with vastly different moral compasses in the 2007 comedyFred Claus, centering on the overshadowed younger brother (Vaughn) of Saint Nick who, after getting in trouble with the law, is bailed out by his legendary sibling (Giamatti) and subsequently brought to the North Pole, where he is forced to work for his money and pay off his debt by helping prepare for Christmas. Fred’s arrival disrupts the law and order of the mystical place and leads to even more problems for Santa, causing uproarious chaos.
The Younger Brother of St. Nick
Fred trades in the bustling city of Chicago for the picturesque North Pole, which is exactly what one would imagine when thinking of Santa’s home: there are spellbinding storefronts, Kris Kringle’s workshop, and a stunning winter landscape with gorgeous snowflakes and twinkling lights. The self-centered Fred’s poor attitude and antics threaten Christmas from successfully happening, and he eventually teams up with the elves to make the necessary toys for all the boys and girls across the world.Stream on Hulu.
3Arthur Christmas (2011)
Arthur Christmas
In the critically-acclaimed 2011 animated holiday comedyArthur Christmas, Santa Claus' clumsy-yet-earnest son Arthur (James McAvoy) is given the chance to get out of his famous father’s shadow and deliver some holiday magic by racing against the clock to deliver a gift to a forgotten child before Christmas morning. With the help of his quirky grandfather (who is also a retired Saint Nick) and a determined young elf, Arthur sets out to save the day and discover who he truly is while on the crucial quest.
A High Tech North Pole
Arthur Christmasdepicts both the North Pole and Santa Claus a bit differently than the other entries on this list, as his workshop is more industrial and a well-oiled factoryfeaturing cutting edge technology. While still located within the snowy terrain where elves and reindeer dwell, the actual presents are delivered via a high-tech aircraft that effortlessly allows them to be dropped in record-time all across the world. Arthur’s job within the organization is to respond to children’s letters to Santa, and he has true passion for what his family has done and continues to do.Stream on Max.
2The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
The Christmas Chronicles
The highly-anticipated follow-up to the Netflix original hit, the 2020 comedyThe Christmas Chronicles 2stars cherished Hollywood couple Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as Santa and Mrs. Claus, and focuses on the now-cynical teenager Kate Pierce as she is reunited with Old Saint Nick after traveling through a wormhole during the holiday season. The skeptical adolescent tries to help save Christmas after the wicked elf Belsnickel attempts to destroy Santa’s village and prevent him from delivering presents.
An Enchanting North Pole Village
Kate and her companion Jack are magically transported to the North Pole, which is brimming with breathtaking snow-dusted cobblestone streets, quaint storefronts, and historical-looking buildings that are reminiscent of stunning European architecture. The film’s version of the North Pole is truly a spectacle, and the endearing sequel went on to be streamed by an impressive61 million householdswithin its first month of release, serving up a massive heaping of holiday cheer.Stream on Netflix.
1Noelle (2020)
The alwaysdelightful Anna Kendrickand Bill Hader were in peak comedic form when they headlined the 2019 fantasy flickNoelle, centering on Kris Kringle’s polar opposite children Noelle and Nick as the latter sibling balks at the prospect of taking over as Santa Claus, and flees the North Pole and his mounting responsibilities in favor of a normal life. His positive and perky sister embarks on a mission to track down her skittish brother and return him home in time to deliver the presents on Christmas, but discovers convincing Nick is harder than she imagined.
Nick and Noelle Grew up at the North Pole
Noelle and Nick live year-round in the cozy and whimsical North Pole, which is a breathtaking winter wonderland where everyone is jolly and festive. The village’s colorful residents adore Noelle and her upbeat attitude, and it’s quite clear that she would make a superior Santa by far, a fact Nick fully acknowledges, which leads him to nominate her as the next logical choice. The North Pole inNoellelooks like a breathtaking paradise full of holiday cheer and happiness, and it’s no wonder the lead heroine loves to spend her days there.Stream on Disney+.
