Humor & Quirks
Living in America's Holiday-Movie Towns: What the Numbers Really Mean
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 15:20 GMT by KIRO-TV- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Living in America’s Holiday‑Movie Towns: What the Numbers Really Mean
When you think of a quintessential Christmas movie, you probably picture the soot‑stained chimney of the Claus’s workshop, the snow‑covered streets of a quiet suburb, or the warm glow of a family‑run department store. The places that made those scenes feel so real—often small, dusty towns in the American heartland—have been thrust into the spotlight by filmmakers and, more recently, by tourists eager to walk the same streets. A KIRO‑7 profile that pulled together data, local stories, and a handful of industry anecdotes explores the everyday cost of living in those towns that have become synonymous with holiday film magic.
1. Wichita, Kansas – A Christmas Story
Wichita’s “Christmas City” status stems from the 1983 classic A Christmas Story, filmed largely in the downtown area and the suburbs that now line the “Flickertail Hill” highway. The town’s economy has long been rooted in manufacturing and agriculture, but the film’s legacy has given Wichita an unexpected tourism boom, especially during the holiday season.
Cost of Living: Wichita’s overall cost of living index sits at 78 (U.S. average is 100), making it relatively affordable compared to the national average. Housing costs—particularly the median home price of roughly $190,000—are about 20% below the national median. Yet, the seasonal surge in visitors has spurred a small but steady rise in rent and property taxes. Residents note that while the town still offers the comforts of a mid‑size city, the influx of film‑fans has led to higher street‑level competition for parking and a few temporary price hikes at local eateries during December.
Tourism Impact: According to the Wichita Chamber of Commerce, holiday‑season tourism now contributes an estimated $3.2 million to the local economy each year. Annual events like “Merry‑Wichita” film screenings, costume parades, and a replica of the iconic “Sandy” house attract more than 50,000 visitors. Local boutique owners have doubled their holiday sales, but the uptick also brings pressure on the city’s infrastructure, especially parking and waste‑management.
2. North Pole, Alaska – The Santa Clause & “North Pole” Festivals
Unlike Wichita, North Pole is a real town—officially incorporated in 1980 with a population of just over 70 people—but it has become an international Christmas landmark thanks to the 1994 film The Santa Clause. Though the movie’s fictional Santa workshop is based in the film’s narrative, the town’s own Christmas‑themed businesses, such as the iconic Santa’s Grotto and the “World’s Largest Snow Globe,” have turned it into a seasonal pilgrimage site.
Cost of Living: North Pole’s cost of living index is 102, slightly above the national average, largely driven by high utility costs (the cold climate demands substantial heating). The median home price is $275,000—well above the regional average—because the town’s limited housing stock and high demand for seasonal rentals inflate prices. However, many residents offset these costs through part‑time or year‑round work at the local post office, tourism shops, or by operating small cafés that cater to visitors.
Tourism Impact: According to the North Pole Tourism Board, the town pulls in roughly 75,000 visitors annually, with a peak of 20,000 in December alone. Revenue from souvenir sales, lodging, and gift shop purchases is estimated at $4.5 million each year. Residents note that the influx of tourists has provided jobs for the handful of locals, but the seasonal nature of tourism means many must supplement income with other jobs during the off‑season.
3. New York City – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
New York’s association with Home Alone 2 stems from the film’s iconic scenes filmed in Queens, Manhattan, and the iconic “St. Patrick’s Cathedral” shot. While the city’s cost of living remains sky‑high, the film’s legacy has helped cement its reputation as a must‑visit destination for Christmas movie lovers.
Cost of Living: New York City’s cost of living index stands at 185—almost twice the national average. Housing is the biggest factor: the median apartment rent is $3,500 per month, and the median home price exceeds $900,000 in many neighborhoods. The film’s legacy has contributed only a small percentage to the city's overall tourism revenue, which is dominated by Broadway, museums, and the holiday lights of Rockefeller Center.
Tourism Impact: The city’s tourism department estimates that Home Alone fans contribute an estimated $50 million annually to the local economy, primarily through hotels, restaurants, and retail. The most significant impact is seen in the “Holly and Ivy” area of Queens, where fans visit the “Frosty” statue and the “Bark‑in‑the‑Winter” tree. Residents in these neighborhoods report higher rents and increased demand for rental apartments as tourists look for short‑term stays.
4. Cedar City, Utah – The Christmas Chronicles & The Polar Express
Cedar City, home to the LDS Church’s Pioneer Memorial and the Sundance Institute, gained additional fame when The Christmas Chronicles (2018) and The Polar Express (2004) used its small-town scenery as backdrop. Cedar City’s cost of living is comfortably mid‑range, with a cost index of 82.
Cost of Living: Median home price of $280,000 is slightly above the national median. The town’s economy is largely driven by education (University of Utah’s Utah Valley campus is nearby), manufacturing, and tourism. The film legacy has helped support a vibrant holiday market, but the town’s limited size keeps housing supply tight, contributing to modest price appreciation.
Tourism Impact: Cedar City hosts the annual “Christmas Town” festival, attracting roughly 100,000 visitors during the peak week. The festival’s economic impact is estimated at $3 million, largely driven by small‑business owners who run holiday shops and pop‑up restaurants. Residents say the extra revenue helps maintain the town’s historic downtown but also increases traffic congestion and seasonal noise.
5. Santa Monica, California – The Santa Clause & Christmas in California
Santa Monica’s association with the holiday film The Santa Clause comes from its role as the fictional Santa’s administrative headquarters. The area’s mild climate and coastal appeal make it a popular stop for tourists, especially those traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Cost of Living: Santa Monica’s cost of living index is 240, one of the highest in the country. Housing is extremely expensive: the median home price tops $1.5 million, and the median rent for a one‑bedroom apartment is $3,200 per month. The film’s legacy has only a marginal effect on the town’s tourism economy, which is dominated by beach tourism, upscale retail, and entertainment.
Tourism Impact: The Santa Clause adds an estimated $25 million annually to Santa Monica’s tourism dollars, primarily through hotel stays and themed merchandise. The town’s holiday events, such as the “Santa’s Workshop” pop‑up store, attract fans but do not significantly alter the overall cost structure for residents.
Common Threads and Takeaways
Seasonal Influx: All these towns experience a surge in visitors during the holiday season, which can temporarily increase local economic activity. The spike in demand for lodging, restaurants, and retail often translates to higher rents and utility costs.
Housing Market Pressure: Limited housing supply in small towns like North Pole and Cedar City pushes median prices up, creating affordability challenges for long‑term residents.
Tourism‑Driven Jobs: Local businesses—particularly gift shops, cafés, and tour operators—benefit from holiday‑movie tourism, providing part‑time or seasonal employment opportunities for residents.
Infrastructure Strain: A sudden increase in foot traffic can overwhelm existing parking, waste, and traffic management systems, especially in towns with limited infrastructure capacity.
Economic Diversification: While the film legacy can be a significant source of revenue, towns like Wichita and Cedar City have managed to diversify their economies through manufacturing, education, and general tourism beyond the holiday movie niche.
Final Thoughts
Living in a town that’s a backdrop for holiday movies is a unique blend of charm and challenge. On one hand, you’re part of a living, breathing holiday tradition, watching the same streets you grew up on come alive with fans from around the globe. On the other, you’ll likely see higher costs of living and a seasonal rhythm that can both boost your local economy and impose additional burdens.
For those contemplating a move to one of these cinematic locales, the decision will ultimately hinge on balancing the allure of holiday magic with the practical realities of cost, job prospects, and community dynamics. Whether you’re a lifelong resident who’s watched the same snowy streetlights each year or a prospective buyer drawn by the glow of Christmas lights, understanding the numbers behind the holiday film towns can help you decide if the holiday charm outweighs the financial and logistical trade‑offs.
Read the Full KIRO-TV Article at:
[ https://www.kiro7.com/news/what-it-costs-live-americas-iconic-holiday-movie-towns/23K5FUN7WJO6VL6FL36OLR2ZY4/ ]
