The lack of snow and bare trees in our fair city don't necessarily inspire filmmakers to set holiday movies here. That wholesome, “White Christmas” feeling isn’t something that comes naturally to L.A. (Just ask Alvy Singer in Annie Hall.) But movie magic has made it possible to shoot some memorable holiday classics here, like It’s a Wonderful Life and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, even though films like these are usually set in other, much wintrier, towns. L.A.’s absence of snowflakes and snowmen, however, sets the stage for much cooler, edgier holiday flicks. We can’t claim hometown pride over A Christmas Story or Home Alone, but films like Die Hard, L.A. Confidential, Boogie Nights and Lethal Weapon, all set in Los Angeles during the holidays, are the gifts that keep giving all year long.
All photos by Jared Cowan. Follow him on Twitter at @JaredCowan1.
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