Top 16 Movies Set in Charming Snowy Villages to Watch for a Cozy Escape This Winter
As the winter chill begins to settle in, there’s an undeniable urge to retreat indoors, swaddle ourselves in the softest blankets, and seek comfort in simple pleasures. The Danish call it hygge—that feeling of cozy contentment and well-being you get from enjoying the quiet, warm moments in life. For many of us, the ultimate form of hygge involves a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a transportive film.
There’s a special kind of magic reserved for movies set in charming, snow-dusted villages. These films offer more than just a story; they provide a complete sensory escape. The sight of cobblestone streets blanketed in white, the warm glow of a pub window against the blue twilight, and the sound of boots crunching on fresh snow—it’s a visual and emotional comfort blanket. These settings become characters in their own right, promising a world where problems feel a little smaller and community a little stronger.
Here at the blog, Goh Ling Yong and I believe in curating experiences that add a little joy and comfort to your life. That's why we've put together the ultimate winter watchlist. Whether you're in the mood for romance, comedy, family fun, or a touch of quirky drama, this list of 16 movies set in charming snowy villages is your perfect ticket to a cozy escape this season.
1. The Holiday (2006)
The Holiday is the quintessential cozy winter movie, a cinematic cup of tea that warms you from the inside out. The film follows two women, Amanda (Cameron Diaz) from sunny L.A. and Iris (Kate Winslet) from a quaint English village, who impulsively swap homes for Christmas to escape their romantic woes. While Amanda's modern mansion is luxurious, it's Iris's tiny cottage, Rosehill, that steals the show.
Nestled in the Surrey countryside, Rosehill Cottage is the platonic ideal of a snowy escape. With its crooked beams, roaring fireplace, and a bathtub just big enough for one, it’s a character in itself. The village scenes, filmed in the gorgeous Shere, England, are filled with cobblestone paths, a historic church, and a welcoming local pub. It’s the kind of place you dream of disappearing to when life gets too complicated.
Cozy Tip: Watch this film with your favorite comfort drink and a notepad. You’ll inevitably be inspired to look up cozy cottages for your next vacation, even if it’s just for daydreaming. Pay attention to the film's incredible score by Hans Zimmer, which perfectly captures the feeling of hope and holiday magic.
2. Groundhog Day (1993)
While not strictly a Christmas movie, Groundhog Day perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being snowed-in—in this case, for eternity. Bill Murray plays Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day festival in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. A blizzard traps him there, and he wakes up the next morning to find it's Groundhog Day all over again.
Punxsutawney becomes a snow-globe-like prison for Phil, but for the viewer, it’s a charming backdrop for his transformation. The film showcases the beauty of a tight-knit community, from the friendly local diner to the picturesque town square. As Phil slowly learns to appreciate the town and its people, we too fall in love with its predictable, gentle rhythm. The endless snow serves as a blank canvas for Phil’s journey from narcissist to selfless hero.
Cozy Tip: This film is a fantastic reminder to find joy in the little things. Pair it with a plate of pancakes or waffles, just like the ones Phil devours daily at the Tip Top Café. It’s a great movie for when you're feeling a bit stuck and need a humorous, heartwarming pick-me-up.
3. Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel is a visual masterpiece, and its winter scenes are breathtaking. Set in Concord, Massachusetts, during the Civil War era, the film paints a perfect portrait of 19th-century New England life. The March family home is the heart of the story—a place of warmth, creativity, and love, standing strong against the biting cold outside.
The film is filled with scenes that define cozy: the four sisters huddled around the fire reading a letter from their father, ice skating on a frozen pond with their neighbor Laurie, and returning home at dusk to a house glowing with candlelight. The snow isn't just decoration; it’s woven into the fabric of their lives, marking the passage of time and the changing of seasons, both literally and emotionally.
Cozy Tip: The 1994 version directed by Gillian Armstrong is equally wonderful and offers its own brand of snowy charm. Why not make it a double feature? Watch with a slice of apple pie and appreciate the timeless warmth of family and home.
4. White Christmas (1954)
No list of snowy village movies would be complete without this absolute classic. White Christmas follows two WWII veterans turned song-and-dance men (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) who fall for a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen). They follow the sisters to a Christmas gig at a remote Vermont inn, only to find it's run by their beloved former general and is struggling due to a lack of snow.
The Columbia Inn in Pine Tree, Vermont, is the ultimate holiday destination. It’s a sprawling, rustic lodge with massive stone fireplaces, cozy guest rooms, and a barn that’s just perfect for putting on a show. The film’s climax, where the snow finally begins to fall during the finale of "White Christmas," is one of the most magical and satisfying moments in cinema history. It’s pure, unfiltered holiday cheer.
Cozy Tip: This is the perfect movie for a multi-generational movie night. The songs are timeless, and the story is pure feel-good. Sing along loudly and don't be afraid to get a little sentimental.
5. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
While much of the film is set in bustling London, the scenes in Bridget's hometown are pure snowy village perfection. Every holiday season, Bridget (Renée Zellweger) makes the reluctant trek home to her parents' cozy, slightly chaotic house for turkey curry and awkward introductions to potential suitors, like the famously reserved Mark Darcy (Colin Firth).
These scenes in the fictional "Grafton Underwood" are a hilarious and heartwarming depiction of returning home. The village is covered in a picturesque layer of snow, Christmas lights twinkle everywhere, and the local parties are filled with nosy but well-meaning neighbors. It’s the contrast between Bridget's messy London life and this idyllic, unchanging village that makes her visits so memorable.
Cozy Tip: Don your most comfortable pajamas (or a novelty Christmas jumper, if you're feeling brave) and enjoy this film with a generous glass of wine. It’s a reminder that even when life is a mess, there’s comfort in the familiar traditions of home.
6. The Family Stone (2005)
If your idea of a cozy escape involves a little bit of chaos and a lot of heart, The Family Stone is for you. The film centers on the Stone family, a free-spirited and fiercely loyal New England clan who gather at their idyllic, snow-covered Connecticut home for Christmas. The catalyst for chaos is Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) bringing home his uptight girlfriend, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker), to meet the family for the first time.
The Stone house itself is a character—a rambling, lived-in home filled with books, art, and the ghosts of Christmases past. It’s the kind of place where the front door is never locked and there’s always room for one more at the dinner table. The snowy, small-town setting enhances the feeling of being bundled together, for better or for worse, making the emotional resolutions all the more powerful.
Cozy Tip: This film beautifully captures the messy reality of family gatherings. Watch it when you’re missing your own family or need a reminder that no family is perfect. Keep some tissues handy for the film's more poignant moments.
7. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Tim Burton's gothic fairytale is a masterclass in visual storytelling, and its transformation of a sunny, cookie-cutter suburb into a winter wonderland is unforgettable. Edward, a gentle artificial man with scissors for hands, is taken in by a kind Avon lady and brought to her pastel-colored neighborhood.
The film's most magical moments occur when Edward uses his unique talent to create beauty. He sculpts hedges into fantastical shapes and, most memorably, carves a giant ice angel, causing a gentle, magical "snow" to fall over the town for the first time. The image of Kim (Winona Ryder) dancing in the ice shavings is one of cinema's most iconic and romantic winter scenes. It turns a generic suburb into a place of wonder and enchantment.
Cozy Tip: Appreciate the film's incredible production design. Notice how the color palette and architecture create a unique, dreamlike world. This is a great movie for sparking creativity and appreciating unconventional beauty.
8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
For a pure explosion of whimsical, over-the-top charm, look no further than Ron Howard's live-action version of Dr. Seuss's classic. The entire film is set in Whoville, a fantastical village nestled inside a snowflake, where Christmas is a way of life. The architecture is a marvel of curly-cued, brightly colored buildings, all perpetually dusted with snow.
The Whos themselves are the embodiment of community spirit, and their town square is the heart of their festive preparations. From the cobbled streets to the oversized decorations, every frame is bursting with imaginative detail. Even the Grinch’s lonely cave on Mount Crumpit has a certain cozy, albeit grumpy, appeal. It’s a visual feast that fully immerses you in a world of pure holiday spirit.
Cozy Tip: This is a perfect movie to watch with kids or anyone who's a kid at heart. Make "Grinch-green" snacks (like green popcorn or cookies) and embrace the film's zany, heartwarming energy.
9. Klaus (2019)
This beautifully animated film is a modern Christmas classic in the making. It tells an origin story for Santa Claus, centered on Jesper, a selfish postman who is banished to the remote, frozen island town of Smeerensburg. The town is bleak and miserable, caught in a perpetual feud between two families. The color palette is initially desaturated and gray, reflecting the residents' despair.
The magic happens as Jesper teams up with a reclusive toymaker named Klaus. As they begin delivering toys to the children of Smeerensburg, an incredible transformation occurs. Acts of kindness spread, and the town itself begins to change. The monochromatic world slowly floods with color, light, and warmth, turning the dreary village into a vibrant, joyful place. The visual storytelling is simply stunning.
Cozy Tip: Pay close attention to the animation style, which uses innovative lighting techniques to make 2D animation look and feel 3D. It’s a gorgeous film that proves a charming village isn’t just about how it looks, but how it feels.
10. Fargo (1996)
Now for something a little different. The Coen Brothers' Fargo might not be the first film you think of when you hear "charming," but its setting is undeniably iconic. Set in the bleak, snow-covered landscapes of Minnesota and North Dakota, the film finds a unique, quirky charm in its small-town mundanity. The "Minnesota nice" demeanor of the characters, especially pregnant police chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), provides a warm, comforting presence against the cold backdrop and dark deeds.
The endless white of the snow creates a stark, minimalist canvas that makes every detail—from the wood-paneled diners to the beige winter coats—pop. The film captures the specific feeling of a midwestern winter, where life slows down and the world feels quiet and muffled. It's a dark comedy, but Marge's simple decency makes it a surprisingly heartwarming watch. Goh Ling Yong and I often talk about how this film masterfully balances tone.
Cozy Tip: Enjoy the film's unique dialect and deadpan humor. A great choice for when you want a winter movie that’s smart, funny, and completely unconventional. "Oh, you betcha!"
11. The Polar Express (2004)
This film takes the "snowy village" concept to a fantastical extreme: the North Pole. When a skeptical young boy boards a mysterious train on Christmas Eve, he's taken on an extraordinary journey to Santa's home base. The North Pole is imagined as a sprawling, old-world European city, complete with a massive town square, charming brick buildings, and workshops bustling with elves.
The arrival at the North Pole is a moment of pure, wide-eyed wonder. The train snakes through the snow-covered streets as thousands of elves gather for the main event: Santa's departure. The entire sequence is steeped in nostalgia and a deep love for the magic of Christmas. It’s the ultimate escapist fantasy for anyone who ever dreamed of visiting Santa's workshop.
Cozy Tip: The hot chocolate scene on the train is legendary. Make your own "thick and rich" hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows to enjoy while you watch. The motion-capture animation was groundbreaking for its time and gives the film a unique, storybook quality.
12. Let It Snow (2019)
Based on a young adult novel by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle, Let It Snow is a modern, charming teen rom-com. The story follows a group of high school students in a small town on Christmas Eve as a massive snowstorm hits, bringing them all together in unexpected ways. Their stories intertwine at the local Waffle Town diner, which becomes a warm, brightly-lit beacon against the storm.
The film perfectly captures the magic of a snow day, where normal rules don't apply and anything can happen. The town, completely blanketed in snow, forces characters to slow down, confront their feelings, and connect with each other. It's sweet, funny, and filled with the kind of cozy, small-town atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Cozy Tip: This is a light and easy watch, perfect for a lazy afternoon. Its ensemble cast and intersecting storylines make it a fun, fast-paced ride.
13. A Christmas Story (1983)
A nostalgic trip back to 1940s Indiana, A Christmas Story is told through the eyes of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who wants only one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. The film is set in the fictional town of Hohman, a perfect representation of a mid-century American small town in winter.
From the bustling town square with its enchanting department store window to the cozy Parker family home (yes, with the leg lamp in the window), the setting is drenched in nostalgic charm. The film brilliantly captures a child's perspective of the holiday season, where the neighborhood becomes a vast, snowy playground, and the warmth of home is the ultimate refuge from the world (and the local bullies).
Cozy Tip: This film is famously played on a 24-hour loop on Christmas Eve in the US. Start your own tradition by watching it while wrapping presents or baking cookies.
14. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
What if a charming snowy village was actually an entire enchanted world? In this beloved fantasy epic, the Pevensie siblings stumble through a wardrobe and into Narnia, a land trapped in a hundred-year winter by the evil White Witch. While the eternal snow is a curse, it creates a breathtakingly beautiful and magical landscape.
The coziest corner of this frozen world is undoubtedly the home of the faun, Mr. Tumnus. His tiny cave, filled with books, a crackling fire, and the promise of tea and toast, is the first glimpse of warmth and safety the children find in Narnia. It’s a perfect little sanctuary against the vast, cold forest, representing the hope that flickers even in the darkest of times.
Cozy Tip: Let your imagination run wild. Build a blanket fort to simulate your own "wardrobe" and watch the movie from inside. It’s a film about courage and wonder, perfect for all ages.
15. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Set in a snowy Chicago during Christmastime, While You Were Sleeping has all the comforting charm of a small-town romance. Lonely transit worker Lucy (Sandra Bullock) saves her crush from an oncoming train, but he falls into a coma. A misunderstanding at the hospital leads his boisterous, loving family to believe she is his fiancée.
Lucy is welcomed into the warm, chaotic embrace of the Callaghan family, spending the holidays in their cozy, suburban home. The film is filled with classic winter scenes: decorating a Christmas tree, sharing big family meals, and slipping on icy sidewalks. The family's neighborhood feels like its own village within the city, offering the connection and community Lucy has been longing for.
Cozy Tip: This is one of the most charming and rewatchable romantic comedies ever made. It’s a perfect film for when you want a story about finding love and family in the most unexpected of places.
16. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
For a dose of whimsical, impeccably styled charm, Wes Anderson's masterpiece is an excellent choice. The film is set in the fictional alpine Republic of Zubrowka, a snow-covered European nation that feels like it’s been plucked from a vintage storybook. The titular hotel, a magnificent pink confection, serves as the central "village" for the film's eccentric cast of characters.
The snowy landscapes, the funicular rides up the mountainside, and the thrilling ski and sled chases create a uniquely charming winter atmosphere. Anderson's signature symmetrical visuals and detailed production design make every frame a work of art. It’s an escape into a world that is both nostalgic and utterly original.
Cozy Tip: Pay attention to the details. Every costume, prop, and set piece is meticulously crafted. It’s a visual delight that rewards multiple viewings. Enjoy with a fancy pastry, like the film's own "Courtesan au Chocolat."
There you have it—16 cinematic escapes to worlds where the snow is always pristine and the hearth is always warm. These films remind us that there’s a unique beauty in the winter season, a time for slowing down, gathering close, and finding magic in the quiet moments.
Now it’s your turn! What are your go-to movies set in charming snowy villages? Did we miss one of your favorites? Share your top picks in the comments below—I’m always looking to expand my winter watchlist
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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