Home Alone 2 Movie Locations: Complete 2025 New York Guide
Home Alone 2 movie locations are among the most searched filming spots in New York City, especially during the holiday season. The 1992 classic Home Alone 2: Lost in New York follows Kevin McCallister as he explores the city’s most famous landmarks. Many visitors still want to know exactly where the movie was filmed and how to see these places in real life.
This 2025 guide takes you to the real Home Alone 2 movie locations in New York. You will find the Plaza Hotel, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Kevin’s Upper West Side brownstone. We also cover Duncan’s Toy Chest, inspired by FAO Schwarz, and other cameo spots across the city. Along the way, you will also learn about our New York Movie Tour, a unique experience launched in 2025 that takes you to famous filming spots from Home Alone 2 and other iconic movies.
You will discover where each scene took place, what has changed since filming, and how to visit today. Whether you plan a self-guided walk or join our movie locations tour, these sites bring the magic of Kevin’s adventure to life. If you want even more festive inspiration, visit our complete guide to the best things to do in New York for Christmas, our cornerstone article packed with seasonal tips and must-see attractions. This is your complete resource for visiting the Home Alone 2 filming locations in NYC in 2025.
Table of Contents
Home Alone 2 Movie Locations: Overview
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was released in November 1992 and quickly became one of the most popular Christmas films of all time. The story follows Kevin McCallister, who gets separated from his family and ends up in New York City just before Christmas. With his father’s credit card in hand, he checks into the Plaza Hotel, explores the city’s landmarks, and once again faces off with the Wet Bandits.
Unlike the first Home Alone, filmed mainly in Chicago, many scenes in the sequel were shot on location in New York. This gives the film a real holiday-in-the-city atmosphere that viewers can still experience today. From Central Park’s Wollman Rink to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the movie showcases some of the most iconic spots in Manhattan.
In this guide, you will learn where these Home Alone 2 movie locations are, what they look like now, and how to visit them in 2025. Some sites, like the Plaza Hotel and Central Park, remain almost unchanged, while others, such as the fictional Duncan’s Toy Chest, have a fascinating real-life backstory. Whether you’re a movie fan or simply looking for festive things to do in New York, these locations offer a unique way to explore the city.
The Plaza Hotel Filming Location
The Plaza Hotel is the most famous Home Alone 2 movie location. It is also one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. In the film, Kevin McCallister checks in with his father’s credit card. He enjoys room service, the grand lobby, and even an indoor pool. These scenes turned the Plaza into a must-see stop for fans of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
You’ll find the hotel at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. Its exterior and lobby still look the same as in the 1992 movie. The Plaza remains a luxury property with suites, restaurants, and the famous Palm Court for afternoon tea. The pool scene was not filmed here but on a set.
At the time of filming, Donald Trump owned the Plaza Hotel. He also made a brief appearance in the lobby scene. Today, visitors can enter the lobby’s retail area and dining spaces. Access to guest-only areas is restricted.
You can visit the Plaza without booking a room. Explore the shops, enjoy a meal, or take a photo at the famous Fifth Avenue entrance. Our New York Movie Tour, launched in 2025, stops near the Plaza. This gives you the chance to see it along with other Home Alone 2 filming locations and classic New York movie sites.
Central Park & Wollman Rink Scenes
Central Park plays a major role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Several key scenes were filmed here. The most memorable are Kevin’s encounters with the Pigeon Lady. They take place near Gapstow Bridge and at the park’s skating rink. These spots are among the most visited Home Alone 2 filming locations in New York.
Wollman Rink appears during a winter montage. Kevin is shown ice skating with the city skyline in the background. The rink still operates every winter, from late October to early spring. It remains one of the best places to enjoy a true holiday-in-the-city atmosphere.
The Gapstow Bridge scene, where Kevin first meets the Pigeon Lady, was filmed on the southeast side of Central Park. This stone bridge is easy to reach from the 59th Street entrance, just a short walk from Fifth Avenue. In the movie, snow covers the scene. In real life, the bridge is just as beautiful in every season.
Plan your visit in winter if you want to see these spots as Kevin did. Bring a camera to capture the views. Our New York Movie Tour includes filming locations near Central Park, so you can easily combine these with other famous movie landmarks in one day.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Scene
Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous Home Alone 2 movie locations. It is a must-see spot in New York at Christmas. In the film’s finale, Kevin meets the Pigeon Lady in front of the giant Christmas tree. Its lights glow against the night sky. This moment captures the holiday magic that makes Home Alone 2: Lost in New York unforgettable.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is located between 49th and 50th Streets, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Each year, the tree lighting takes place in early December, and the display remains until early January. In 2025, visitors can expect the usual breathtaking view of the tree above the ice skating rink.
Kevin’s scene takes place at night, but Rockefeller Center offers magic all day. Visit during daylight or after dark. The plaza has shops, restaurants, and the famous skating rink. These make it an ideal holiday stop. December brings heavy crowds. Arrive early or late in the evening for the best photos.
Our New York Movie Tour includes a stop at Rockefeller Center, so you can see the tree after visiting other famous filming locations from Home Alone 2 and more. It’s a memorable way to wrap up a festive day in the city.
Kevin’s Brownstone on West 95th Street
One of the most action-packed sequences in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York happens at a brownstone on the Upper West Side. In the movie, Kevin’s uncle lives here, and Kevin sets his elaborate traps for the Wet Bandits. The real building stands at 51 West 95th Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
The film crew used only the brownstone’s exterior. They built the trap-filled rooms on a soundstage in Chicago. The outside still looks almost the same today. Fans enjoy stopping here for photos.
The street is a quiet residential block lined with historic brownstones. These homes capture the Upper West Side’s classic charm. If you visit, respect the residents and keep noise down. You can also pair this stop with a walk through nearby Central Park.
This location blends movie magic with real New York City streets.
Duncan’s Toy Chest & Other NYC Cameos
Duncan’s Toy Chest is one of the most beloved spots in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. In the movie, Kevin visits the grand toy store to buy gifts and meet the kind owner, Mr. Duncan. While the store itself was fictional, it was inspired by FAO Schwarz, New York’s famous toy store. At the time of filming, FAO Schwarz was located on Fifth Avenue, just a short walk from Central Park.
The exterior shots for Duncan’s Toy Chest were filmed in New York, but the interior scenes took place in Chicago’s Rookery Building. Today, FAO Schwarz operates at Rockefeller Plaza, where visitors can enjoy a magical toy shopping experience. It’s not identical to the movie version, but it captures the same festive spirit.
Other quick New York cameos in the film include the Empire Diner on Tenth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall, and Battery Park. Each appears briefly as Kevin explores the city, adding to the movie’s authentic NYC feel. Most of these locations are easy to visit on foot if you plan your route carefully.
Our New York Movie Tour includes filming spots near Rockefeller Plaza, making it simple to pair a visit to FAO Schwarz with other Home Alone 2 locations. You’ll walk the same streets Kevin did, experiencing the mix of movie nostalgia and real-life New York energy.
Visiting the Home Alone 2 Movie Locations Today
You can visit the Home Alone 2 filming locations in New York on your own. They are spread across Manhattan. From the Upper West Side brownstone to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, you need time and planning to see them all. Walking between spots can be enjoyable. In winter, prepare for cold weather, large crowds, and long distances.
For a faster and more comfortable option, join our 4-hour New York Movie Tour. The tour runs on a heated coach bus. It keeps you warm and dry in cold or rainy weather. You hop off at the main Home Alone 2 movie locations with plenty of time for photos. The tour also visits filming sites from Serendipity, When Harry Met Sally, Friends, Gossip Girl, and more.
Join the tour to see all these iconic filming spots in just half a day. Avoid the stress of planning routes or arranging transport. It’s an efficient and enjoyable way to explore the cinematic side of New York City. You’ll still walk in Kevin McCallister’s footsteps, but with far more comfort.
Conclusion Home Alone 2 Movie Locations – Relive Kevin’s New York Adventure
Exploring the Home Alone 2 movie locations in New York is like stepping into one of the most beloved Christmas films ever made. From the luxury of the Plaza Hotel to the snowy charm of Central Park, each spot captures the festive energy of the city in 1992 and today. Seeing these places in person brings Kevin McCallister’s adventure to life, whether you visit during the holidays or any time of year.
You can create your own walking route to see the locations, but for a stress-free and time-efficient experience, our New York Movie Tour covers the highlights in just four hours. Alongside the Home Alone 2 filming locations, you’ll visit sets from other iconic productions, making it a must-do for movie fans.
If you want even more festive inspiration, check our complete guide to the best things to do in New York for Christmas. From holiday markets to ice skating rinks, you’ll find plenty of ideas to make your trip magical. Whether you explore on foot or by bus, these filming spots let you relive the magic of Home Alone 2 while discovering the cinematic heart of New York City.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
