Holiday movies are famous for their sparkling seasonal settings, and the 2025 hit “Jingle Bell Heist” is no exception. This festive comedy has quickly become a fan favorite, charming audiences with its cozy lights, clever caper plot and the undeniable chemistry between its leads. At the heart of the mischief is the elegant, high-end backdrop: the Sterling London Department Store. With its mix of romantic banter and dazzling displays, fans are naturally curious – is this posh, century-old retailer real?
While the Sterling looks precisely like the kind of historic shop you’d stroll past on a snowy London evening, it is actually a fictional creation. However, the locations used to bring this glossy world to life are very real. So, where was “Jingle Bell Heist” actually filmed? Here is everything we know about the real-world locations that brought the movie’s festive magic to life.
What Is ‘Jingle Bell Heist’ About?
Set against the backdrop of a London Christmas, the 2025 rom-com “Jingle Bell Heist” follows Sophia (Olivia Holt), a department store employee with a secret talent for pickpocketing, and Nick (Connor Swindells), a former security consultant whose life has veered off track. United by financial struggles and the holiday rush, the two devise a daring plan: to rob the luxurious Sterling department store on Christmas Eve. Sophia is torn between a need for stability and the thrill of one last job, while Nick is desperate to redeem his past mistakes.
But as they navigate intricate surveillance and high-stakes planning, a spark ignites between them, complicating their crime with an inconvenient romance. While the chemistry and chaos keep viewers hooked, the locations where “Jingle Bell Heist” was filmed are just as intriguing.
Explore The Netflix Original’s London Filming Locations
Key Scenes: Although the department store is fictional, the production team used real buildings and neighborhoods across London to create its world. As Atlas of Wonders reports, filmmakers cleverly combined an abandoned hotel exterior, university interiors and many everyday street locations to craft a believable setting. The look of the luxury retailer is thanks to the historic Loughborough Hotel, which is located in the Brixton district of South London.
Best Time to Visit: If you are planning your own London getaway, the sweet spot is usually during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Visiting during these “shoulder seasons” offers the perfect balance of mild weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing without the heavy summer rush. However, London is famous for its drizzle, so if you are visiting in late autumn – especially November – be sure to pack a sturdy umbrella!
Transportation Options: The public transportation in London is considered pretty easy to maneuver and affordable, depending on where travelers need to go. For the smoothest experience, it is to map out destinations and consider options before visiting. Some of the most popular ways to get around include the London Underground (the Tube), London overground (above-ground train services), trams, local buses or ride share services. It is important to note that many transportation options offer contactless or mobile pay, which means travelers can pay as they go, but in some instances, they may need to book travel online before boarding.
For fans wondering exactly where Jingle Bell Heist was filmed, the answer lies in a mix of real-world London landmarks and clever movie magic. The story’s centerpiece (the luxurious Sterling Department Store) is actually a combination of two very different locations, plus a touch of digital wizardry. The storefront is the former Loughborough Hotel in Brixton. Located at the junction of Loughborough Road and Evandale Road (SW9), this Victorian building provided the striking corner architecture. Although it is no longer a functioning hotel, the production team decorated it with festive lights and employed visual effects to enlarge the building’s size on screen.
Once inside, you are actually seeing the University of Greenwich’s Avery Hill Mansion Site Library. According to Atlas of Wonders, this historic library provided the grand interior necessary for a high-end department store. Additionally, scenes with Maxwell Sterling, Sophie’s cruel boss (played by Peter Serafinowicz), were filmed in west London. His grand office floor was filmed at the Royal Masonic Hospital in Hammersmith.
But that’s not the only place that made a mark on the narrative. Another filming location is located just across the street from the hotel in Brixton. The scene with violin street buskers was captured just outside Heaven Café on Loughborough Road. One of the critical moments, later in the film, the Campbell Gala, was filmed at the Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden. Elsewhere, tourists may recognize another popular location that was featured in filming – Olympic Way at Wembley Park. This is the backdrop against which the main characters walk around in Santa Claus costumes.
Things to Do: Taking a tour of the Warner Bros. Studio in London is a great sightseeing experience, especially for fans of “Harry Potter.” For a more immersive star-studded experience, travelers can visit Madame Tussauds. There, they can get up close and personal photos of some of the world’s biggest movie stars. If a holiday season visit is in store, travelers can check out Harrods, one of the most famous luxury department stores in London.
Where to Eat: Tattu London, a chic, Cantonese restaurant, offers fine dining experiences. Then there is the 34 Mayfair, which serves British game and meat in an inspiring ambiance. For a more modern European dining experience, travelers can visit the Dalloway Terrace. It is a spot that serves afternoon tea and elegant meals all day on an elegant terrace.
Where to Stay: For a central location within commutable distance of popular sites, travelers would be wise to stay in Covent Garden or South Bank. Those on a budget might like to stay at the Travelodge London Covent Garden, which is more affordable than some other high-end accommodations in the area. Otherwise, the Wilde Aparthotels, London, Covent Garden is a higher-priced option that is located in a busy area. Alternatively, the hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden hotel is a mid-priced option that is cosy and compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Jingle Bell Heist” a romance?
Yes, although the film is centered on a holiday heist, it incorporates elements that make it an enjoyable romantic comedy. But, as Collider reports, the movie doesn’t focus much on the romantic elements of the story. So, it isn’t exceedingly sappy.
Is “Jingle Bell Heist” a good movie?
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie is generally considered enjoyable. As its 74% Tomatometer score and comments suggest, the Netflix release has a solid comedic charm.
