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If you’re heading to the Cleveland area, why not put the A Christmas Story House on your must-do list?
Full disclosure: A Christmas Story is not my favorite Christmas movie. I first saw it at a Christmas party at church in middle school. Over the years, the movie found its way to my parents’ TV, especially if my sister was around. She loves this movie, and she made the trek to see the house long before we did. Still, I like the movie enough and it’s found its way into popular culture. When we had the chance, we made the stop.
And I’m glad we did. You don’t have to be a super fan to enjoy the nostalgia of Christmas past that is oozing from this place. If you love Christmas like I do, you’ll have a good time. If you’re into cinema history, that’s also a good reason to take a tour.
A Christmas Story House Background
The actual house was built in 1895 and is located in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. It served as the exterior of the Parker family’s home in the movie. After the film’s release, the house was purchased by a fan of the movie, Brian Jones, who restored it to its appearance in the film and opened it to the public as a museum.
The A Christmas Story House Museum opened its doors in 2006, attracting fans of the movie from all over the world. Inside the museum, visitors can explore the various rooms recreated to resemble those in the film, such as the living room, kitchen, and Ralphie’s bedroom. The museum also houses original props, costumes, and memorabilia from the movie, providing visitors with an immersive experience.
The house has become a popular destination during the holiday season, with many visitors recreating iconic scenes from the movie, such as sticking their tongues to a replica of the infamous flagpole.
In recent years, the A Christmas Story House has undergone further renovations and additions, including the addition of neighboring properties to expand the museum’s offerings. The house has become a significant part of Cleveland’s tourism industry and continues to attract fans of the film, as well as those looking to experience the joy of the holiday season.
Arriving at A Christmas Story House
When we arrived to the area, we parked on a side street where we could find parking. The Bumpas house is right next to the A Christmas Story House.
Incidentally, you can stay the night in either house. How cool is that?
We walked past the houses toward the gift shop where you can purchase your tickets for the tour. Directly across the street from the House is a museum with memerobillia. Then, just past that, is the gift shop which is worth a stop even if you don’t do the tour.
On the way to the gift shop, you can see the family Oldsmobile.
The gift shop is pretty epic. You can find just about anything related to the movie in this place.
You’ll also find a wide array of hybrid merch. Wanna mix A Christmas Story with The Nightmare Before Christmas? No problem. If you collect pressed pennies, you can do that, too.
We couldn’t resist our standard purchase of a magnet for the magnet wall. We also got a Christmas ornament of the leg lamp. I mean, you kind of have to.
The House Tour
We purchased our tickets at the gift shop, as well. After a short wait outside the house, our tour was set to begin.
Downstairs
The tour starts in the living room area where you’ll get some background info and some house rules. After that, you’re free to explore. We actually went upstairs first, which isn’t a bad strategy when managing crowd control in your tour group.
Once you begin to explore, you’ll feel like you stepped right inside the film.
One of the great things about this tour is that you’re encouraged to take pictures and handle the props. It’s a lot of fun.
You can sit on the furniture and make yourself right at home. The details are amazing.
Ahh, the memories! Nothing says Christmas like holding a weapon. At least it’s a BB gun. And no, she didn’t shoot her eye out.
While you’re here, enjoy the little details, many of which will remind you of your own family’s shenanigans. This is why I think the movie speaks so much to people, especially if you’re in the same generation as Ralphie.
The kitchen is fun.
You can even check out the turkey in the pan.
I couldn’t convince Kristin to get in the cabinet, but apparently my sister has a picture of when she did. It’s so cool that you can pose all over the house.
You’ll also get a chance to check out the backyard with your tour guide. We didn’t have a lot of time because a thunderstorm rolled in, but it was interesting to take a look.
Upstairs
Of course upstairs you’ll see the kids’ room.
Again, you can just immerse yourself into the A Christmas Story world.
It’s all in the details.
How great is this? Check out Look magazine.
Love the bathroom, too. And the soap!
If you pick up this phone and listen, you’ll hear a suprise.
A Christmas Story House Museum
After the rain moved in, our tour group moved across the street to the museum.
There’s a lot of great costumes and props from the movie to see.
The displays are well-done.
You can really spend some time getting lost in the museum.
We had a fun afternoon checking out the A Christmas Story House. It’s not every day that you can step inside of an iconic film for a couple of hours. If you find yourself watching A Christmas Story every Christmas season, you’l have a good time. If you love Christmas or stepping back in time, give it a shot. I cherish my memories of my family’s adventures, and I encourage you to make those memories, too!
Check out some of our other adventures:
Monument Valley: The View Hotel Cabins
Rattlesnake Museum in Old Town Alburquerque
5 Comments
My husband just got our family tickets to stay at the Christmas house for a night! I’m so excited because I wanted to stay here for many years!! I even have a huge collection of the village.
A Christmas Story House looks like a fun experience. I can’t remember watching the movie. I’ll need to look it up and check with my daughter to see if she’s seen it.
That is so fun that you can stay in that house! What a cool museum!
We loved touring A Christmas Story House when we visited Cleveland when my son was younger. Your guide is so comprehensive and fun to see all the iconic props from the movie.
How cool! I actually just watched this movie for the first time all the way through this Christmas. What a neat experience.