A Christmas Story wasn't an instant hit when it was released in 1983. However, today, the coming-of-age comedy is regarded as one of the top Christmas movies of all time. It's so popular, in fact, that the annual marathon on TBS draws in 40 million viewers each year to rewatch the hilarious A Christmas Story cast.
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The movie is based on the 1966 book, 'In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash,' written by Jean Shepard - who also narrated the film and made a brief appearance. It follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker's holiday season - most notably his wish to receive a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Viewers have come to love his mischievous adventures, from when his friend Flick got his his tongue stuck on a flagpole to saying the f-word while changing a tire with his father, The Old Man - resulting in getting his mouth washed out with soap. The beloved movie, centered around the Parker family's home on Cleveland Street, wasn't actually set in Cleveland but in the fictional Indiana town of Hohman. Many of the movie's scenes were filmed in Cleveland, though, as well as in Toronto, Ontario. If you've ever wanted to step into Ralphie's shoes and experience the holiday magic of the now iconic house from A Christmas Story, you're in luck.
Where is the 'A Christmas Story' House?
AP Photo/Amy Sancetta
The house still stands today at 3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44109. However, the house - which was built more than 100 years ago in 1895 - wasn't always a monument to the film. In fact, it appeared on eBay years after filming in the mid-2000s before being purchased by Brian Jones, a fan of the film. After paying $150,000 for the house, he restored it to look exactly like the home from the movie and opened it to the public on Thanksgiving weekend in 2006.
This holiday season - or any time of year - you can put yourself in Ralphie's shoes by perusing his Indiana neighborhood and home, which now houses a museum dedicated to the beloved Christmas film.
The 'A Christmas Story' House Is Now a Museum
Warner Bros.
A Christmas Story enthusiasts who want to experience a bit of the humor and fun from the beloved movie first-hand are in luck. The iconic home from the movie has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the film and is open for tours all year long, allowing fans to see the house and the several movie relics it houses up close.
While the house isn't where the film's home interior shots were actually filmed, with Jones' renovations, you'll be instantly transported to the Parker residence once you step inside. Guests can even relive Ralphie's holiday shenanigans while they explore the costumes and memorabilia from the film as well as view hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos.
Must-see memorable items from the film on display include the Higbee's window, Randy's snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields' classroom, and even the Parker family car. Access to the home is $18 for adults with discounts for seniors, children, and veterans.
You Can Actually Stay at the 'A Christmas Story' House
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If you're ready for the full, immersive experience, you and five of your favorite friends or family members can stay overnight at the home with full access to the private third-floor loft, which has a bedroom, living room, full kitchen, and bathroom. Sleep in the queen-sized bed, on the queen-sized sleeper or even in replicas of Ralphie and Randy's twin beds. Access to the loft begins an hour after the house closes to the public and extends until 9 a.m. the next day, with bookings starting at $395 per night, with holiday rates being higher due to the high volume of visitors.
Guests can also choose to stay right next door at The Bumpus House, decorated in eclectic 1940s style with a hillbilly flair. The house has two different accommodation options to choose from - The "Hound Dog Haven" suite for up to four guests and the "Stolen Turkey" suite for up to six guests.
The Hound Dog Haven suite is on the first floor and is handicap accessible with ramp access and accessible features, while the Stolen Turkey suite takes up the second and third floors. For a large group, it's possible to rent out the entire home. Rates for each section start at $195 per night.
Across the street, visitors will find a gift shop as well as a tribute to director Bob Clark. They can visit the Bob Clark memorial bench before heading into the gift shop, which includes a variety of replicas of important movie props, including the classic Christmas leg lamp and the bunny suit. Super fans might even opt for the leg lamp Christmas cookie cutter or Christmas leg lamp acrylic shot glass. In addition to A Christmas Story, Christmas enthusiasts will find a variety of different holiday film memorabilia - from Buddy the Elf coffee mugs to Nightmare Before Christmas ornaments.
If you're visiting Cleveland, you can continue your tour of notable A Christmas Story filming locations. Make sure to head to the building where Higbee's used to stand, less than 10 minutes away from the A Christmas Story House. The stately building was seen several times in the movie - it's where Ralphie first spots the Red Ryder BB Gun, the backdrop of the parade scene, and the interior is where Ralphie and Randy visit Santa. While Higbee's is no longer in business, the building is still standing is Jack Cleveland Casino, located at 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113.
