The House from A Christmas Story
THE HOUSE FROM A CHRISTMAS STORY
Christmas in Cleveland!
Visit the city where The House From a Christmas Story and a slew of other holiday events make your season magical.
By Amity Moore Joyce
When you stand outside the house where Ralphie Parker felt humiliated in the pink bunny jammies from Aunt Clara and received his Christmas wish in the form of the Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle, you can’t help but raise your phone for a selfie with the “A Christmas Story” house. Inside this real-life, historic 19th-century Victorian in Cleveland, Ohio, you can relive the warmth and whimsy of young Ralphie’s 1940s world. Although the movie is set in fictional Hohman, Indiana, key scenes were filmed in the house that has been meticulously restored to replicate the on-screen home. Today, it functions as a museum and is open to the public for tours.
Living room of The House from A Christmas Story
“The house is a nostalgic trip back in time for fans of the film,” says Ary Dickerson, general manager at The House from A Christmas Story. “For many, this movie is the ultimate holiday classic—something they watched with their parents and now share with their own kids. Visitors love recreating their favorite scenes and learning the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. It’s more than just a tour; it’s a way to relive a piece of cinema history.”
Under new ownership since November 2023, the house is truly the backdrop for bringing key moments to life. Everything inside the house is meant to be interactive and hands-on, explains Dickerson. “Visitors can get under the sink like Randy, pose with the iconic leg lamp and even rent a bunny suit at the gift shop to wear on their tour,” she adds.
It’s easy to get excited about the space because each display brings back memories of the beloved movie, which decades later never gets old. Its themes are timeless—dreaming of gifts from Santa, spending time with family, coming of age with peers and siblings.
Costume display
“The props and costumes, including one of the original BB guns, are major highlights,” Dickerson shares. Then, she adds, “It’s the level of detail and authenticity that really draws visitors in—along with the chance to immerse themselves in scenes they’ve watched countless times.”
Starting November 24th this year, The House from A Christmas Story will have extended operating hours through December 28th. From Sunday through Thursday, tours will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, they will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gift shop
THE HOUSE OF A CHRISTMAS STORY
For the most immersive experience, you can stay overnight at the house or at The Bumpus House, named for the fictional neighbors who lived next door. Be sure to leave with more than photographs; after all, the bestselling item in the gift shop is the 50-inch Leg Lamp—a symbol of the film’s enduring charm for your own front window.
You can catch a stage adaptation of the movie at the Cleveland Play House. Written by Philip Grecian, the “A Christmas Story” play runs November 30-December 22.
Scene from “Black Nativity,” Karamu House
Destination Cleveland / Kayla Lupean
Other iconic holiday attractions within the city this season include “Black Nativity,” a soulful retelling of the Christmas story by Langston Hughes. Presented by Karamu House at the Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theatre, in partnership with Cleveland Play House, the show brings the birth of Jesus to the stage through poetry, scripture, dance and music. Playwright and poet Hughes spent many years in Cleveland, often at Karamu House, the nation’s oldest producing African-American theater. “Black Nativity” runs November 30 to December 15.
For an outdoor excursion that’s sure to be merry and bright, visit WinterLand in Cleveland Public Square. November 30 sees the flicking of the switch, when thousands of lights will illuminate the Christmas tree and many of the surrounding spaces. Those dazzling lightscapes, ice skating, special events and more will keep things cheerful through February.
If Santa is your buddy and you want to see as much (or as many) of the jolly ol’ elf, turn your ear to A Jolly Holiday With the Pops for sing-a-long holiday favorites and a line of dancing Santas. Alternatively, enjoy one of the holiday concerts performed by the Cleveland Orchestra at the Mandel Concert Hall at Severance Music Center. Rumor is that the big man in red often shows up.
Hyatt Regency Cleveland
HYATT
Stay near the action by booking the Art Deco Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade, noted for its great location and friendly staff, or the Westin Cleveland Downtown. The latter offers incredible city views and an onsite restaurant serving dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
This year, it’s Cleveland for the holidays, where Ralphie’s (and your) Christmas wishes can come true.
Dining area of Presidential Suite, Westin Cleveland Downtown
WESTIN CLEVELAND DOWNTOWN
Visit AAA.com/Travel to start planning your trip to Cleveland.
