A Christmas Story House in Cleveland, Ohio
It is Christmas time and that means the infamous A Christmas Story movie will be on television. Every year there is also a 24 hour marathon of the movie on Christmas Eve and Day. If you have never seen this movie, all I can say is where have you been? It just so happens that a good portion of the movie was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio and you can take a tour of the actual house. So of course I had to check it out!
A Christmas Story is a movie that is thought to be set in the 1940s. It is about a little boy named Ralphie who wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. His mother, teacher, and even a department store Santa Claus who all tell him that he will shoot his eye out. Of course so many things take course over the movie, that is notable, but you will have to watch it if you haven’t already!
Parker Family Photos ©2017 HollyDayz
I immediately knew that while visiting Cleveland I had to visit Ralphie’s house. The house is set in the residential neighborhood of Tremont. It can’t be missed as the infamous leg lamp sits in the front window for all to see. The house was purchased and restored to look just as it did in the movie. Across the street from the house is A Christmas Story Museum that houses hundreds of behind the scenes photos, original props, costumes, and more! There is also a gift shop where you can purchase many things including your own leg lamp.
Tickets can be purchased inside the gift shop and then its time to head across the street for your self guided tour through the house. However there are people inside who can answer questions. The house is interactive, they allow you to touch and pick up what you want, which I thought was pretty cool. I immediately went over to the leg lamp in the window to check that out.
If you really take the time to look around it is obvious they put a lot of thought into recreating how the house looked in the movie. Great attention to detail was taken. I even noticed all the cords near the lamp all tangled up just like in the movie. Continuing to walk around I saw the turkey in the oven that the dogs ended up destroying. It was also pretty cool to see so many old school things like the washing machine, the stove and oven, milk bottles, and more.
Not too long after it was time to head upstairs to see more of the house. On the landing I noticed the old school phone on the wall that Ralphie’s mother used. Walking down the hallway was Ralphie and his little brother’s bedroom. It was pretty cool to see it all and walk around in it looking at all the old Red Ryder books, posted, and even old letter blocks.
Ralphie & Randy’s Bedroom ©2017 HollyDayz 
Other side of their room ©2017 HollyDayz
Next up was the bathroom, which automatically made me think of the scene where Ralphie’s mother washed his mouth out with soap. Low and behold the soap was sitting on the sink! Another room housed an iron board, old iron, and so much more. It was very cool to see it all. It was also very small.
Unless you are looking at every single little detail and taking a ton of pictures, it should take no more than 10 – 15 minutes to look around the house. Heading across the street to the museum was pretty cool too. Many of the original props were there including the original leg lamp, 1 of 6 Red Ryder bb guns used in the movie, and so much more. It was pretty cool to see so many of the original props and costumes. It brings you back to so many different scenes in the movie.
Red Ryder BB Gun ©2017 HollyDayz 
Chalkboard Prop ©2017 HollyDayz 
Wardrobe from the movie ©2017 HollyDayz
Of course head on over to the gift shop when you are done. I got a magnet, but there is so much you can get in there. Even some Ovaltine! Between the gift shop and museum I spotted an Oldsmobile and fire truck from the movie. Although I remember reading somewhere that the original fire truck from the movie is actually in Canada. Either way very cool to see these old vehicles that are memorable moments from A Christmas Story.
While in the house the Red Ryder BB gun was hanging out over by the Christmas tree. A gentleman was extremely happy to find it! He also informed me that he was upset he didn’t wear his pink bunny suit to the house to take photos with. Turns out the following day there was going to be A Christmas Story 5th annual 5k/10k run. It was to start downtown and end at the house. It sounded pretty cool and I heard there were tons of people running in A Christmas Story costumes!
On December 17th, 2017 FOX is doing A Christmas Story Live! If you happen to be in Cleveland they are going to have a watch party. The street will be shut down and they will begin showing the movie followed by the live version airing on FOX. There will be food, a contest, and more. It sounds like a lot of fun!
The other cool thing I found out is you can actually stay the night in the house! There is a 3rd floor loft space that is really nice and has a fully equipped and working kitchen and bathroom. It can sleep 6 people with a queen bed, a queen sleeper sofa, and the opportunity to sleep in Ralphie and his brother Randy’s twin beds. A free tour is included in the price of the stay for all guests. Sleeping there can happen year round including on Christmas Eve and Day.
It was a real treat to see the infamous A Christmas Story House. I will of course be watching the movie this holiday season. I of course will be looking at it a bit differently now. I am now excited for it to come on. If you are in Cleveland I highly recommend you pop on over. General admission is $11 and there are discounts for seniors, children, and military.
Have you ever seen A Christmas Story movie or been to the house?
Disclaimer: Thank You to Destination Cleveland and A Christmas Story House & Museum for having me. Whilst receiving an invitation all opinions and views are my own and have not been influenced.
See more of our time in Cleveland, Ohio and get some ideas of what you can do!
Cal
Whoa!!!! I never knew this existed, but now that I do, I actually have a reason to visit Cleveland!!!
Holly Dayz
I didn’t realize that either till about a couple of months ago. I was excited when I found out.
Lis
Only in ‘Merica would this be an 11$ attraction 🙂
Holly Dayz
Such is life.
Lis
I know. I guess I just find it hard to be exicting about something like this whilst living in Europe surrounded by cathedrals from the 12th century, Art Deco architecture and viking burial grounds. I appreciate though that this house represents childhood memories of a cosy Christmas watching tv with family and friends.
Holly Dayz
Yea, they get plenty of visitors. Although one could argue and I have heard many say that after seeing a lot of old churches over and over they are over it because its the same stuff. Childhood memories are priceless and so are traditions. To each their own.
Joanna
Super awesome!!!!! Love the movie, such a classic and amazing that they recreated it.
Holly Dayz
I know I can’t wait to watch it again. I am going to look at it a little differently now.
Camera & a Canvas -- Maura
That is so cool! I didn’t know you could visit the house from the movie. Will have to stop by or at least drive past it when I get over to Cleveland 🙂
Holly Dayz
Yea, I hadn’t realized it either till I did some research.
Heidi Medina
Ha. I didn’t realized they turned the house into a museum. That had to be an interesting experience to feel like you walked through the movie. Even funnier, my uncle had one of those lamps!!!
Holly Dayz
They have the house and then across the street is the museum. It is pretty cool. Wow, did he? I saw a ton of people buying the lamp there.
Renata
This is so fun!! How excited! I love things like this.
Holly Dayz
It was fun seeing it all. Enjoyable.
Seeking the Spanish Sun
I can’t believe there is a whole house set up to replicate the house in the movie!… how cute 🙂
Holly Dayz
Yea, it is the actual house from the movie. Very cool.
Dani
I’ve never gotten into that movie, but my in-laws watch it every Christmas Eve! I’ll have to share this with my cousins 🙂
Holly Dayz
They would appreciate this then.
josypheen
This looks like a hilarious place to explore. I have somehow totally missed this movie growing up, so I don’t recognize all the things inside the house, but I still think it looks fun.
It must be awesome to stay over, and then watch the film inside that house!!
Holly Dayz
Well it comes on every year so you can always catch it this month! I think it would be cool to stay over. Sounds like something different.
bravedyella
I may be one of the few people in America who has never seen this movie. Party foul – I know! Seeing your fun tour though has given me a reason to get into the “A Christmas Story” spirit!
Holly Dayz
Yes lol party foul. That is OK because it is December and it will be on plenty!
Julia Guerra
Haha I’ve never seen this movie, even though it seems to be playing on repeat during the holidays. Must’ve been fun to visit the set though.
Holly Dayz
It was great to see the house after all these years of watching the movie. I am looking forward to seeing the movie now. I think I will look at it a little differently.
Ketki
Ok you have convinced me to watch the movie and i will on this weekend. Its so cool when a movie has its own museum or house to make it lively. Had a similar experience in Tintin museum in Brussels 🙂
Holly Dayz
A few people have said this reminds them of the Tintin museum in Brussels. I didn’t check that out while I was there. Enjoy the movie!
Indrani
Hmmm… I haven’t seen this movie yet. Surely a big loss. But so nice to see the interiors and setting for the movie. They have made it as realistic as possible.
Holly Dayz
It was pretty cool. Hopefully you will be able to catch it this month.
Kim-Ling
I have never seen this Christmas movie (and as someone who loves Christmas, I’m disappointed in myself!). Maybe it’s more popular in America (really I’m just searching for an excuse now haha). I do love visiting filming locations of favourite shows and movies, so I can see why this would be appealing for fans of the movie.
Holly Dayz
Well then I hope you catch it this month. They will 100% being showing it multiple times. It was pretty cool and very detailed how they made sure it matched all those years ago when it was filmed.
Megan Claire (@mappingmegan)
I feel like I have seen a Christmas Story – though can’t recall it, so it was likely when I was very young. But sounds like it’s a classic which has stood the test of time, so very cool that movie buffs can visit Ralfies house! For such a classic, I love that the house was purchased and restored to look just as it did in the movie, and very cool that you can jump across the road to the museum.
I’ll have to watch the movie again now! Happy Christmas 🙂
Holly Dayz
It comes on this Sunday as a LIVE version and then of course they will show it around and for Christmas. I thought that was cool too that someone went out their way to do that.
McCool Travel
I have watched the movie so many times. It would be really cool to visit the house with all of that memorabilia. So epic that the lg lamp is there, too!
Holly Dayz
Yes and you can take your very own leg lamp home! I can’t wait to watch the movie again this month.
Sandy N Vyjay
It is always nice and thrilling to visit a place where a movie has been set. Yes indeed most people would have watched Christmas Story and if they have the house seems really interesting.Nice to see they have recreated the house to so much detail, people who have watched the movie would find it fascinating to relate to.
Holly Dayz
Yes, it is very detailed. I like how they went and restored the original house to movie status.
Rhonda Albom
I’ve always liked A Christmas Story. It’s great that they’ve restored the sets in the house, how fun. It’s funny they’ve put a fake turkey in the oven.
Holly Dayz
Yea, I thought that was funny too. I had to get up close and take a look at it and then just remember the dogs coming at it in the movie.
Jolina S..............................
How cool — love the vintage 40’s look. Of course, the leg lamp HAD to be there! Definitely should look out for this when I’m in Ohio.
Holly Dayz
Yes, of course. Iconic right there lol.
Aleah
Yes, I’ve seen A Christmas Story. I would love to see that house! It’s incredible that they restored it to look like the one in the movie. It would look really familiar to me, too. What a great experience.
Holly Dayz
I thought so too. I enjoyed my time looking at the house and then the museum with the original props.
Medha Verma
I love when they make locations of movies open to tourists to visit and recreate them to look exactly like in the movies, such an amazing experience!
Holly Dayz
It is a lot of fun. Especially when you have grown up watching the movie.
Agness of a Tuk Tuk
I’ve seems the film like maybe 100 times, Holly. This must have been an awesome experience as I can see from your pictures!
Holly Dayz
I am glad because I am pretty sure I have too over the years. It was a lot of fun and now I can’t wait to see it again. I think I will have a different look at it now.
Claudia Laroye
I want to visit this house!!! A Christmas Story is one of my all-time favorite holiday movies and this would be like visiting its ultimate shrine. And I NEED a photo with that leg lamp – FRAGILE! – it’s Italian, no? ;0
Holly Dayz
First off, best comment! I always say Fragile the way he does lol. Some people get it others don’t lol. Please do go visit! It is pretty cool.
Christine
This is so cool! I love visiting places that I have seen in the movie too! And now I’m curious about A Christmas Story.
Holly Dayz
Yea it is always fun especially when you grew up watching a movie.
Cathy Salvador Mendoza
Yes I have! One of the most notable Christmas movies I’ve seen is ” How the grinch stole Christmas ” , I was in college then and I really liked it but then I got scared of Grinch! haha This Christmas story house tho, is so lovely! I would to sleep here even for a night! And did you say a magnet as a souvenir? You mean a ref magnet? Oh my! I collect these! And I love the blue vintage car! Can we borrow and drive this around the town? lol
Holly Dayz
I thinking sleeping there for a night would be pretty awesome. Yea, I always collect magnets when I visit somewhere new. The car is pretty cool, wish they would allow a spin in one.
Thomas
I love movie locations! I visited a lot of them already in Europe, but this one is of course a classic! No idea you get visit it! haha
francesca murray
I’m probably one of the only people who hasn’t seen the movie! Yikes! haha luckily as you said they’ll be playing it all week long for Christmas. This looks like a cool experience, even if you haven’t seen the movie. I want a leg lamp!
Darvel Harris
Lived in Ohio my whole life and have never visited The Christmas Story House. You’ve sparked my interest. Thanks!