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A Christmas Story House in Cleveland, Ohio, has become a beloved destination for fans of the classic holiday film. This iconic house, featured in the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story,” has been restored to its original movie glory, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the magic of Ralphie Parker’s childhood home. The property has gained immense popularity, attracting thousands of visitors each year who want to relive their favorite moments from the film.
The A Christmas Story House museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of the beloved movie up close. Visitors can tour the house, view original props and costumes, and even purchase movie-themed memorabilia at the gift shop. From the infamous leg lamp in the front window to the pink bunny suit in Ralphie’s room, every detail has been carefully recreated to transport guests into the heart of the film. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for a nostalgic holiday experience, this Cleveland attraction provides an unforgettable journey into a cherished piece of American cinema.
History of A Christmas Story House
Original filming location
The iconic house featured in the beloved 1983 holiday film “A Christmas Story” is located at 3159 W. 11th Street in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. This 19th-century Victorian home, built in 1895 (although some sources date it back to 1870), served as the exterior and some interior filming locations for Ralphie Parker’s house in the movie. The house is a typical example of a wood-frame structure with wood siding and a shingle roof, spanning three stories including an attic and a basement. It has a footprint area of 1,339 square feet, a living area of 2,152 square feet, and a gross area of 3,048 square feet.
Purchase and restoration by Brian Jones
In December 2004, Brian Jones, a San Diego entrepreneur and lifelong fan of “A Christmas Story,” purchased the house on eBay for $150,000. Jones used revenue from his business, the Red Rider Leg Lamp Company, which manufactures replicas of the “major award” featured in the film, for the down payment. The previous owners had made significant modifications to the house, including the installation of modern windows and covering the original wood siding with blue vinyl.
To restore the house to its movie glory, Jones invested an additional $240,000. The restoration process involved gutting the structure, reconfiguring it to a single-family dwelling, and transforming it into a near-replica of the movie set. Jones also restored the exterior to match its appearance in the film.
Transformation into a tourist attraction
The A Christmas Story House opened to the public on November 25, 2006, coinciding with the film’s 25th anniversary. Since then, the house has become a popular tourist destination, drawing over 75,000 visitors annually.
Jones expanded the attraction by purchasing the house across the street and converting it into A Christmas Story House Museum. The museum showcases props from the film, including Randy’s snow suit, the Higbee’s window toys, Miss Shields’ classroom chalkboard, and one of the custom-built Daisy Red Ryder BB guns used in filming. It also features hundreds of behind-the-scenes photos and other movie memorabilia.
Additionally, Jones acquired the house to the left of the museum and transformed it into a gift shop offering movie-themed souvenirs. The entire property now functions as a museum during the day, allowing visitors to explore the recreated 1940s setting and experience the magic of the film firsthand.
To enhance the visitor experience, Jones has added unique features such as the option for overnight stays in the house. Guests can enjoy the run of the main floor after museum hours, allowing them to curl up under the Christmas tree in the living room or hide under the sink in the kitchen, just like in the movie.
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Touring the House
Exterior features
Visitors to the A Christmas Story House are immediately transported back to the 1940s as they approach the iconic Victorian home. Built in 1895, this two-story structure in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood served as the exterior filming location for Ralphie Parker’s house. Fans will recognize the front porch where Ralphie and Randy eagerly awaited their Christmas presents.
As guests explore the exterior, they can spot the shed in the backyard, which has also been fully restored. This shed played a crucial role in Ralphie’s daydream sequence where he imagined himself as a hero with his Red Ryder BB gun. The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the property, allowing visitors to feel as if they’ve stepped directly into a scene from the film.
Interior rooms and props
The living room features a Philco console radio similar to the one Ralphie listened to for the Orphan Annie program. The infamous “Major Award” leg lamp takes pride of place in the front window, just as it did in the film. Moving through the house, guests can explore the kitchen where the Parker family’s memorable moments unfolded, including the scene where smoke billowed from the air ducts during Mr. Parker’s furnace-fixing mishap.
Upstairs, the bathroom where Ralphie decoded his secret message remains a highlight of the tour. The Lifebuoy soap still sits on the sink, a reminder of Ralphie’s mouth-washing incident. In Ralphie and Randy’s bedroom, visitors can admire the blue chenille bedspreads and sailboat wallpaper, recreating the exact look from the movie.
Photo opportunities
The A Christmas Story House offers numerous photo opportunities for fans to recreate their favorite scenes. Visitors can pose with the Red Ryder BB gun, carefully placed with the warning “You’ll shoot your eye out!” echoing in their minds. The pink bunny suit, sent by Ralphie’s aunt, is available for guests to wear and capture a humorous snapshot.
Throughout the house, guides encourage visitors to interact with the props and settings. Fans can pretend to hide under the kitchen sink like Randy or stand at the top of the stairs, imagining Ralphie’s rush to decode his secret message. The front porch and the backyard also provide excellent backdrops for family photos, allowing guests to capture memories that blend their own experiences with the beloved film’s nostalgia.
For those seeking additional photo ops, the museum across the street and the gift shop next door offer even more chances to pose with movie memorabilia and purchase souvenirs to commemorate their visit to this cinematic landmark.
Museum and Gift Shop
The A Christmas Story House Museum, located directly across the street from the main house, offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of the beloved holiday film. The museum showcases an extensive collection of movie memorabilia, behind-the-scenes photographs, and props that bring the magic of “A Christmas Story” to life.
Movie memorabilia on display
The museum houses a treasure trove of authentic items from the film. Visitors can marvel at the original props, costumes, and set pieces that played crucial roles in creating the movie’s iconic scenes. Among the most notable displays are Randy’s snow suit, the Higbee’s window toys, and Miss Shields’ classroom chalkboard. These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the film’s production and allow fans to appreciate the attention to detail that went into creating the movie’s nostalgic 1940s setting.
One of the museum’s highlights is the collection of photographs documenting the restoration process of the A Christmas Story House. These images offer a fascinating glimpse into the transformation of the property from its initial state when Brian Jones purchased it on eBay to its current movie-accurate appearance.
Souvenirs and merchandise available
Adjacent to the museum, the A Christmas Story House Gift Shop provides an opportunity for fans to take home a piece of movie history. The store offers a wide range of souvenirs and merchandise that cater to every fan’s desire.
One of the most popular items available is the iconic leg lamp, which comes in various sizes, from desktop models to full-size replicas. These “major awards” serve as perfect conversation starters and allow fans to recreate the film’s memorable front window display in their own homes. For those seeking a more subtle nod to the movie, leg lamp night lights are also available.
The gift shop also features an impressive collection of Department 56 village displays, which recreate key scenes and locations from the film in miniature form. These detailed dioramas include replicas of the Parker family home, Higbee’s Department Store, and Miss Shields’ house. Collectors and enthusiasts alike can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into these intricate pieces, which capture the essence of the movie’s most memorable moments.
For those looking for unique collectibles, the gift shop offers exclusive A Christmas Story memorabilia, including an autographed Red Ryder BB gun signed by the actor who played Ralphie. This rare item serves as a coveted piece for serious collectors and die-hard fans of the film.
The gift shop also stocks a variety of apparel, decor items, and other movie-themed merchandise. From t-shirts and hats to ornaments and home decor, there’s something for every fan to commemorate their visit to this cinematic landmark. Many of these items feature custom graphics created by one of Disney’s top animators, ensuring high-quality and visually appealing designs.
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Information
Visitors to A Christmas Story House have several options for tour tickets. Guided tours cost $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $13 for children over 3 years old. Children under 5 can enter for free.
When booking, guests should select their preferred time slot, as availability is limited. For guided tours, visitors need to check in at the Gift Shop registers upon arrival to receive their tour pass. Self-guided tours allow visitors to proceed directly to the House or Museum line, with digital tickets ready for scanning at the door.
It’s important to note that refunds are available up to three weeks before the reservation date. No refunds or rescheduling are provided for no-shows without prior contact.
Best Times to Visit
A Christmas Story House is open year-round, operating daily from 10 am to 5 pm. However, there are certain considerations for planning the best time to visit:
- Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, offering a more relaxed experience.
- The attraction is closed on major holidays, including New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
- The last two full weeks in February are reserved for yearly maintenance, so the house is closed during this period.
- The Christmas season sees the highest visitor numbers, resulting in longer wait times.
Weekday tours typically begin at 10:15 am and run every hour, while weekend tours start at 10:15 am and usually run every half hour.
Nearby Attractions
After exploring A Christmas Story House, visitors can enhance their experience by checking out nearby attractions:
- The Rowley Inn: Located directly across the street from the museum, this historic establishment has been in business since 1906. Open daily from 7 am, it offers classic Cleveland dishes like pierogis and chicken paprikash, as well as local beers.
- The Bumpus House: Situated next door to A Christmas Story House, this property is available for overnight stays. While not part of the official tour, it’s recognizable from the movie scene where the neighbor’s dogs steal the Parker family’s turkey.
- Gift Shop: Adjacent to the museum, the gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs and merchandise, including replicas of the iconic leg lamp, Department 56 village displays, and exclusive memorabilia like autographed Red Ryder BB guns.
Visitors should allocate approximately one hour for the tour itself, with additional time for exploring the gift shop and nearby attractions. Free parking is available, making it convenient for those traveling by car.
Conclusion
The A Christmas Story House has become a cherished destination for movie buffs and holiday enthusiasts alike. This lovingly restored property offers visitors a chance to step into the world of Ralphie Parker and his family, bringing the magic of the classic film to life.
Beyond the house itself, the museum and gift shop add depth to the experience, allowing fans to delve deeper into the film’s history and take home a piece of the magic. The attraction’s popularity and its impact on Cleveland’s tourism scene highlight the enduring charm of “A Christmas Story” and its ability to connect with audiences across generations. For those planning a visit, the A Christmas Story House promises a nostalgic journey that’s sure to evoke warm memories and create new ones.
FAQs
- Is it worthwhile to visit the Christmas Story house and museum? Yes, the tour of the Christmas Story house and the accompanying museum is highly recommended. The props are fantastically preserved and displayed, providing excellent value for money. Additionally, the experience is enjoyable for all ages, as evidenced by Bill, who managed to entertain even a 12-year-old visitor.
- Where can I find the house featured in the movie “A Christmas Story”? The original house featured in “A Christmas Story” is located at 3159 W 11th Street in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Who is the current owner of the Christmas Story house? As of the latest information, the Christmas Story house is owned by Joshua Dickerson, a local who has had a long-standing connection with the property.
- Who bought the Christmas Story house in Cleveland, Ohio? The Christmas Story house in Cleveland, Ohio, was purchased by Joshua Dickerson. Despite speculation that it might have been bought by a cast member of the movie, it was acquired by Dickerson, who is passionate about Cleveland and considers the house an iconic part of the city.
