The One Thing To Do in Ohio Before the End of the Year

You know the holidays are here when shops play carols on a loop, inflatable snowmen appear on your block, and TV channels play A Christmas Story on repeat. The story of a young boy’s wish for the perfect Christmas gift has resonated with holiday viewers for generations. Yet if you don’t want to watch the movie for the one millionth time, head to Cleveland and see some of the film’s locations in real life. 

Tour the House from A Christmas Story

When A Christmas Story was filmed in 1983, several locations around Cleveland were featured. The main attraction for fans of the film is visiting the actual house that served as the Parker family home in the movie. Built in 1895, the home in the Tremont neighborhood was renovated to match the film and opened to the public in 2006. While the home is most popular during the holidays in Cleveland, it is open all year.

Visitors are welcomed to the home by the leg lamp’s "soft glow of electric sex” in the window. More than a tourist trap, you will feel like you have walked onto the film set as you are transported to a 1940s Christmas. A tour guide will tell stories about the home and filming before letting you loose to explore the house. Visit the kitchen where Ralphie hid under the sink and the boys’ bedroom, complete with a Little Orphan Annie decoder. Guests love to pose with the Parker family’s Christmas tree and Ralphie’s beloved Red Ryder BB gun, although there is no chance of shooting your eye out. 

Visit the House from A Christmas Story Museum

Across the street, you’ll find the House from A Christmas Story Museum and gift shop. See original props and behind-the-scenes photos from filming the movie and learn more about the actors who took on the iconic roles. You’ll see items from the film like Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom, and Ralphie’s Red Ryder BB Gun. Museum admission is included in your ticket to tour the home. Pick up your own leg lamp or pink bunny suit in the gift shop.

Spend the Night at the Bumpus House

If you’re visiting from out of town, complete the A Christmas Story experience by staying overnight in the Parker house or the Bumpus house next door. Live out your Hollywood dreams in the House from A Christmas Story with overnight use of the house and access to a private third floor for up to six guests. Next door, the Bumpus house, which was home to Ralphie’s rowdy neighbors and their turkey-stealing hounds, is also available to rent for the night. It offers two suites to choose from: the Stolen Turkey and Hound Dog Haven. They are decorated in "vintage eclectic in a 1940s style with a slightly hillbilly Bumpus flare.”

Visit the Department Store

One pivotal scene in the film is when Ralphie visits a department store with his family to tell Santa Claus that he wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Santa’s response is not what he hoped for. Cleveland’s Higbee’s department store was the setting for the outdoor Christmas parade as well as the indoor scenes with Santa. While the store is closed, you can still visit the historic 1931 building. Today, it is home to JACK Cleveland Casino, where you can spend your money even if you can’t buy a Red Ryder BB gun there.

With authentic filming locations, original props, and the opportunity to stay overnight where movie magic was made, visiting Cleveland’s A Christmas Story locations is the perfect way for any film fan to end the year. If you are planning a trip to the House from A Christmas Story, visit its website for information. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.