If you’re a travel enthusiast looking to knock yet another quirky item off your list – we’ve got just the place for you!
Full of Christmas childhood nostalgia and complete with a gigantic towering inflatable of Ralphie in a pink bunny suit swaying in the yard – you can actually schedule a tour of the original Christmas Story house.
But not only can you visit the house where one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time was filmed…you can spend the night there too – and here’s everything you need to know to make it happen.
Nestled in Cleveland, Ohio and open to visitors is the actual house used in the filming of A Christmas Story.
This beloved movie can be found playing in the homes of most Americans during the Christmas season – at least once.
After all, who could forget Ralphie asking Santa for an “official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle” only to be told “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” in response to his request.
And now, instead of simply watching it on TV – you can live out the experience – in real time.
People from all around the country make the journey to Cleveland to see it for themselves – even in the snow.
Life-size Ralphie dressed in a pink bunny suit?
Check.
Leg lamp lit up in all its glory?
Yep.
And after you tour the home – there’s a museum across the street full of memorabilia you won’t see anywhere else…
A Christmas Story House website reads:
“Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours and overnight stays. Directly across the street from the House is A Christmas Story Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos.
Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car.”
Incredible!
So, what’s the catch?
There isn’t one.
If you want to tour the house, tickets are only $15 for adults, and $14 for children (kids under 3 are free).
Looking to stay the night?
You can have your pick from staying in the actual Christmas Story home – or the Bumpus House which is described as a “vintage eclectic 40’s & 50’s style with a slightly hillbilly Bumpus flare and A Christmas Story touches while still providing guests with all the modern amenities one would expect.”
Unlike the Home Alone home which was only available to book once, (at least for now) – you can stay at the Christmas Story home all year round!
As a bonus, if you’re looking for the perfect last-minute gift – they have a gift shop full of memorabilia where you can purchase everything from a traditional Christmas Story ornament to your own glowing leg lamp.
And of course – while you’re in Cleveland be sure to check out all the bright lights and Christmas decor scattered throughout downtown – and finish your stay with a bite to eat at the Westside Market.
After all, there’s a reason the Food Network Magazine named Westside Market the “Best Food Lovers Market.”
So this Christmas season, forget an international trip full of tests and mandates and consider a trip to the Midwest where you can truly live out your childhood Christmas dreams.
Merry Christmas!
(h/t Proud American Traveler)