A Christmas Story House | Cleveland

A Christmas Story House is a unique and immersive museum located in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. It’s the actual house used for exterior shots in the beloved 1983 holiday movie A Christmas Story, which has become a cult classic and a cherished part of American pop culture. The house offers fans and visitors a chance to step into the world of Ralphie Parker and relive iconic scenes from the film.

Location and History

Address: 3159 West 11th Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

The house was originally built in the 1890s as a typical Victorian-style home.

It became famous as the filming location for the Parker family’s home in A Christmas Story.

In 2004, entrepreneur Brian Jones purchased the house for about $150,000 and undertook a meticulous restoration project to recreate the film’s authentic 1940s look, both inside and out.

The restoration was based on the original film’s set design and carefully recreated to allow visitors to experience the movie’s atmosphere firsthand.

The House Tour

Visitors can explore the fully restored interior of the house, which features:

Living Room: Including the iconic leg lamp displayed proudly in the front window — famously dubbed the "major award."

Kitchen: Stocked with period-appropriate furnishings and props like the Ovaltine jar, recreating scenes where Ralphie’s mother and father interact.

Bathroom: Where Ralphie hides his secret decoder pin from his parents.

Bedrooms: Featuring period décor and details reflecting the Parker family’s modest lifestyle.

Basement: Including the furnace room where memorable scenes took place.

Every room and item is arranged to match the movie’s set, giving visitors an authentic, nostalgic experience.

The Museum Across the Street

Directly across from the house is the A Christmas Story Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of original props, costumes, and memorabilia from the film, including:

Ralphie’s famous bunny suit.

The Red Ryder BB gun.

Miss Shields’ chalkboard.

Randy’s snow suit and mittens.

Movie scripts, behind-the-scenes photos, and other artifacts.

The museum provides historical context about the making of the film and the cultural impact it has had over the decades.

Gift Shop

The gift shop, located near the museum, offers a variety of themed merchandise such as:

Replicas of the leg lamp.

Red Ryder BB guns.

Movie-themed clothing and accessories.

Collectibles and holiday décor inspired by the film.

Special Experiences

Overnight Stays: For a truly unique experience, visitors can book overnight stays in the Christmas Story House or the nearby “Bumpus House,” which has also been restored to replicate the home of the Parker family’s troublesome dog from the movie. This allows fans to immerse themselves fully in the movie’s world.

Seasonal Events: Around the holidays, the house and museum host special events, including holiday celebrations, photo opportunities, and themed tours.

Visiting Information

Hours: The house and museum are typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours may vary seasonally.

Admission: Tickets can be purchased online or at the site. They usually include access to both the house and the museum.

Parking: Free parking is available in nearby lots adjacent to the property.

Accessibility: The site is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available for visitors without cars.

Significance

The Christmas Story House is not just a movie set; it’s a cultural landmark that captures a nostalgic slice of mid-20th-century American life and celebrates a film that has become a holiday tradition for millions. It draws fans from all over the world who want to experience the charm, humor, and warmth of A Christmas Story in a very tangible way.

Visiting the house offers a mix of nostalgia, holiday spirit, and insight into one of the most beloved films in American cinema history. It’s a must-see for fans of the movie and anyone interested in pop culture landmarks.