A Christmas Story House, Cleveland–30 years later

This is the 30th year anniversary of the movie “A Christmas Story,” the now classic film where Cleveland served as a backdrop during the time when a leg lamp was “a major award,” and a Red Ryder BB gun was a boy’s Christmas wish. In Cleveland, you can step back into 1940s nostalgia and get the feel of the set of “A Christmas Story” at A Christmas Story House Museum.

The actual house used for the outside shots of the Parker family’s home has been restored and appointed with period furniture and details so that the inside of the house is a close match for the sets used for the living room, the bathroom, the boys’ bedroom and the kitchen.

Climbing under the kitchen sink is allowed—and so is dressing up in a bunny suit. There are even different bunny suit sizes so adults can bring out the kid within. There’s bar of Lifebuoy soap in the bathroom, but the most beloved detail is the leg lamp at the living room window.  A mock-up of the crate the dad so eagerly opened to see what he won is also there.

For more “A Christmas Story” details, the museum across the street is a perfect companion to the house. Each room has display cases of movie set props and costumes like: the hats worn by some of the boys, Randy’s snow suit, and the chalkboard in the school classroom scene.  Here’s where you can find out movie trivia details like how Flick’s tongue stuck to the flag pole during the “triple  dog dare.” The flag pole was hollow with a small hole on one side and a vacuum. When Flick put his tongue on the hole, the vacuum was turned on. There you have a boy with his tongue stuck to a flagpole. Movie magic!

Although December might seem like the perfect time of year to visit the house and museum for that Christmas feel, don’t limit yourself.  A Christmas Story House Museum is open year long. If you go, take time to browse through the gift shop. Of course there are Red Ryder BB guns but there are also Lil’ Orphan decoder pins and all sorts of leg lamp options. Yes, you can buy a bunny suit and a bar of Lifebuoy.

The house is located in Cleveland’s Tremont District at 3159 W 11th St. Cleveland, 216/ 298-4919

Admission Adults: $10.00
Children 7 to 12: $6.00
(Children 6 & under: FREE)
Seniors: $8.00

The admission price includes both the house and museum.  The house and museum are open 7 days a week except for major holidays.

Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Writers Association