A Christmas Story House
If you’re visiting Cleveland, Ohio and are a fan of the movie A Christmas Story, then you must visit A Christmas Story House and Museum! The museum, located in a residential area of Cleveland, is the actual house used in the movie, now fully restored to its movie quality.
Visitors can take guided tours year round, Thursday through Monday from 10am to 5pm. The tour includes inside information on the production and casting of the film, as well as time for guests to explore the first and second stories of the house. And yes, there IS soap in the bathroom. But we don’t recommend biting it as you probably wouldn’t be the first person to do so.
The best part of the tour is the full immersive experience you get when you are in the house. Guests are encouraged to sit on the furniture and move around the house while listening to the tour guide. Time is also allotted for free exploration of the entire house, with the exception of the private third-floor loft and roped off areas such as the bedrooms. However, the bedrooms are open for viewing at a distance. Also, be sure to pick up the phone hanging on the wall – you may recognize the voice on the other end.
Tours leave every half hour, but note that the last tour leaves at 4:15 is typically self-guided. The guided tours are highly recommended if you want to learn the ins and outs of the movie that almost wasn’t! The docents really do help make it a memorable and entertaining experience.
Tours also include a trip through the official A Christmas Story museum, located directly across the street from the house. The museum includes artifacts from the film such as the costumes, the chalkboard from Ralphie’s classroom, little brother Randy’s infamous snowsuit, and the family car.
Guests can also schedule a stay at the famous A Christmas Story House, or at the adjacent Bumpus House, home of the fictional neighbors from the movie. Fans can spend the night in Ralphie’s house, sleeping in Ralphie and Randy’s beds, as well as a private loft on the third floor of the house. Up to six guests can stay at the original Christmas Story house. Bookings start at $395 per night but do vary depending on the season. Expect the highest rates around Christmas.
As for the Bumpus House, there are three options for guests looking to stay over. The Hound Dog Haven suite sleeps four and is located on the first floor of the house. The Stolen Turkey suite takes up the second and third floors, comfortably sleeping six guests. Guests may also choose to rent out the entire house. Rates start at $195 per night and also vary by season.
Before you leave, be sure to visit the A Christmas Story House and Museum gift shop! Filled with Christmas goodies for all ages (and not just those related to the movie at hand), this store has something for everyone on your Christmas list! You’ll want to make sure you get your own Major Award Leg Lamp and pair of bunny pajamas before you leave. If you’re unable to visit the shop in person, the gift shop is also available online at the museum’s website.