The holidays are quickly approaching and all I can think about are family traditions: bright lights, decorated trees, festive markets, and cozying up to watch a few heartwarming classics.
A child of the eighties, A Christmas Story, was always a favorite in our house. It slowly crept up in many homes as an American tradition across the nation. One cable channel even plays it for twenty-four hours straight over Christmas Eve and day in a true marathon fashion.
I’m not sure I would consider it sentimental necessarily, but the hilarious struggle of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker forever made an imprint in our hearts.
The movie, wrapped in nostalgia and a realistic perspective, flourishes at portraying the good, the bad, and the ugly of the holiday season.
Whether you could relate to the loving doting mother, the hard-working crabby Old Man, the silly younger sibling, or the serious older brother, the family dynamic rings true to many households.
Looking for a unique Christmas trip idea?
Here are three fun ways to pay tribute to one of the most iconic holiday movies to date.
1. ICE! featuring A Christmas Story
The theme at Denver’s Gaylord Opryland indoor winter wonderland this year is none other than, A Christmas Story.
With two million pounds of hand-carved ice, this holiday classic will come to life with interactive sculptures and displays.
You’ll be sure to witness the unforgettable scenes first-hand like The Old Man’s Major Award, Aunt Clara’s pink nightmare, and the ultimate triple dog dare at the school’s flagpole.
Where: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Denver, Colorado
When: November 17th, 2023 – December 31st, 2023
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2. The Indiana Welcome Center
Since the film was set in Hohman, the fictionalized town of Hammond, Indiana, the state bought the displays that were first showcased in 2003 in the windows of the Macy’s in New York City.
Now displayed at the Indiana Welcome Center, they include The Hibgee’s Department Store Window, Flick’s Tongue and the Triple Dog Dare, It’s a Major Award, Santa’s Mountain at Higbee’s, The Bumpus Hounds and A Hero’s Dream.
Throughout the season, kids can also enjoy the craft table and write letters to the North Pole plus other special activities like photos with the big man himself on top of Santa’s Mountain where the kids slide down just like in the movie. You can also get some Christmas shopping done at the small store inside. I’ve never seen so many gifts around one movie theme.
And don’t forget to take an Instagram-worthy photo with Ralphie or Flick!
Where: Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond, Indiana 46323 USA
When: November 11th, 2023 to December 30, 2023
3. The House from A Christmas Story
Step right into the movie. No really. Ralphie’s house from A Christmas Story actually exists outside of Cleveland, Ohio. The exterior of the home was used in the original movie and has been renovated inside to match.
Afterward, head across the street to the museum, where you can find behind-the-scenes photographs, original props (including Randy’s snowsuit and the family car, costumes, and memorabilia. Don’t forget to pick up your very own Major Award Leg Lamp, bunny costume, or Red Ryder BB gun.
Looking to amp up your trip? You can now stay overnight at the house or at the Bumpus House, the hillbilly neighbors next door. Talk about a unique experience!
Where: A Christmas Story House, 3159 West 11th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44109 USA
When: Open Year Round, 7 days a Week except for Major Holidays
Dana Howard Freeman
I had no idea the original house is in Ohio – great tips just in time for the holidays!
Wendy Pappas
I love A Christmas Story, It would be great to see the house in Ohio… I also love ICE at Gaylords, we have one here in Texas but they are featuring Rodolf, maybe next we will get lucky and have A Christmas Story.
Inge
It’s so cool that you can visit these places! I’m most interested in the first activity with the hand-carved ice sculptures!
Carol Colborn
Kissimmee, Florida, Hammond, Indiana, and Cleveland, Ohio did well to recreate pieces of the well-loved A Christmas Story!
Jane Frith
Not sure I should admit this, but I have never seen this movie! Having read this post though, I think I need to search it out. I’d love to see the Gaylord Palms exhibit – I adore ice sculptures. My favourite Christmas movie? Miracle on 34th Street!
Maggie
Don’t judge me. I’ve never actually seen A Christmas Story. I know, I know, “What?!?” I’m a child of the 90s, so my favorite Christmas movie growing up was Tim Allen’s The Santa Clause. But I really do need to watch A Christmas Story so that I can finally understand all of the references! And maybe finally know what the deal is with the leg lamp LOL
Candy
I’m an 80s baby too! I remember writing Santa letters in school so this is something I would want my kids to do as well someday 🙂 And I need to watch that movie. I still haven’t seen it.
Kelly
This movie has been a family classic with some of my cousins, but I did not see it the entire way through until a couple years ago when I was already an adult. The places you highlight sound perfect for fans of the movie: I will definitely be mentioning them to the rest of the family during Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow!
Lara Dunning
A Christmas Story is one of my favorite holiday favs. So many hilarious moments. I’d love to see the house. I think I’d opt to stay the Bumpus House, just for the fun of it!
leah
As if you can go inside the house!! It’s great that they renovated inside to match. My fave is probably the ice sculpture though! That must have taken some time to make (and patience!!)
kenan
Haha, I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen this movie but thanks for the great tips on how to turn a movie into an exciting day trip. This makes for a great movie destination getaway!
Jenn
OMG… too funny.. I just bundled up my kids this weekend to go sledding and was having flashback to this movie… trying to see if my son could still move his arms around. The movie is hilarious and was some how a box office flop… Thank goodness it became a cult classic.
Dang Travelers
LOL Every time I see a kid all wrapped getting ready to play in the snow I think of that scene when the brother falls and can’t get up! It is a classic. I usually watch it once a year with seeing bits and pieces here and there throughout the season.