Merry Christmas From Good Ol’ Cleveland Street

By Heather

A Christmas Story is one of my all-time favorite movies. From Thanksgiving to Christmas every year we watch it (or at least have it on) a lot, practically every day, sometimes more than once. So when I got the chance to visit the actual house from the movie I was thrilled. It’s got everything, the major award, the Bumpass hounds, the turkey, the rabbit pajamas and of course the official Red Rider carbine-action 200 shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.

You can imagine it, right? The crackling fire, the snow flurries waltzing behind the window, the warm eggnog, and the holiday tunes floating in from the radio. Add a few Christmas cookies and the coziness of your family sitting beside your twinkling leg lamp…and, well, it’s almost too good to be true.

But get this: It actually is true, thanks to a little remodel magic from the Christmas Story house. Yes, the flurries, fire, and holiday tunes all included.

Let’s start with a bit of background. For most of us, the holiday isn’t complete without a re-watching of what is possibly the best Christmas movie of all time: A Christmas Story. Odds are, you’ve seen it too, and you’ve got your own fond memories of the film. During each annual viewing, I’ll admit that I’ve always wished I could visit that all-American, wintery home. It might be ordinary in its design, but it’s extraordinary due to its special memories and its place in our hearts.

Now, this year, my wish was granted. This November I took a trip to ‘Good Ol’ Cleveland Street’ for a private tour of one of my all-time favorite movie houses.

The famous house is located at 3159 W. 11th St., in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, and it’s been operating public tours ever since it was restored to its movie glory back in 2006 (there’s a museum with memorabilia from the film directly across the street as well). But now, guests can actually sleep at the Christmas Story house, which can accommodate a family of six. That is now on my bucket list, no triple dog dare needed! Ralphie’s bunny suit…the leg lamp….the Red Ryder bb gun…it’s all there! Our tour guide Ernie was amazing and will took our pictures & even suggest a few fun ones! Of course, I had to take a picture with the famous BB gun!