6 Iconic Christmas Movie Houses You Can Visit in Real Life
From the "Home Alone" mansion to Susan's dream home in "Miracle on 34th Street," here's where you'll find the famous houses from your favorite Christmas movies.
December is the perfect time to get cozy, drink hot cocoa, and watch your favorite holiday films with family. Did you know that many Christmas classics feature real-life homes that are still around? From the “Home Alone” mansion outside Chicago (how did the McCallisters afford that, anyway?) to the yellow house in Cleveland that displayed that infamous “fra-jeel-ay” leg lamp in “A Christmas Story,” here’s where you’ll find six iconic Christmas movie houses — and how to visit them in person.
In This Article
1. A Christmas Story
Address: 3159 W. 11th Street, Cleveland, OH
Ticket Cost: $11 Children, $15 Adults
Fun Fact: In 2004, the home was purchased on eBay for $150,000.
No holiday season is complete without watching “A Christmas Story” on repeat. The iconic home used during filming is located just outside downtown Cleveland. You can tour this amazing landmark and visit the nearby museum. Explore the home of Ralphie, set up just as you remember, and also see original props and memorabilia.
If you want the true “A Christmas Story” experience, you can even stay overnight in the upstairs loft area. Rates start at $395 and vary throughout the year. A stay on Christmas Eve or Christmas day will cost up to $1995 per night. We “triple dog dare ya” to do it!
2. Miracle on 34th Street
Address: 24 Derby Road, Port Washington, Long Island, NY
Fun Fact: The Thanksgiving Day Parade scenes were filmed during the actual parade in 1946.
In the original 1947 film, “Miracle on 34th Street,” a young girl named Susan learns about the true spirit of Christmas. Susan wishes for her dream home and near the end of the movie, when she truly believes in Santa and the spirit of the holiday, her wish comes true. You can catch a glimpse of Susan’s dream home in Port Washington, NY. This home is a residence, so it can’t officially be toured, but you can admire it from the street.
Bonus: The exterior of the house used in the 1994 remake of this beloved Christmas classic sold for a cool $2.4 million in 2016.
3. Home Alone
Address: 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL
Fun Fact: All parts of the film were filmed in Chicago, IL — including the Paris airport scenes.
In this beloved holiday movie, Kevin McCallister is accidentally left at home instead of leaving town with his family on a Christmas trip. His parents don’t realize he’s missing until they’re on board the flight and en route to Paris. We get to follow Kevin and his misadventures at home alone while he fights off two burglars. The home is located just outside of Chicago, in Winnetka. While the home cannot be toured, many movie fans drive by each year!
In 2021, super fans had the opportunity to stay at this famous house as the Home Alone house was available on Airbnb for one night only.
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Address: 727 West Kenneth Road, Glendale, CA
Fun Fact: If this house looks extra familiar, that’s because it was also used in the filming of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
In this classic holiday romp, Clark Griswold and his family hope for the perfect Christmas break. The holiday plans go to the wayside when cousin Eddie and his family show up unexpectedly. We get to laugh our way through the awkward family moments and unplanned insanity of their holiday together. Much of this film was shot on set at Warner Brothers Studios. However, one location that can still be visited is the home of Clark’s boss, Frank. This mansion is located in Glendale, CA and can be viewed from afar.
5. It’s a Wonderful Life
Address: 4587 Viro Rd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Fun Fact: The Martinis are based on producer and director Frank Capra’s own family, who emigrated from Sicily. The goat in the famous scene is named “Capra,” which means goat in Italian.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is yet another classic holiday film from the early days of the silver screen. This heartwarming tale examines the better world that George Bailey has created for his neighbors in Bedford Falls. Located in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, you can visit one of the integral homes featured in this film. While not open for tours, the famous Martini family home can be visited street side.
Additionally, additional sets for the city of Bedford Falls were a massive undertaking built at RKO Ranch in Encino, CA. It took nearly two months to construct and spanned three city blocks. Unfortunately, the Ranch was sold in the late 1950s and was redeveloped. The good news is that the Martini home wasn’t part of this set and can still be seen (from afar!) today.
6. The Family Stone
Address: 144 Riverside Ave, Riverside, CT
Fun Fact: Luke Wilson chipped a tooth while filming this movie and asked Diane Keaton to recommend a dentist. She gave him the number of a psychologist instead.
“The Family Stone” is an unexpected holiday favorite, focusing on the story of Everett Stone bringing his girlfriend home for Christmas to meet his family. We learn all about the eccentric Stone family and their secrets as they celebrate the holidays together at their family home.
You can visit the real-life house, which was used for exterior film shots. Located in Riverside, CT, this is a private residence, so can only be looked at by driving by. Fun fact: the home sold most recently for $4.1 million in 2008.