A Christmas Story House

Back in the early 1980s, producers of a film called "A Christmas Story" — based on a story written by author Jean Shepherd — were seeking filming locations for what was supposed to look like an Indiana steel town in the '40s. They found their answer in a home located in the Cleveland neighborhood of Tremont.

Originally built in 1895, the house underwent a serious of facelifts both before and after filming. But in 2004, San Diego-based entrepreneur Brian Jones — a longtime fan of the film — bought the home on eBay and renovated it to once again match the scenes from the movie. He used profits from his own business, which sells replicas of the movie’s iconic leg lamp, for the down payment.

This means the 1983 holiday classic has become as much a part of our city as pierogies and craft beer. It also means we all get to see the Parker family’s fictional two-story Victorian splashed across TBS on a continuous loop every Christmas.

The house still stands today and is a hugely popular year-round visitor attraction.

What You'll See:

• Walk through the exact replica of the home of the Parker family. Admire the leg lamp in the window. Take a selfie next to the Christmas tree. Grimace in a pink bunny suit. Hide under the kitchen sink. And, of course, hold the Red Ryder BB gun. But resist the temptation to fire it — you might shoot your eye out.

What Else to Do?

• Two other homes across the street have been renovated into a gift shop and museum. The museum showcases behind-the-scenes photos and original props and costumes, including the original leg lamp, Ralphie’s bunny suit and the famous Red Ryder BB gun.
• In December, visitors can run in the A Christmas Story 5k/10k, which routes between Public Square in Downtown Cleveland and the house's location in Tremont. Hundreds of participants — from serious runners to stroller brigades — come out to enjoy this ridiculous winter fun-run where folks dress up like the movie’s characters (some even run wearing Leg Lamp costumes).