For anyone on your Christmas list who is in love with the movie “A Christmas Story,” this could be the perfect Christmas gift idea to present to them this year. Although it will take some extra planning and technically won’t be under the tree, the movie lover will be ecstatic when the unusual Christmas gift is opened in the form of a ticket or receipt. Of course, you have the option to give it to them a little early so they can enjoy it before Christmas.
A Christmas Story House
Located at 3159 West 11th Street in Cleveland, Ohio, the original A Christmas Story house has been restored to look just like every movie lover remembers it from the movie. Restoration done to the house includes details such as a permanent staircase added, trim around walls, new siding, hardwood floors, sink, tiles, new wiring, new plumbing and pretty much anything and everything else needed to make the house ready for visitors.
As you step foot on the bottom porch step of the house, you’ll feel like your stepping back in time and directly into the movie. Stop at the bottom of the staircase and try to picture Ralphie in his bunny suit or check out the kitchen to see if you can smell the turkey cooking. Of course, the dogs have already eaten it. Take lots of pictures and make one into this year’s Christmas card to send to friends and family. If you have left a die hard fan at home, pick up a leg lamp to wrap for under the tree or have it delivered before Christmas.
While you can visit the Christmas Story house year round, they are only open Thursday through Sunday, but will be closed on all major holidays. Ticket prices for touring the house begin at $6 for children 7 to 12 years old, adult ticket prices are $10, seniors ticket prices are $8 and children 6 years old and younger will be able to tour the Christmas Story house free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum across the street from the house.
Department 56 ‘A Christmas Story’ Village
Another Christmas gift idea for the movie lover is to buy the first piece in a collection of Department 56 ‘A Christmas Story’ Village set. Each year, your loved one will look forward to seeing the new piece of the collection.
If you plan on visiting the Christmas Story house, take along some extra cash as all of the newest Department 56 “A Christmas Story” additions will be available for purchase. Some of the collection items you’ll find include “Ralphie Loses His Glasses,” “The Farkus House,” “The Uptown Theatre,” “The Last Straw,” “Farewell to the Leg Lamp,” “Higbee’s Elves,” “Good Friends at the Joke Shop” and many other beautiful pieces to choose from. Of course, you’ll not want to forget to pick up a leg lamp, which comes in a variety of different sizes.
Movie Lovers from All Over
Thousands of “A Christmas Story” fans await the day each year when the movie plays for a full 24 hours straight. Don’t think you’re the only one who watches it over and over again. Take a look at some pictures of fans from across the country who are die-hard movie buffs just like yourself.