There’s something innately festive and joyful about being home for the holidays. Hollywood knows this, too, which is why it took such care to choose the perfect homes for its holiday movies. The following are among the most beloved Christmas houses featured in some the best holiday films of all time.
1. Home Alone: 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL
Located in the affluent Chicago suburb of Winnetka, the Home Alone house achieved fame when John Hughes released his 1990 hit starring Macaulay Culkin. Constructed in 1921, the multi-story Lincoln Avenue house attracted filmmakers with its timeless appeal. They wanted the home to feel both warm and slightly menacing at the same time. It fit their bill in terms of aesthetics and room for the film’s most outrageous stunts. Since the movie hit theatres, the house has exchanged owners a few times, but it still retains its traditional stately air.
“This is extremely important. Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back.” — Kevin McCallister, Home Alone (1990)
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: “Blondie Street” Warner Brothers Studios Backlot, Burbank, CA
Unlike the other films on our list, the house famously belonging to the Griswold Family in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is located on a Warner Brothers Studios backlot. Created as a set, the entire street is designed to reflect suburban ambience. Homes on the street have also been featured in other films like Lethal Weapon, Pleasantville, and Bewitched. Because the house is a studio property, it can be visited if you sign up for a studio tour. Of course, the house may not be easy to recognize without its telltale holiday lights glowing against a background of snow.
“Dad, you taught me everything I know about exterior illumination.” — Clark Griswold, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
3. A Christmas Story: 3159 West 11th Street, Cleveland, OH
Though set in Indiana, Ralphie’s iconic home is actually located in Cleveland, OH. Owing to the undiminished popularity of the film, the house has been restored to its film glory and is open to the public for tours and even overnight stays! Set producers ‘cast’ the house for its period 1940s look and expansive front window. The window, of course, played a major role in its display of the risqué leg lamp. Within the house is a wide array of movie memorabilia — actual props featured in the movie’s home and school classroom.
“Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, upon which the entire kid year revolved.” — Adult Ralphie from A Christmas Story (1983)
4. The Santa Clause: 17 Chisholm Street, Oakville, ON, Canada
Scott’s home is featured prominently in The Santa Clause, so set designers knew they needed to choose a holiday house with care. They did an excellent job casting the home and neighborhood so that it would resemble an Illinois townhome in winter. Oakville is a suburb of Toronto, which enhances the suburban Chicago feel of the movie. If you ever find yourself traveling 11th Street in Oakville, don’t miss the chance to catch a glimpse of Scott’s iconic home.
“You said you were lactose intolerant.” Sarah, setting out soy milk for Tim Allen’s Scott Calvin/Santa in The Santa Clause (1994)
5. Miracle on 34th Street: 24 Derby Road, Port Washington (Long Island), NY
The Derby Road home featured in Miracle on 34th Street still stands in Port Washington today. The house served as the film’s finale–the longed-for Christmas present of Susan Walker who simply wants a home. Although no tours are offered of the interior today, the house sits just off the street and can be viewed easily from the road. Movie makers understood its charm when they chose it, which is evident from its focal point fireplace and chimney (a must for Santa) and cozy ambience.
“I believe, I believe. It’s silly but I believe.” — Susan Walker, Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
For filmmakers, sets play a crucial role in movies, helping to establish believability. These holiday houses enhance the Christmas ambience that movie makers want to capture on film. And they certainly did with these iconic real estate picks.
Looking for a longed-for Christmas present like Susan Walker’s? Take a look at some of the scene-stealing houses for sale on Offerpad.com to make your holidays merry and bright!