Photo courtesy of A Christmas Story House
While a lot of "A Christmas Story" was shot in Toronto, Canada, the exterior shots of the Parker residence were of a modest 19th-century Victorian home in Cleveland. The creators of the movie scoured Cleveland neighborhoods to find the perfect place that would resemble story creator Jean Shepard's childhood home. They finally found it at 3159 West 11th Street. Bob Clark, director of the film, ultimately chose this specific home because it gave off a classic-American feel while also having features that they were looking for such as steel mills in the backyard, a wrap around porch and an empty lot next door — perfect for the crew to set up camp. In December of 2004, Brian Jones, a San Diego entrepreneur, bought the house on eBay for $150,000. He had been a massive fan of the movie since childhood and had even founded his own business based off of the film; the Red Rider Leg Company, which manufactures replicas of the "major award" Ralphie's father wins. The previous owners of the home had remodeled the house, installing new windows and covering the original wood siding with blue vinyl. Jones watched "A Christmas Story" frame by frame to draw detailed plans of the interior and spent $204,000 to gut the structure and reconfigure it into the floor plan we know and love. Today, the house sits as a near-replica of the set.
Photo courtesy of A Christmas Story House
The neighborhood is also home to two more "A Christmas Story" inspired buildings — the museum and gift shop! At the museum, you can see behind the scenes photos, props, costumes and memorabilia. While you're there, be sure to check out the Higbee's Department Store holiday toys, Randy's snowsuit and zeppelin he receives for Christmas and even the family car! After spending a day immersed in the Ralphie's world, you'll definitely want to pick up a souvenir, which you can do at the A Christmas Story Gift Shop. There, you can purchase your own leg-lamp in any size you please as well as apparel, miniature figurines and more. If you can't make it to the gift shop in person, visit their website where you can purchase memorabilia from "A Christmas Story", "Christmas Vacation", "Home Alone" and many more classic holiday movies.
Photo courtesy of The Rowley Inn
This holiday season, The Rowley Inn, the restaurant right across the street from A Christmas Story House, will be serving up several "A Christmas Story" themed cocktails and dishes! Make sure to check out this special spot and see where the cast and crew of the movie hung out after filming.
Photo courtesy of The Spotted Owl
Join the Spotted Owl during their special Christmas cocktail popup this season! They'll be hosting this special event until December 30th in their vintage 1850's bar space. The bar will be decorated head-to-toe in Christmas decor and they'll be serving up original Christmas cocktails every day!With the holidays fast approaching, it's easy to run into the nearest department store for last minute holiday shopping or to get free two-day shipping from Amazon Prime. But what if we told you there was a way you could spend the day at a fun event, eat great food, all while perusing art and handmade gifts from local artisans in one central location? This season, Cincinnati will play host to several fantastic holiday arts and craft shows where you can not only check off everyone on your shopping list — you can also support local artists! We've curated a list of the winter-themed arts and craft shows that we are the most excited for this year. Grab your bags and get ready to #ShopLocal!
Santa will have his workshop set up at Tuttle Crossing Mall until Christmas Eve! As he prepares for his trip around the world, his hours might be more limited, so be sure to check his schedule before your planned visit.
Caring Santa will also be paying a visit on December 2 for children that may have sensory, physical or other developmental needs. Reserve your appointment here!
Photo courtesy of The Columbus Zoo
Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo continues for its 30th year! Find Santa settled in his Holiday Home located in North America at the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost. He can't wait to meet the children and hear what is on their holiday wish list! There will be professional photos available for an additional fee. Afterward, check out one of the other incredible features going on at Wild Lights including the 1914 Mangels/Illions Carousel, camel rides and so much more!
Bring the family together to experience Christmas in Downtown Delaware! The festivities start off with the Home for the Holidays Weekend. On Friday, watch the tree lighting before visiting with Santa and some of his reindeer. On Saturday there will be a Dash for Dasher Scavenger Hunt, where you and your family can scour downtown and follow Santa's clues to find Dasher. Then, finally, on Sunday come out and watch the Holiday Parade!
Santa will also be available at The Strand from December 1-21 on Fridays and Saturdays to visit and take photos. There will also be free gifts for each child while supplies last!
Photo courtesy of Hillard Historical Village
Get your photo taken with Santa from the 1800's! This kid-friendly holiday event features a horse-drawn carriage ride, live music, refreshments, and beautiful lights. This historical take on Christmas will provide your family with endless fun and memories.
Photo courtesy of Flower Tree Farm
Since 1980, a visit to the Flower Tree Farm in Kent has been a Christmas tradition for many families. They offer both pre-cut trees and cut-your-own sales so you can decide how you want to pick out your holiday centerpiece! They start selling trees the day after Thanksgiving through December 23.
Photo courtesy of Medina Christmas Tree Farm
This adorable farm is completely family (and dog) friendly! Enjoy some hot chocolate by the fire, grab lunch at their refreshment stand, visit their friendly farm animals, and pick out one of their handmade wreaths to take home! They've just opened a new lot of trees down the road so there are plenty of trees to choose from!Photo courtesy of Heritage Farms
Open for 170 years now — Heritage Farms has plenty of experience in providing family-farm fun in Peninsula, Ohio! Visit them this holiday season to pick out your tree, and then make sure to stop by Michelle's Greenery Shop for roping, wreaths and swags! Warm up by the sandstone fireplace with some hot chocolate and cookies from their Coffee Corner.
For a unique Christmas experience this year, visit Skylar Brook Farms. This farm offers an original combination of Christmas trees and alpacas! When you visit, make sure to check out their alpaca store where they sell luxury products such as gloves and hats made from alpaca fleece — perfect as stocking stuffers!
Photo courtesy of Gervasi Vineyard
For the wine lover in your family, visit this year's Market Place Gala at Gervasi Vineyard! Enjoy tiny treats while you shop their new holiday lines, dine in the Crush House for a special holiday lunch, and get an expanded tour of the winery. They promise a memorable experience that appeals to all the senses!
Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo will most definitely have the wildest light display this holiday season. Almost the entire zoo will be decorated and many animals will be on exhibit. While you're there, stop by Santa Land and tell Santa your holiday wishes, visit Holly Jolly Hillside which will feature lighted North American animals and trees synchronized to music, take a ride on the Wild Winter Express train ride, and stop by Mrs. C's Sweets for a s'more!
There's so much to see at this weekend holiday event! Have fun and learn something new at the Beech Creek Gardens. Enjoy Candyland and the Christmas Express, explore the Festival of Trees, visit with the Grinch, learn about animals in winter, complete workshops for adults and children, sip hot cocoa, and more!
Photo courtesy of Cliff Franks Photography
Historic Canal Fulton invites you to stroll the streets of the downtown area and celebrate this holiday season. The blocked off streets will allow space for wood and ice carvers, carolers, and wagon rides. Stop by and visit Santa and meet Mrs. Oberlin for tours of the Oberlin House and Olde Canal Days Museum. Shops will be open late to offer special discounts, refreshments and entertainment. When the sun goes down, the electric lights parade and tree lighting ceremony will commence!
Photo courtesy of the Canton Chamber of Commerce
This spirited festival will feature 14 city blocks of attractions, ice skating, entertainment, refreshments, sleigh rides, singers and dancers, a visit from Santa, and incredible fireworks! The best part is, this event is free and fun for all ages.
Photo courtesy of The Players Guild Theatre
See the story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life! This classic Christmas story will surely get you into the holiday spirit.
Photo courtesy of Maps Air Museum
Santa left the reindeer behind this year and is arriving in Akron and Canton a little differently — by plane! Go watch him touch down and get a photo of your loved ones with Santa. In return, you are asked to bring a food donation for the Reserves/National Guard Family Services Food Pantry that services troops stationed at the Akron Canton Airport.
The story of It's a Wonderful Life is a natural for a stage adaptation. Come watch the saga of George Bailey as he discovers how amazing his life really is, live on stage. Support your local theater and experience the true meaning of Christmas!