Few holiday films capture the essence of Christmas nostalgia quite like 1983's "A Christmas Story." This cinematic treasure tells the tale of young Ralphie Parker and his quest for a genuine Red Ryder BB gun. Now, for the ultimate fan experience, you can step directly into Ralphie's world by booking an overnight stay in the actual Cleveland, Ohio, home where the exterior scenes of the movie were filmed.
So, what exactly can fans experience during an overnight stay?
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Since 2017, the iconic house, instantly recognizable by its vibrant yellow exterior and green trim, has been welcoming guests for overnight stays. Staying in the home is truly like walking into a beloved memory. While much of the interior filming took place elsewhere, the house is meticulously furnished with 1940s-era pieces and features fun, movie-inspired décor that immediately sets the scene. Guests will instantly spot the infamous leg lamp glowing brightly and perhaps even a replica of the coveted Red Ryder BB gun.
A look inside the Parker residence
The original "A Christmas Story" House offers a unique third-floor suite perfect for a family or group. This spacious suite can accommodate up to 6 guests and is fully equipped with a bedroom, a living room, a full kitchen, and a complete bathroom. Rates for the suite begin at $545 per night. The true magic begins once the daily tours conclude; overnight guests gain exclusive, private access to the entire house, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere without the crowds.
The Bumpus House experience
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For those looking for an alternative, the neighboring Bumpus House, home to the Parkers' memorable hillbilly neighbors, also opened its doors for reservations a year later. This property offers 2 distinct suites:
- Hound Dog Haven suite. Located on the first floor, this cozy suite sleeps up to 4 guests with a queen bed and a daybed with a trundle. It also includes a convenient kitchenette and starts at $195 per night.
- Stolen Turkey suite. Spanning the second and third floors, this larger option is perfect for bigger groups, accommodating up to 6 guests with its 3 bedrooms and a kitchenette. Prices for this suite start at $245 per night.
Beyond the overnight stay
Even if an overnight reservation isn't feasible, fans can still enjoy year-round tours of the house and the accompanying museum across the street. General admission starts at $20, offering a chance to recreate movie moments and explore iconic props. The museum is a treasure trove of film history, showcasing items like the family car, the memorable chalkboard from Miss Shields' classroom, and toys from the Higbee's window display. The museum's gift shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir, from a pink bunny suit to your own replica leg lamp.
For those planning to drive to Cleveland to visit this nostalgic destination, securing reliable and affordable parking is always a smart consideration. For travelers flying into or out of town who need services like airport daily parking or need to find cheap airport parking coupon deals, they might look into sites like ParkingNearAirports.io. They often provide various options and competitive airport parking prices to help ease the travel budget, ensuring one part of the journey is as smooth as possible. Every suite in both houses also comes equipped with a TV, pre-loaded with holiday favorites, ensuring guests can always curl up and watch "A Christmas Story" right where the magic happened.
The final word
For devoted fans of "A Christmas Story," the opportunity to sleep in Ralphie Parker's home is a peerless holiday pilgrimage. Whether you choose the main house or the Bumpus residence, the experience is designed for total cinematic immersion, surrounded by movie-inspired décor and nostalgia. It's an unforgettable way to celebrate the season and secure a memory that will last much longer than a pink bunny suit. Book ahead to grab your own piece of Christmas movie history!
