Bill (Treat Williams) and Phylis (Sharon Lawrence) have been married for many years. They invite their two adult sons, Mike (Robert Buckley) and Brandon (Jonathan Bennett) to stay with them for the two weeks leading up to Christmas, to revisit an old family tradition. They will transform the family house into “the Christmas house”, with the entire home, inside and out, extensively decorated for Christmas. Mike is an actor who stars in the television series Handsome Justice. Brandon is a baker, married to Jake (Brad Harder) who also comes to visit. Meanwhile, Mike’s high school friend and former neighbor Andi (Ana Ayora) has moved back to town with her son Noah (Mattia Castrillo) following a divorce. Wedding Every Weekend was the first Hallmark Channel movie to include a same-sex couple, though they were not part of the main story line. In that film – a romantic comedy that premiered on August 15, 2020, three months before The Christmas House – a man and a woman go to four weddings in four weeks. One of the weddings they attend is a marriage of two women. The Christmas House is a made-for-television film produced for the Hallmark Channel. A Christmas-themed comedy-drama, it was directed by Michael Grossman. It features an ensemble cast, including Sharon Lawrence and Treat Williams as a wife and husband who invite their two adult sons (played by Robert Buckley and Jonathan Bennett) to come back home for Christmas and recreate a past family tradition. It premiered on November 22, 2020.The Christmas House was the first Hallmark Channel film to prominently feature a same-sex couple. In the movie, Brandon and Jake’s relationship is fully accepted by their relatives and friends. The fact that they are gay is not discussed in the film, and they are shown as part of the extended family. In one scene, after a private discussion about their efforts to adopt a child, the two men share a romantic kiss.
The Christmas House was nominated for the 2021 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Movie. The sequel The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls was likewise nominated for the 2022 GLAAD awards in the same category
In December 2019, some months prior to the broadcast of these films, the Hallmark Channel aired some commercials for Zola, a wedding services company. Some of the ads showed two brides kissing at their same-sex wedding. After complaints from One Million Moms, an organization that is part of the American Family Association, Hallmark stopped showing the commercials, only to face a backlash from supporters of LGBTQ rights. Hallmark reversed its decision and issued an apology, saying that the company was “committed to diversity and inclusion – both in our workplace as well as the products and experiences we create.”The family members each have issues that they are dealing with, that initially they do not tell each other about. Bill and Phylis have decided to sell the family house. Mike’s TV show has not been renewed by the network. Brandon and Jake want to adopt a child, but their efforts have been unsuccessful. Despite these problems, the family members work together to revive their former holiday tradition.
What is your favorite item: My favorite is actually my backyard where there is a an all white light display named the Winter Village complete with train, a full sized Santa prop for taking photos, and hot cocoa.
What: There is just too much too describe: Lights, toy soldiers, life-sized reindeer. In addition to the cheery blaze of lights, anta and his friends will be making a stop at the house from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 22 and all are welcome.
One of the rituals of the Christmas holidays is taking the family (or yourself) for a ride to ogle some over-the-top decorated homes adorned with thousands of blazing lights, animated Wooden Soldiers, and holiday musicWhat: For the third year in a row, visitors can check out this 23-minute light show synchronized to curated medleys of music. Tune to FM 90.5 to hear the medleys that accompany the display of lights. Why do you do it? The decorations give the feeling of warmth and joy, giving everyone the sense of togetherness and happiness. The real reason is that it signifies the birth of Jesus. This is truly my favorite time of the year so that inspires me to do all of this. It takes a lot of effort but I don’t see it as work. I enjoy doing it and even sing along as I decorate. Why do you do it: I do this in memory of my parents who would toss us kids in the car and we’d go looking for Christmas lights. I’ve had people tell me that it’s been their family’s tradition also since I began the show 12 years ago.Why do you do it? I grew up in a family of six in a one bedroom/one bath 400-square-foot apartment in queens and only had room for a small tabletop type tree. I used to get driven around to look at everyone else’s lights and thought maybe one day I could have a display that would cause others to smile as they went by. Each year I add more and love the reactions of passersby.
What: Chuck Barringer and his neighbors all go all out. “Don’t let my website lead you to believe that this was decorated by contractors. The four homes that make up the North Kensico Christmas Light Show are decorated with a labor of love by each homeowner,” he says. The lights are set to music enjoyed either outside or on 107.7FM while on the block.
What: This house and its small front yard is a perennial favorite with lights, blow-ups and lots of other fun surprises. I live nearby and always slow down to see what’s been added.
What’s the reaction of folks who stop by to see it? Whether I am outside greeting those driving or walking by or inside seeing through the window, the expressions are absolutely priceless, especially the young ones who are in awe and become mesmerized by the bright lights. That radiates onto the adults who share in the big smiles and joy.
Christmas village buildings are not usually made to consistent relative scale. A church building might well be ten times the height of an ordinary house in reality but this would make very cumbersome models and look odd within a Christmas village display. It is only necessary for the church building to be noticeably taller than the house, to give it an imposing stature.Like many other Christmas traditions, the notion of a village to celebrate a holiday has spread to other holidays, with a few companies making Halloween and Easter villages.
Where is the original Christmas village?
The tradition of decorative Christmas villages built around the Christmas tree is rooted in the late 18th century holiday traditions of the Moravian church, a Protestant denomination with early settlements in Salem, North Carolina and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
A Christmas village (or putz) is a decorative, miniature-scale village often set up during the Christmas season. These villages are rooted in the elaborate Christmas traditions of the Moravian church, a Protestant denomination. Mass-produced cardboard Christmas villages became popular in the United States during the early and mid-20th century, while porcelain versions became popular in the later part of the century.The tradition of decorative Christmas villages built around the Christmas tree is rooted in the late 18th century holiday traditions of the Moravian church, a Protestant denomination with early settlements in Salem, North Carolina and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Karal Ann Marling writes that “This usually took the form of an elaborate landscape with animals, which may or may not have alluded to the creatures in the stable at Bethlehem or the passengers on Noah’s Ark…the typical putz went beyond the limits of any biblical scene into pure, exuberant genre.” These grew to encompass much more than a nativity scene, with animations such as working flour mills, jumping dogs, running water with waterfalls and electric trains, and could fill an entire room. Families would organize “putz parties” and compete for the best show. The term was derived from the German verb putzen, which means “to clean” or “to decorate.” After World War II, several Japanese companies started mass-producing cardboard or paper houses, churches, and other buildings. These small buildings usually had holes in the back or the bottom through which Christmas lights were placed to provide illumination. The buildings had tiny colored cellophane windows and were decorated with mica-dusted roofs to give the appearance of snow. Since these buildings were made of inexpensive material and were widely available throughout the United States, they became a very popular Christmas decoration. In the 1970s, ceramic or porcelain Christmas villages were introduced and started to gain popularity. Department 56 was one of the first companies to make these buildings and remains amongst the most well-known. Other companies, such as Lemax, have also produced similar villages, and there are numerous other brands sold. In Europe, Luville and Dickensville are established brands.
Christmas House is an indoor, one of a kind, fully immersive Christmas experience. A wondrous 45+ minute walk-through of all things Christmas, followed by a glorious gift shop!
Everything you love about Christmas, all in one place. All of your favorite Christmas sights, sounds, and smells come to life in Christmas House! Over 12 rooms including the first ever Snow Room (where it’s really snowing!), The Walk Through Christmas Light Show, The North Pole, and many more! We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. We pride ourselves on having not only the most imaginative Christmas experience possible, but the most engaging, interactive, and fun! In addition, we have the sweetest staff this side of the North Pole that will be happy to help you have the best Christmas House visit possible!Yes! When you hire Cappco Christmas Lights for your Christmas light installation in Westchester County you get the whole package! This includes removal of the lights once the holidays are over\/ Just like with the installation, our crew removes the lights safely and carefully so as to not disturb your home!You can relax while our team of trained and experienced professionals takes care of your property. Whatever service you choose, we can assure you that you will be pleased with the outcomes! We’ll take care of everything, so you can enjoy seeing the improvements. At Cappco Christmas Lights, we make it our mission to provide you with a holiday to remember! We offer expert, high-end, and cost-effective Christmas light installation in Westchester County for all types of properties. Our comprehensive service includes assistance with the planning, installation, removal, and storage of lights! We offer a lot more than any other business in the region while still being the most affordable. With us, you’ll know that your family will have the best Christmas ever. You’ll never want to do things on your own again! In New York, light up your home and neighborhood with the greatest Christmas lighting installation! We want everything about working with us to be simple, pleasant, and hassle-free, including scheduling. That’s why we’ll work around your schedule if you need to book with us. We value your time as much as yours because it is so precious to us.
Yes! When you hire Cappco Christmas Lights for your Christmas light installation in Westchester County you get the whole package! This includes removal of the lights once the holidays are over/ Just like with the installation, our crew removes the lights safely and carefully so as to not disturb your home!At Cappco Christmas Lights, we utilize high-quality lighting that provides quality and luxury, unlike other companies in Westchester County that offer Christmas light installation. Because we only use the greatest materials and gadgets, your Christmas decorations will never appear inexpensive or tawdry. Furthermore, because we utilize such excellent lighting, you won’t have to worry about frequent breakages or electrical difficulties if you pick the wrong business!
Yes! All of our lights are covered by warranty while they are on your property. While we employ high/grade lighting for our Christmas light installation in Westchester County, there is a chance that a bulb will break at some time. Please contact us if anything goes wrong or if anything similar happens, and we’ll come to repair it for free.
At Cappco Christmas Lighting, we strive to make your holiday season the most memorable possible. Our staff is professionally trained and certified in light installations, and we can change your house in the afternoon. Our variety of choices, expert work, and committed team will transform your property into the most spectacular on the block. We are dedicated to offering you the greatest Christmas light installation feasible in Westchester County! Additionally, we provide a warranty on lighting maintenance services that are valid for 24 hours after detection of a fault. So, if a bulb burns out or you have another problem with the lights, give us a call right away and we’ll have it fixed within 24 hours. Your house may be as bright as it should throughout the holiday period this way.
People may not have lights on their homes for a variety of reasons, including the physical aspect of installation. They don’t have the necessary skills and equipment to install and remove them securely. It’s usually preferable to hire a professional business to install Christmas decorations in Westchester County so you can get the lights you want while remaining safe. Don’t put your health at risk by climbing ladders in the midst of winter; instead, give Cappco Christmas Lights a call and let us handle all the hard work!
Yes! All of our lights are covered by warranty while they are on your property. While we employ high\/grade lighting for our Christmas light installation in Westchester County, there is a chance that a bulb will break at some time. Please contact us if anything goes wrong or if anything similar happens, and we’ll come to repair it for free.Getting a price from us is quick and painless! We’ll get you a quote as soon as possible after we’ve spoken with you and received the necessary information for the job. You won’t have to wait days or weeks if you choose us.
At Cappco Christmas Lights, we have lights to suit every need. We offer amazing and beautiful patterns for both indoor and outdoor use. So, whether you want to brighten up your home, your lawn, or your driveway, we’ve got you covered!Hiring Cappco Christmas Lighting for your holiday lighting has a number of advantages. One of them is our comprehensive service! This means that we’ll handle every step, including installation, maintenance, removal, and storage. You’ll also have access to our designer to assist you to decide on the right lights for your home! We guarantee that you will have a trouble-free service and stress-free lighting experience so you can focus on other aspects of your holidays!No! All of Cappco Christmas Lights’ crew members are fully trained and licensed for the installation and electrical work. We handle it all so you don’t have to, allowing you to relax and enjoy your day.They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and that’s certainly true at Santa’s Wonderland—one of the biggest Christmas celebrations in the state. The College Station locale is home to dozens of magical holiday experiences, from an illuminated Santa hayride, to an oversized gingerbread village, to a live nativity scene, to a cowboy Christmas corral. Of course, revelers will also get the chance to meet the man in the big red suit, too. Natchitoches may be a small Louisiana town—but it celebrates Christmas in a big way. The holiday prep gets underway in June, when 300,000 glittering lights and 100 riverbank decorations are tested in anticipation of the annual Festival of Lights, which has been running for more than 90 years. During the six-week holiday festival, visitors can also participate in docent-led tours of historic homes; shop at Louisana’s oldest general store, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile; pick up creamy eggnog daiquiris at Maggio’s Package Liquors, a drive-through beverage barn; munch on the town’s iconic, piping hot meat pies; watch fireworks light up the sky over Cane River Lake; and stay at the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast, which served as part of the film’s set. Denmark’s second-largest city, the quaint destination of Aarhus is a Christmas dream. The town boasts thousands of lights on its “Strøget” high-street, with delights including a Christmas market selling Danish specialties, the exterior of department store Salling wrapped up like a gift, Christmas tree-lined streets in the Latin Quarter, and a panorama of Danish Christmas throughout the ages at The Old Town Museum, Den Gamle By. The Swiss town of Bad Ragaz kicks off its yearly Christmas season in late November with a ceremonial festival of lights, illuminating the 131-foot-tall sequoia tree on the lawn of Grand Resort Bad Ragaz—supposedly the tallest living Christmas tree in Europe. Other events hosted at the picturesque village’s Grand Resort include several Christmas markets, multiple concerts, dinners, parties, and processions, and a Russian Christmas gala. Woodstock, Vermont is a magical place all year long—but perhaps even more so at Christmastime, when the quintessential New England town turns into a holly jolly hotspot straight out of a Hallmark movie. (In fact, the network’s Last Vermont Christmas was set there.) During its annual Wassail Weekend, you can tour Woodstock’s most charming historic homes, travel by horse-drawn wagon to see the town’s quaint covered bridges and snowy vistas, shop for locally-made holiday presents, attend a variety of world-class concerts, line the streets for the colorful equestrian parade, and gather for the lighting of the town’s tree, yule log, and hundreds of luminaries. Need a place to stay? Make sure to check out the postcard-pretty Woodstock Inn & Resort.Dreaming of a white Christmas? Look no further than Leavenworth, Washington, a small town tucked away in the Cascade Mountains. For three weekends leading up to Christmas, the village’s snow-covered, Bavarian-style buildings are illuminated by more than 500,000 twinkling lights and the sounds of hand-bell ringers, marching bands, and carolers fill the streets. In addition to oohing and aahing over the breathtaking display, visitors can also ski, sled, or tube down the powdery mountainside, take horse-drawn carriage rides, and stop by the annual Christkindlemarkt for handmade gifts and steaming cups of Gluhwein (a.k.a. spiced wine) or cocoa.At Christmastime, Canada’s pedestrian village Mont Tremblant turns into a winter wonderland, complete with skiing, tubing, dogsledding, and horse-drawn sleighs. Toufou, the town mascot, greets visitors who come for events such as the holiday parade, Lumberjack Day, concerts and entertainment from the Grelot Family elves, and generational storytelling on Legends Day.In the Santa Ynez Mountains outside Santa Barbara, this tiny Danish village celebrates Christmas with ample cheer during its annual Julefest. Events include the Skål Stroll Wine and Beer Walk, candlelight tours, a nativity pageant, a holiday concert, and the Julefest parade. Keep an eye peeled for the Jule Nisse: festive gnomes with clues leading toward holiday prizes.
Calling itself the Best Christmas Town in America, Colonial Williamsburg particularly shines at Christmastime. Traditions abound, such as caroling by torchlight, a gun-salute display, and every home in the historic area lighting a candle in their windows—dating back to the days of the Founding Fathers. As far as lights, the area can’t be beat, with Busch Gardens donning 10 million lights for the largest display in North America. And the Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Market Square is a must.
When you think of the most dazzling light displays across the globe, places like Hong Kong and Madrid probably come to mind. But what about St. Augustine, Florida? According to National Geographic, it’s one of the top 10 places worldwide. That’s because every year, more than three million twinkling bulbs (each white, per city ordinance) drape all 20 blocks of the city’s Historic District during the annual Nights of Lights festival. Guests can view the brilliant spectacle by trolley, train, boat, helicopter, horse-drawn carriage, and, of course, foot. Even more brilliant: You can enjoy the whole show without wearing a coat, hat, and gloves.During the Christmas season, Duluth, Minnesota seems to shine just a little bit brighter—literally. The festivities officially kick off the Friday before Thanksgiving with the Christmas City of the North, nighttime parade that includes two dozen marching bands, 70 businesses, several dance groups, and even Santa. But the headliner is the Bentleyville Tour of Lights—America’s largest free walk-through Christmas light display—in which displays of local attractions, as well as a 12-foot Christmas tree are lit up by more than 4 million multi-colored lights, while volunteers offer hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn along the way. Pro tip: The port city averages 70 inches of fluffy powder each year, so be prepared to dash through the snow—unless you’re taking a ride on the Christmas City Express, a vintage train wrapped in holiday lights and decor.
Tucked in Colorado Springs is an amusement park called The North Pole. Here, you’ll not only find—what else—Santa’s Workshop, but there’s also rides, plenty of twinkling lights, and more, all at the foot of Pikes Peak. That’s not all the town boasts, though. You can ride the Polar Express train that takes you straight to said theme park, plus enjoy the annual festival of lights parade that marks the illumination of the town’s streets and kicks off a series of festive holiday events.On December 24, 1741, a little town located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley was named Bethlehem by Moravian Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf. Since then, the town—which is about an hour outside Philadelphia— has taken its name and history very seriously. Every November, more than 150 artisans from around the country set up shop alongside live musicians at the German-inspired Christkindlmarkt, while an 81-foot-tall steel star shines down on the town and can be seen from 25 miles away. Not to mention there’s also a live advent calendar that counts down the days to Christmas, starting December 1.
Is the Christmas house real?
The Christmas House is a made-for-television film produced for the Hallmark Channel.
A quaint Alsatian village close to the German border, Colmar, France is reportedly one of the locales that inspired Belle’s town in Beauty and the Beast. Indeed, the fairy-tale aspect of Colmar comes to life during the holidays, with five Christmas markets, an endless array of twinkling lights, carolers, a roller coaster, carousel, and an ice skating rink.
Nadine Jolie Courtney is a lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in Town & Country, Robb Report, and Angeleno; a graduate of Barnard College, her fourth book, All-American Muslim Girl, was named a Kirkus Best Book of 2019. She lives in Santa Monica, California, where she posts too many photos of her daughter on Instagram.
For more than 60 years, residents of McAdenville, North Carolina, have come together to deck the tiny town and 375 trees in more than 500,000 red, white, and green twinkling lights—which is exactly why its known as Christmas Town, USA. But the festivities don’t stop there: Locals also decorate their own homes to look like something you’d see in a Hallmark movie and host a variety of holiday activities—a tree lighting ceremony, yule log parade, and 5K race—for the 600,000 annual visitors.Drop your anchor at Newport Harbor for the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, which started more than a century ago with a single gondola and a few canoes. Now, it’s one of the biggest holiday celebrations on the water, with owners of more than 150 boats—from kayaks to 100-foot super-yachts—spending months (and thousands of dollars) decorating their vessels with everything from LED lights and inflatable characters to live bands and air cannons. After setting sail for five consecutive nights in December, owners of the brightly decorated boats compete for prizes in a range of categories, including animation and humor and originality.
For a traditional American Christmas, head to Alexandria, Virginia, where the Old Town’s streets and 18th-century row houses bustle with good cheer each December. Festive-seekers can find carolers, hand bell choirs, ample lights and decorations. What’s more? Nearby, you’ll find Mount Vernon, home to Aladdin, a Christmas camel, as well as a Colonial Christmas experience.
Nearly 100,000 people travel to Franklin, Tennessee each year for its Dickens of a Christmas: a two day festival featuring over 200 musicians, dancers, and characters from Charles Dickens stories. Other highlights include a Victorian Christmas Village, carriage rides, and a makers village.
A meticulously-preserved walled medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber boasts a centuries old Christmas market well worth the trip to its cobblestone streets. (Incredibly, this used to be Germany’s second largest city.) Revelers can find treats like mulled wine, grilled sausage, roast chestnuts, or an original Rothenburg Snowball fried dough pastry, while other highlights include a German Christmas Museum. The market kicks off every year with the appearance of the “Rothenburger Riders,” horsemen who—while formerly scary—are now believed to be messengers of good news.
Decorating for the holidays is a fun way to spread some cheer. Most people hang a wreath and drape bright lights around the trees, but this one home in Stamford goes above and beyond. Known simply as “Tony’s House of Lights,” this destination is certain to put a twinkle in your eye. This breathtaking house on Lewelyn Road just might have the wackiest neighborhood Christmas light display in all of Connecticut.Broadcast the music in the warmth of your car synchronized to their lights as you view the display from the street. Please stay in your car, and tune your radio station to 103.3 FM to enjoy the music.One of the most popular residential Christmas light shows in Westchester. After 13 years, it’s the last season the show takes place, with the homeowners acknowledging it’s too much work to keep up with as they age. Once there, tune your dial to 107.7 FM and watch and listen as the lights sync to the music. Enjoy seeing the brightly lit snowmen, presents, Christmas trees, and gingerbread men. The Winter Village, where you can spot white light-decorated mini homes, plus check out the model train, is not to be missed. The display does not operate in rain or snow. Masks are required if you get out of your car. Hot chocolate is available, and the owners wear masks and gloves when prepping the gratis goodies. The display runs from 5:30-11pm nightly.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children wants to bring joy to the community this holiday season with a FREE presentation of this year’s Worldwide Lights Celebration Car Parade. Treat your family to a spectacular holiday light display from the safe comfort of your car!
Registered guests will enjoy a Luminescent Light Forest with nontraditional trees, a beautiful Evergreen display, plus hidden light treasures, sparkling presents and happy Santa sightings. A special looping light show, prepared by museum educators, will air on the museum’s indoor Light Gallery. All visitors will receive a Worldwide Light Celebration activity sheet and a special Stepping Stones at Twenty puzzle. Families can also purchase Healthyville Cafe food snack bags for $5. Credit cards only, please.
While we all have to be careful this season to stay safe, there are still plenty of cheerful holiday activities for seniors and their families to take part in such as holiday light displays in Westchester and Fairfield County. Enjoy these festive light shows, professional and home displays, from the safety of your own car. Be sure to bring Hot Cocoa in a thermos and warm blankets to add to the festive cozy ambiance.Not ready for my nostalgic day trip to end, I pop into the Rowley Inn, a neighborhood bar and grill just next door to the museum, for a bite to eat. During the filming, the building’s upstairs served as a location for makeup and wardrobe, and cast members gathered there for post-filming meetings. In a nod to this history, the menu includes “Red Ryder” and “Be Sure to Drink Your Ovaltine” cocktails.
Where is the Christmas House in Westchester?
160 N Gulph Rd. Cached
Kellie B. Gormly is an award-winning veteran journalist who freelances for national publications including The Washington Post, German Life, and Catster. She is a former staff writer for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, The Associated Press and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.“This makes me happy,” says Roettjer, an Air Force veteran who invites people over every year to watch the movie, and sometimes watches it three nights in a row. “This is my favorite Christmas movie. I just love it. It never gets old.”
Visiting the house and museum brings back so many nostalgic memories of the movie, which came out when I was 10 and has a way of making viewers of any age feel and believe in the magic of Christmas again. I giggled during a visit a few years ago when I pretended to stick my tongue to a flagpole like the unfortunate Flick, whose tongue froze to the metal in the movie. The funniest part of touring the house for me is picking up the wall telephone on the second floor and listening to a recording of the scene where Flick’s horrified mother punishes him for supposedly cursing, when Ralphie blamed his own foul mouth on his poor friend.
As I drive through Cleveland, the streets and sights of its charming Tremont neighborhood look eerily familiar. Then, as the mustard-colored house with green trim appears, I know just where I’ve seen this place before.
What is the most popular Christmas village?
Williamsburg, Virginia. Calling itself the Best Christmas Town in America, Colonial Williamsburg particularly shines at Christmastime.
From there, I continue to follow the A Christmas Story trail into downtown Cleveland to Jack Cleveland Casino, formerly Higbee’s department store, where the opening scenes of kids gathering outside the toy-filled window display and Ralphie’s later visit to Santa Claus were filmed. As I drive around the window-heavy casino at night, I can picture the saucer-eyed kids pressing their noses up against the glass. Right across the street from the casino is Cleveland’s Public Square, where the movie’s Christmas parade was filmed; it passed by the elaborate Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument for Civil War veterans.There may be no snow, excessively bundled-up boys, bullies with yellow eyes, or smelly, ravenous hound dogs from the Bumpus house next door on this early November day. But the giant leg lamp in the front window makes it unmistakable: This is Ralphie Parker’s family home from the beloved 1983 holiday movie A Christmas Story.
Across the street is a museum full of A Christmas Story memorabilia, like costumes, toys from the magical Higbee’s department store window and, of course, one of six Red Ryder BB guns thought to be used in the movie. A gift shop sells leg lamps in several sizes and other souvenirs, and both the house and the Bumpus house next door, which Jones purchased later, are available for overnight rentals.
The classic film, set in the 1940s, tells the story of 9-year-old Ralphie (played by the bespectacled Peter Billingsley) and his desperate quest to get the object of all his Christmas desires: a Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle. Jean Shepherd, an author and radio personality, narrates the movie, inspired by stories in his book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash. Shepherd’s stories came from his upbringing in Hammond, Indiana, although Cleveland anonymously represents his hometown in the movie. Cleveland was chosen over 19 other cities to stand in for the Indiana steel town, because the Higbee’s department store management there was willing to let the crews film scenes inside the store.“This adventure has been awesome, but it’s time for something different,” says Jones, after news broke early this week that A Christmas Story House & Museum is again up for sale. While he cannot reveal much detail at this point due to an agreement with Warner Bros., which owns the distribution rights to the original movie and sequel, Jones explains that he will only sell the properties to a buyer who will keep the popular attraction going and hopefully expand it further. A competitive offer, he says, will be upwards of $10 million. “It’s gone so far beyond what I expected it to be,” he adds.
Why are Christmas villages a thing?
The tradition of decorative Christmas villages built around the Christmas tree is rooted in the late 18th century holiday traditions of the Moravian church, a Protestant denomination with early settlements in Salem, North Carolina and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
“People love this movie,” says Brian Jones, owner of A Christmas Story House & Museum, about the sleeper hit by director Bob Clark, also known for directing the raunchy comedy Porky’s.The site has become a once-in-a-lifetime trip for some and a beloved annual tradition for others. The house appears much as it did in the movie, decorated with many replicas of props allowing fans to remember and even reenact their favorite scenes. A red bar of soap, for instance, sits on the bathroom sink. (Who could forget when Ralphie got his mouth washed out with that soap after saying “Oh ffffffudge”—only he didn’t say “fudge”?) And visitors can climb into the cabinet below the kitchen sink where, after Ralphie beats up bully Scut Farkus in a fist fight, little brother Randy hides in tears and cries out: “Daddy’s gonna kill Ralphie!”
Can you stay in the house where the Christmas story was filmed?
Overnight guests have use of A Christmas Story House’s private third floor loft for the entirety of their stay and use of the whole house from an hour after closing until 9 am the following day. Please note the we have extended tour hours during the Christmas season. The house can accommodate up to 6 guests per night.
A Christmas Story House & Museum is open every day—except for major holidays, and February 13-24 for yearly maintenance—from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overnights at either the main house or the Bumpus house, which cost $245 to $995 per night, can be booked online.As I drive the two hours back to my Pittsburgh home, I am eager to watch one of my favorite Christmas movies for the umpteenth time, as well as the new sequel.
A Christmas Story did reasonably well at the box office, pulling in about $20.8 million worldwide. But it was the rising popularity of home video and cable television that turned the movie into a megahit in the years to follow. It has long aired on a 24-hour TNT marathon on Christmas Day, cementing its scenes and lines in the memories of many adoring fans, myself included.
No doubt some of these die-hard fans have been anxiously awaiting the new sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas, now available on HBO Max. Set in the early ’70s, the film features Billingsley reprising his role as an adult Ralphie with a family of his own. The death of his father (originally played by Darren McGavin) at the beginning of the movie gets him reminiscing about his glorious childhood Christmases. Other original cast members, like Scott Schwartz (Ralphie’s friend Flick) and Ian Petrella (his brother Randy), return, as does a replica of the iconic Cleveland house.
Jones believes that the appeal of A Christmas Story comes from the way it captures a real-life Christmas through the eyes of a child. The plot delivers strong yearnings for out-of-reach gifts, joy, disappointment, bullies, a cranky father, mischievous dogs and an annoying little brother.
On this most recent visit, about a dozen people—all tourists from outside of Cleveland, including visitors from Kentucky and Maryland—join my tour. One of them, Kurt Roettjer of Minneapolis, paid $10 at the gift shop to rent and wear a replica of Ralphie’s pink “Deranged Easter Bunny” suit, from the memorable scene where Ralphie’s mother forces him to put on the garment his clueless Aunt Clara made for him.
The real house still stands at 3159 West 11th Street; about 20 percent of the original film was shot there. It has been a passion project for Jones for nearly two decades. When he heard that the house was up for sale on eBay in 2004, Jones snapped it up, sight-unseen, with a $150,000 offer. At the time, the former Navy intelligence officer living in San Diego was running a business making and selling novelty leg lamps like the iconic one in the movie; he had sold about 1,800 of them. It just seemed so meant-to-be to buy this matching piece of pop culture history. Initially, he didn’t know what he would do with what he describes as a “beat-down rental property,” but he ultimately also bought other properties on the street, turning what amounted to a 1.3-acre campus into a tourist attraction in 2006. Our designers have been designing outdoor Christmas lighting for 15 years. We use unique, quality products. From different types of styles of lighting, to top quality artificial greenery which lasts for a number of years, to high-end LED bulbs which are the brightest in the industry. We ensure you get the best quality every time. When it comes to helping get ready for Christmas, we are the holiday lighting company of choice for clients such as the Northern Westchester Hospital and the Village of Elmsford. We pride ourselves on the ability to create spectacular one-of-a-kind lighting installations for personal or business celebrations. These elaborate and intricate designs are created in our unique computer program to show you what your event could look like before we string a single bulb.Our creative artists are here to help your home light up your block for the holidays. We create custom designed indoor and outdoor Christmas displays. These are professionally installed, removed, and stored in our warehouse. Your lights will be made for your home — so they will be the perfect fit! The next year, we’ll come back and reinstall them for you (and this will be the only fee you pay from then on!). This means that every year, you can sit back, relax, and spend time with your family. We’ve got your lights and decorations covered!
Attract the attention of more customers and boost your employees morale this holiday season by having holiday lighting and decorations for your business in Greenwich, New Canaan, Ridgefield and surrounding areas.At NY Landscape Lighting, we’ve got the expertise to enhance your business for the Christmas season. We work with various car dealerships, Northern Westchester Hospital, downtown Yonkers, the Village of Pelham (we have decorated their Christmas tree for 15 years now), and more! We use only the finest products. We have got the expertise and creative vision to help your business shine all season long.
At NY Landscape Lighting, you can choose us to professionally decorate your Christmas tree to help your business or home feel warm and Christmassy. Our designers will work with you to ensure that your Christmas tree is decorated to reflect your business and your brand. Using only the finest quality products, and the brightest LED bulbs in the industry, we look forward to helping your property shine bright with your Christmas tree this festive season.
There is nothing quite like the glow of a beautifully decorated home in the Christmas season. With all of the tasks that surround the holidays, decorating your home and putting up Christmas lights can feel like a hassle. At NY Landscape Lighting, we are happy to take this hassle away from you so you can enjoy the special time with your loved ones. The very nature and theme we create will provide you with a phenomenal personal lighting narrative that will have your friends, neighbors, co-workers and the general public admiring your lighting event with awe. After breakfast, stop by the Great Holiday Train Show at downtown Chappaqua’s historic Horace Greeley House, featuring a variety of vintage train sets running through festively decorated rooms. Then grab a healthy sandwich, salad or smoothie bowl at Bobo’s Cafe.
Dinner is at Chappaqua’s Le Jardin du Roi, a cozy, family-friendly French bistro serving classics like French onion soup, mussels and fries, and croque monsieur/madame, as well as a children’s menu.
For an electrifying end to your evening, hop in the car and head south to Kensico Dam Plaza for Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, a dazzling, 1.2-mile drive-through holiday light display. This itinerary captures all the enchantment of the holiday season, full of nostalgia and sweet treats, and capped by a dazzling display of lights that will fuel the sugar-plum dreams of youngsters and the young at heart. No little ones in tow? We’ve included options to “adultify” the weekend that add sophistication while losing none of the magic. Fortified by your morning meal, bundle up for holiday shopping at the outdoor White Plains Holiday Market. With more than 60 artisanal vendors lining downtown Court Street, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.The fun begins in Armonk at Beascake Bakery, where Saturday morning means fresh mini donuts in a variety of creative flavors to go with your morning coffee.
Where is the actual A Christmas Story house?
Cleveland, Ohio Nostalgically upgraded with somewhat ancient appliances, you’ll be sure to be the talk of town when you own this world-famous house and museum based on a beloved Christmas classic film. The gem of the lot is the main house, located in Cleveland, Ohio at 3159 W. 11th street, 44109.
On Saturday after the vintage train show, shop downtown Chappaqua gems like the beloved independent bookstore, Scattered Books. Then point your car towards Tarrytown on the Hudson River for a late lunch/early dinner at the cozy Tarry Tavern. Catch the 5:30 performance of Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol at the Gothic-revival mansion Lyndhurst, all decked out in holiday finery. Then grab a hot Valrhona chocolate to go at Tarrytown’s Mint Premium Foods and take a stroll through Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers to experience the magic of The Grand Holiday Illumination.With your car trunk full and holiday dreams fulfilled, it’s time for one last treat before heading home: lunch at the White Plains location of Walter’s Hot Dogs, a Westchester institution.
Start your day in downtown White Plains with a quick bite at Hastings Tea & Coffee or a kid-friendly brunch at Freebird Kitchen. For a more sophisticated and eclectic brunch menu, try Lilly’s. All are just a short stroll from your next stop.
It is expected that the Drive-Thru without traffic will take approximately 20-25 minutes. Please allow for longer times on nights when traffic is heavy!Make priceless memories as you and your family and friends experience a one of a kind holiday event right here, close to home without the hassle of getting to New York City.
Vehicles must be less than 10 feet high, 10 feet wide, and 25 feet long. Specialty vehicles such as large passenger vans containing 4 or more rows, mini bus, and limos must e-mail to make a reservation. For specialty vehicle reservations please e-mail [email protected].
Attractions include favorite elves Ned and Albert, glittering angels of peace and 50-foot dove, dancing trees, glowing snowballs, candy cane lane, a spectacular 100-foot light tunnel, Westchester’s favorite 40-foot Christmas tree and so much more!It is highly recommended that visitors purchase tickets online in advance to ensure the fastest and smoothest experience, however onsite ticket purchases MAY be accommodated depending on availability and subjected to a $20.00 surcharge. On site sales are NOT guaranteed.You may arrive anytime within the 15-minute reservation window. For example, if your time slot is 6:45, you may arrive between 6:45 and 7:00. Please do not arrive earlier as you will be asked to wait.We couldn’t have done it without the support from presenting sponsor Westchester Medical Center and Westchester County Parks. Thank you to additional sponsors Robison Oil, M&T Bank, Con Edison, Wegmans, Dark Tech Effects, Eclectic Precision, News 12 Westchester, Westchester County Tourism, NY, Iona Preparatory School and Benjamin Steakhouse
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland has been a beloved Westchester County tradition for almost 10 years. The Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) enjoyed putting the event on in its original format with the circus, ice skating and rides and watching families experience Kensico Dam Plaza during the holidays. At its core, the event is a fundraiser and proceeds directly benefit the Westchester Parks Foundation to advocate for and invest in the preservation, conservation, use, and enjoyment of the 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces within the Westchester County Parks system. The shift to a drive-thru format in 2020 was necessary in order to continue the event and provide families with a safe way to celebrate the holidays and have since found this format to be the most sustainable at this time as a small organization. We are grateful for the support we have seen throughout the event’s iterations and look forward to creating lasting holiday memories with you!Tickets are only exchangeable of equal value or more to another date/time slot ONLY if that date/time has availability, up to 48 hours in advance of your reserved time slot, and there will be a ticket transfer fee assessed. Please follow the link at the bottom of your confirmation email to transfer your tickets. Please login to MainGateTickets.com/users/login using your email address and the password you created at checkout. Or, go to MainGateTickets.com/users/forgot-password if you need to reset your password.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is held rain or shine. If you elect not to attend on the night you hold tickets for, your tickets are neither refundable nor exchangeable. In poor weather, ticket holders should consult local weather forecasts for their own area and make their own determination about whether to set out for the evening’s event.
Yes, as in the past, the park will be closed an hour before starting time. All vehicles and park users must leave the park by 4pm. No visitors will be permitted in park once event has started.If Westchester’s Winter Wonderland cancels before the event starts there is no need to contact us. We will contact ticket holders via email for the affected day and time and automatically process a refund. Refunds may take 2-4 business days to appear on a credit card account. If you wish to go on another date, you must purchase new tickets at any available times.
Guests will be dazzled and delighted along the 1.2 miles of holiday lights by several new additions for 2022 including: a new North Pole and live Santa display; breathtaking Kaleidoscope Alley; expanded Peace on Earth LED display with animated trumpets and angels; and more electrifying lights surrounding the largest holiday Christmas tree in Westchester! And that is not all, for the grand finale, guests will be able to make their New Year’s wish upon a new thirty-foot glistening star that will be featured at the end of the interactive show, all right from the warmth and safety of your own car!
An event may be canceled by Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, in its sole judgment, extreme weather or other conditions could jeopardize the safety of visitors and staff. Generally, rain, snow flurries, or showers would not lead us to cancel, but extremely heavy rain, thunder, and lightning, very strong wind; blizzard conditions, heavy icing, or a prediction of such conditions could force us to do so. If Westchester’s Winter Wonderland determines that conditions warrant canceling an event, we will post a message on our website, social media accounts, and email all guests by 3:00pm day of scheduled event.
We anticipate but cannot guarantee that snacks and light beverage will be sold onsite. There are also a variety of food options in the Valhalla Hamlet and immediate surrounding area.Iroquois Road, Ossining. Among the homes that line Iroquois Road, you’ll find a house featuring animated decorations, including a vintage pickup truck adorned in flashing lights.
But how much does ConEd charge to be this merry and bright? “It’s maybe $400 to $450 over my normal bill,” says Aletti, attributing this somewhat reasonable number to his use of LED lights. Barringer agrees with this lower-than-expected number. “Since the lights aren’t constantly on, I’m really not using that much electricity. Even if the lights were on all the time, the cost from ConEdison would only be $2.25 each day,” Barringer says. “That’s a price I’d pay to see the smiles on the kids that see the show.”
This December marks Aletti’s 38th year bringing “merry and bright” to a whole new level—decorating the house that’s been in his family since 1910. What started as a childhood chore, helping his father decorate their house, has become a lifelong hobby. “When I started decorating the house myself at around 16 or 17, I started adding a little more, and a little more, and a little more, and it kept growing and growing until it got to the point where it is now,” says Aletti. “My dad wasn’t as insane as I am with the decorations; I really took it into the outer stratosphere.”
Barringer’s tech-savvy approach to holiday decorating includes synching those 10,000-plus lights to a playlist of Christmas favorites. “The lights are computer-controlled and set to music that you can listen to from the comfort of your vehicle on 107.7 FM,” Barringer says. “There’s a small motion-activated speaker by the mailbox if you want to get out and stretch your legs, too.” Barringer manages the synchronized display from his home computer through hardware and software from Light-O-Rama, a New York-based special effects company.
Highview Terrace, Yonkers. This decorated block includes a house that features more than 100,000 lights, a large train set, and other high-end items from the North Pole.After building and planning through the summer and fall, Barringer takes three full days to complete the setup before opening night on November 30. The show runs every night from 5:30 pm to 11 pm, until January 2, and features a playlist of more than 50 tracks, ranging from Christmas classics to Hanukkah songs, making the show, as Barringer says, “enjoyable for all.” After every fifth song, the lights dim halfway, making way for the appearance of a virtual Santa peering out from the attic window.
Can you visit the house from A Christmas Story?
A Christmas Story House and Museum is open year round. A Christmas Story House, Museum and Gift shop are closed: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In addition, we are closed February 13th – 24th for yearly maintenance.
Behind this “organized chaos” of decorations, though, is a meticulous arrangement, split into two distinct parts. The right side of the display is dedicated to the cultural side of the holiday and home to the residents of the North Pole, including Frosty, Rudolph, and Santa Claus. In Aletti’s opinion, too many other decorators focus on the “bling and flash” of their displays, and as a result, forget to include the more traditional aspect of the holiday. So Aletti dedicates the left portion of the house to the holier decorations, including angels, choir figurines, and Aletti’s highly esteemed and treasured nativity set, which came about, oddly enough, after watching Home Alone. “I noticed the scene where Kevin hides in a nativity scene in the front of a church and I looked at it and said, ‘Wow, that’s the perfect design,’” Aletti says. “I was so nuts that I called the set director and the design people all to try and figure out where to get it or make it.” After countless calls to Hollywood, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Taking a still frame from the movie, Aletti set out to make a perfect replica. With a little help from his friends, he put together a plywood version of the backdrop and hired an artist to complete the replica, which is now proudly displayed on his lawn.Despite his modern twist on decorating, Barringer’s love for Christmas lights began during his early childhood, when Barringer and his dad would drive around different neighborhoods, looking for the best Christmas decorations. Through his light show, Barringer hopes to encourage this cherished tradition in other families. “I’ve seen carloads of teens, families, and seniors pressed up against the windows with big grins on their faces, singing along to their favorite songs,” says Barringer. “What’s not to love about Christmas lights? They brighten the faces of those around and lift a person’s spirits.”
Is the house from the Christmas story still around?
The real house still stands at 3159 West 11th Street; about 20 percent of the original film was shot there. It has been a passion project for Jones for nearly two decades.
Aletti’s pride in his display, and what he says is the key to its success, is the large number of antique decorations that populate what’s become known as Roy’s Christmas Land. “I’ve got a few newer decorations, but it’s mostly older stuff from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s,” says Aletti. One of Aletti’s most valued antiquing treasures is a six-foot-tall Santa Claus mailbox, made during the ’50s in Santa Claus, Indiana. “The kids drop letters to Santa in the mailbox and I’ll mail them back a letter,” he says. “I’ve got tons of them that I’ve saved throughout the years. Some of the letters are so cute that I could almost make a book of them.” The schedule of the light show is painstakingly planned down to the very last second. “It takes about an hour per minute of a song to program the sequence that changes the lights connected to the hardware controllers,” says Barringer. Planning for the light show begins during the summer, when Barringer spends his days finding innovative ways to build new props. “I look to create props from objects that were never designed to be in a Christmas display or never intended to be displayed in the manner that I do,” Barringer says. “I’ve taken salad bowls, beach pails, and pool floats and made them into candies.” Of course, Roy’s Christmas Land doesn’t pop up over night. Planning for this merry metamorphosis starts during the summer, beginning with a trip to the Midwest in search of auctions and antiques. “I usually take one to two trips a year specifically to find unique antique Christmas decorations,” Aletti says. With the help of his friends and employees from his store, Harrison Paint Supply, Aletti begins unpacking and setting up the decorations during the first week of November. After three to four weeks of physical labor and thoughtful placement, Roy’s Christmas Land is first lit at the beginning of December, and after that the display can be seen in its full glory every day from 5:30 pm to 1 am. These four weeks bring an influx of bright-eyed visitors, all in search of a little holiday spirit. Aletti encourages his visitors to take pictures from outside the yard’s fence, and, on occasion, lucky sightseers can snag a picture with a very special “guest.” Donning a custom-made Santa suit from Adele’s of Hollywood, along with a custom-made beard, Aletti plays a convincing Santa. “I’m a robust guy, big and short just like Santa,” Aletti says. “It’s fun handing out candy canes and talking to the people who stop by.” Aletti’s dedication to creating such a joyful setting is no doubt the reason why approximately 5,000 people visit 50 Parsons Street during the holiday season.White Plains. Off of Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, you’ll find the neighborhood consisting of Rose Street, Briga Lane, and Sammis Lane. Residents of this area go Christmas crazy, with every house decked out in holiday lights and décor.A few miles down the road from Roy’s Christmas Land is another local slice of the North Pole. Chuck Barringer’s holiday display, with computer-controlled lights, motion-activated speakers, and synchronized music, is definitely a bright time and the right time to rock the night away. About seven years ago, Barringer started out solo, decorating his two-story house and tiny yard with modest lights and decorations. Each following year brought a few more lights and decorations. But, when Barringer added a high-tech update—a computer-controlled system to synchronize the lights—in 2009, his setup caught the attention of his neighbors, leading to a neighborhood collaboration, now known as the North Kensico Christmas Lights Show. The display includes a total of four houses and their adjoining trees, all covered in more than 10,000 lights that illuminate the entire block of White Plains’ North Kenisco Avenue. Barringer’s stock of holiday lights and decorations is so large that prop managers from the 2013 Paul Giamatti film, All Is Bright, contacted him in hopes of borrowing some items from his vast collection.
Wooden soldiers line the walkway to a quaint-looking brown house. A cast of characters—penguins, carolers, Snow White and her seven dwarves—populates the small lawn. Thousands of stringed lights adorn the house’s façade. No, this isn’t the North Pole: It’s 50 Parsons Street in Harrison, home to Roy Aletti, who, decked out in his red flannel, overalls, and a white mustache ornamenting his jolly face, tends to it all.
Everything you love about Christmas, all in one place. All of your favorite Christmas sights, sounds, and smells come to life in Christmas House Menlo Park! Over 12 rooms including the first ever Snow Room (where it’s really snowing!), The Buddy The Elf Room, The North Pole, and many more!At Christmas House Menlo Park we don’t have any strobe lights whatsoever. If you or anyone in your group has any health issues or sensitivities, please let us know and we will be happy to adjust the experience however you’d like.
What is Christmas House in Menlo Park?
Christmas House Menlo Park is an indoor, one of a kind, fully immersive Christmas experience. A wondrous 45+ minute walk-through of all things Christmas, followed by a glorious gift shop!
Yes! We are 100% indoors and climate controlled, as is our entire waiting area / Christmas Carnival, so do not worry about the weather or temperature outside impacting your Christmas House experience!
Fun for the entire family, Christmas House Menlo Park will have you and your family in Christmas bliss, making your Christmas House visit a new yearly tradition Yes. Yes. Yes. All the yes. A million times YES! We LOVE pups. We just request that the pup is small enough to be carried so that it won’t risk scaring any of the children in our attraction. Also, PLEASE tag us on Instagram in as many pooch pics as possible. We LOVE seeing happy puppies! Yes! Not only can you take pictures and videos, we encourage you to! Make amazing holiday memories with your family and friends, and our guides will even take a video or picture of you and your group if you want. Have fun!We at Christmas House pride ourselves on being as cool as the other side of the pillow with ticket times and dates. If you’re running late, don’t worry. If you’re running early, don’t worry. We will always be more than happy to honor your tickets and make sure you have a great time!