A Christmas Story in July
By Michael Dwyer
A Christmas Story
The movie, A Christmas Story, is a cult classic. Viewed repeatedly in December just before Christmas, many people have come to make it part of their holiday tradition. “You’ll shoot your eye out!” is a popular phrase from the movie, as Ralphie, plans and plots ways to get what he wants for Christmas, a Red Ryder BB gun.
In Cleveland is the A Christmas Story House & Museum. It is the actual house used in the 1983 movie – at least all the outside shots. Most of the indoor filming was done at a soundstage in Toronto. The filmmakers chose this house in Cleveland because it looked like an urban neighborhood, was at a T-intersection and was next to a doublewide lot. The location gave the film crew lots of room for filming with great backdrop material.
30th Anniversary
The house and museum are open year-round and it is a unique way to celebrate Christmas in July. However, you may want to wait until November for the 30th Anniversary Convention celebration of the movie. Extended hours, a stage play of the story and public viewing of the movie are all planned.
Christmas in July
Many of us use the phrase to give title to a fortunate event such as winning a prize, finding a sale on something you really need or getting a big promotion at work. Did you know it’s a real thing? Christmas in July is a celebration in the southern hemisphere when they have winter-like conditions that they don’t have in December. The northern hemisphere started celebrating Christmas in July for the opposite reasons: Throw a Christmas themed party in July when the weather is nice.
Whenever and wherever you celebrate Christmas, A Christmas Story House & Museum is waiting for you to visit. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, the attraction is unique and quirky, anytime of year.
Hours for the House & Museum
Thursday-Saturday: 10am-5pmSundays: 12pm-5pm
Monday-Wednesday: Closed Also closed most major holidays Location 3159 West 11th Street
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 298-4919 www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com Holiday Gift ideas Christmas Ornaments Leg Lamps Red Ryder BB Guns
Make Cleveland a long weekend adventure!
All photos by Michael Dwyer