Does Christmas Vacation Still Make Money?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of the classic holiday film, “Christmas Vacation,” you might be wondering if it’s still making money all these years later. The short answer is yes, but let’s take a closer look at why this movie continues to be a hit.

Box Office Success

“Christmas Vacation” was released in 1989 and grossed over $71 million at the box office. While that may not seem like a lot compared to today’s blockbusters, it was a significant amount at the time. In fact, it was the seventh highest-grossing film of that year.

Home Video Sales

After its theatrical release, “Christmas Vacation” became a holiday staple on home video. It has been released on VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray multiple times over the years, with each new release offering bonus features and improved picture and sound quality. According to The-Numbers.com, the movie has sold over 11 million units on home video since its initial release.

Television Airings

In addition to home video sales, “Christmas Vacation” is also regularly broadcast on television during the holiday season. Networks like Freeform and AMC air the movie multiple times throughout December each year. While it’s unclear how much money these networks pay for the rights to air the movie, it’s safe to say that it’s a lucrative deal for all parties involved.

Merchandise Sales

Finally, “Christmas Vacation” has spawned an entire line of merchandise. From ugly Christmas sweaters to Funko Pop!

figures, fans can’t get enough of Clark Griswold and his antics. While it’s difficult to determine exactly how much money is made from merchandise sales alone, it’s clear that there is still demand for this beloved movie.

The Bottom Line

So, does “Christmas Vacation” still make money? The answer is a resounding yes.

Between box office receipts, home video sales, television airings, and merchandise sales, the movie continues to be a holiday favorite for fans young and old. And with its timeless humor and relatable characters, it’s likely to continue bringing in money for many Christmases to come.

  • Box Office: Grossed over $71 million at the box office in 1989
  • Home Video Sales: Has sold over 11 million units on home video since its initial release
  • Television Airings: Regularly broadcast on networks like Freeform and AMC during the holiday season
  • Merchandise Sales: Has spawned an entire line of merchandise including ugly Christmas sweaters and Funko Pop! figures

The Future of “Christmas Vacation”

While it’s clear that “Christmas Vacation” has staying power, what does the future hold for this classic film? It’s possible that we could see a reboot or sequel in the coming years, as Hollywood has been known to capitalize on successful franchises.

However, there’s also a chance that the movie will remain untouched and continue to be enjoyed by generations of fans as-is. Regardless of what happens next, one thing is certain: “Christmas Vacation” will always be a beloved holiday classic.