National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time. This classic comedy has been a holiday tradition for many families since its release in 1989.
One of the things that makes this movie so memorable is its setting. But where was National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation filmed? Let’s take a look.
The House
One of the most iconic locations in the movie is the Griswold family home. This house has become synonymous with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and has even inspired real-life replicas. But where is it located?
The exterior shots of the Griswold family home were filmed at 2324 Auburn Lane in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Illinois. The actual house looks a bit different than it did in the movie, as it has undergone some renovations over the years, but it is still recognizable to fans.
The Neighborhood
While the exterior shots of the Griswold family home were filmed in Illinois, many of the neighborhood scenes were actually shot in California. The street where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) sleds down on his saucer was filmed on Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, California.
The Mall
Another memorable location from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the mall where Clark gets trapped in an attic while trying to buy gifts for his family. This mall is actually called The Old Town Pasadena Shopping Center and is located at 88 West Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California.
The Tree Lot
The scene where Clark and his family go to pick out a Christmas tree was filmed at two different locations. The exterior shots were filmed at a lot near Breckenridge, Colorado, while the interior scenes were shot on a soundstage in Burbank, California.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the locations where National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was filmed. From the Griswold family home in Highland Park, Illinois to the mall in Pasadena, California, these locations have become as iconic as the movie itself. No matter where you watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation this holiday season, you can appreciate the time and effort that went into creating such a memorable film.