If you’re a fan of the popular 1989 holiday movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you’ve probably wondered whether the iconic house featured in the film is real or just a movie set. Well, wonder no more!
Yes, the Christmas Vacation house is real! It’s located in the city of Chicago, Illinois, and can be found at 2311 North Cheyenne Drive in the suburb of Highland Park. The house was built in 1957 and has become a popular tourist attraction since its appearance in the movie.
The exterior shots of the house were used extensively throughout the film and have become synonymous with its success. The home was used as a backdrop for many memorable scenes such as when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) decorates it with an excessive amount of Christmas lights, which eventually causes a neighborhood blackout.
The interior scenes of the Griswold family home were filmed on a soundstage in Burbank, California. Although not filmed inside the actual house, the set designers did an impressive job recreating it down to every last detail.
If you’re planning on visiting this iconic piece of cinematic history, be aware that it is privately owned and not open to public tours. However, you can still drive by and take pictures from outside to get your fill of nostalgia.
In conclusion, the Christmas Vacation house is indeed real! While you may not be able to tour its interior, you can still appreciate its importance to pop culture by visiting its exterior location. So next time you settle down for a holiday viewing of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” know that while some parts were created on sets in California, others took place on this very street corner in Illinois!