If you’re a fan of classic holiday movies, you’ve probably seen both “Home Alone” and “Christmas Vacation” more times than you can count. These two films are beloved by many and are often watched back-to-back during the holiday season. However, there has been some speculation over the years about whether or not the same house was used in both movies.
The House in “Home Alone”
Let’s start by looking at the house from “Home Alone.” This iconic movie was released in 1990 and quickly became a holiday classic. The McCallister family’s home is located in Winnetka, Illinois, and is a stunning Georgian-style mansion.
The exterior of the home features a red brick facade, white columns, and plenty of greenery surrounding it. It’s a beautiful property that perfectly captures the quintessential American family home.
The interior of the home is just as impressive as the exterior. The grand staircase, spacious rooms, and ornate decor all contribute to the overall charm of this house. In fact, some fans have even taken it upon themselves to create detailed floor plans based on what we see in the movie.
The House in “Christmas Vacation”
Now let’s take a look at the Griswold family home from “Christmas Vacation.” This movie was released just three years after “Home Alone” and also became an instant classic.
The Griswold family lives in a suburban Chicago neighborhood, and their home is quite different from the McCallister mansion. It’s a modest two-story house with vinyl siding and a brick chimney.
While not nearly as grand as the McCallister home, there’s something charming about this little house that makes it feel like home for so many viewers. From the Christmas lights adorning its exterior to Clark Griswold’s over-the-top decorations inside, this house is full of holiday cheer.
- So, is it the same house?
Now, back to the question at hand. Is the same house used in both “Home Alone” and “Christmas Vacation”? The short answer is no.
Despite some similarities between the two homes, they are actually located in two different states. The McCallister mansion from “Home Alone” is in Winnetka, Illinois while the Griswold family home from “Christmas Vacation” is in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
Similarities Between the Two Houses
While the houses are not identical, there are some similarities between them that may have contributed to the confusion. For example:
- Both homes have a brick facade.
- Both homes have a detached garage.
- The exterior shots of both homes were filmed at real houses rather than on a studio lot.
Differences Between the Two Houses
On the other hand, there are also some key differences between these two homes that set them apart:
- The McCallister mansion is much larger and more grandiose than the Griswold family home.
- The McCallister mansion has white columns while the Griswold family home does not.
- The Griswold family home has vinyl siding while the McCallister mansion does not.
In Conclusion
While it’s easy to see why people may think that these two houses are one and the same, they are actually quite different. The McCallister mansion from “Home Alone” and the Griswold family home from “Christmas Vacation” may share some similarities, but they are located in two different states and have distinct differences that set them apart.
So next time you watch these classic holiday movies back-to-back, you can appreciate the unique charm of each home without any confusion.