Where Is the Real Christmas Vacation House?

By Robert Palmer

Are you a fan of the classic Christmas movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? If so, you may be wondering where the iconic Griswold family home is located.

Well, wonder no more! We’ve got all the details on the real Christmas Vacation house.

The Location

The real home used for exterior shots in the movie is located in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. Specifically, it’s situated at 2507 242nd St., in the quiet neighborhood of West Pullman.

The History

The home was built in 1984 and was chosen to be used in the movie due to its large size and traditional American look. The filmmakers added some special touches for filming purposes, such as covering the entire house with fake snow and building a pool in the backyard (which was later removed).

The Current Owners

Despite its fame from being featured in one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time, the current owners of the real Christmas Vacation house are just regular people. They purchased it back in 2006 for $505,000 and have since made some renovations to update and modernize it.

Visiting the House

If you’re a die-hard fan of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, then visiting this iconic house may be on your bucket list. Unfortunately, since it is a private residence, you can’t just show up and take pictures on their property. However, if you happen to be driving by or happen to be in Chicago for other reasons and want to take a quick peek from afar, that’s perfectly okay.

Christmas Lights Display

One of the highlights of visiting this area during Christmastime is seeing how many neighbors go all out with their decorations. They even have an annual “Holiday Lights Parade” that takes place nearby where visitors can see some impressive light displays.

  • If you do plan on visiting the area, be respectful of the residents and their property.
  • Remember, this is their home and they deserve privacy.
  • Instead, enjoy the festive spirit of the neighborhood from a respectful distance.

In Conclusion

The real Christmas Vacation house may not be open to visitors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate it from afar. This iconic home has become a beloved symbol of Christmastime for so many fans of the movie. So if you’re ever in Chicago during the holiday season, take a drive by and soak in all the festive cheer that surrounds it.