With the holidays right around the corner, Christmas movie marathons are sure to begin.A Christmas Storywill certainly be at the top of everyone’s list. Based on the novel by Jean Shepherd,A Christmas Storywas released in 1983 and is still enjoyed by audiences to this day. It’s the type of movie that can be watched repeatedly while never going out of style. The nostalgia, memorable scenes, and brilliant cast make it a one of a kind film that has become a staple of Christmas movies.
Like so many other films,A Christmas Storyhas an interesting, and kind of hilarious, background that many fans may not know about. From the casting and sets, to the filmmakers involved, several aspects of the film come with fascinating backstories. It’s a movie beloved by all Christmas fanatics, and could possibly be considered thegreatest Christmas movie of all time. Here are 14 facts that even the biggest of fans may not know.
14The house is now a museum in Cleveland
In 2004, Brian Jones, an entrepreneur from San Diego, bought the original house for $150,000 on eBay. Jones restored the house inside and out to match the original set design of the film. The exhibit is open year round for both tours and overnight stays. Across the street isthe Christmas Story Museumfeaturing original props, behind-the-scenes photos, and other memorabilia.
13Jack Nicholson almost played Ralphie’s father
Unbeknownst to many, Jack Nicholson was interested in taking the role of The Old Man. Due to the fact that Nicholson’s fee would have doubled the budget, Darren McGavin was cast instead. Needless to say, it would have been a very different movie if Nicholson got the part.
12Jean Shepherd and Bob Clark have cameos
Screenwriter and creator Jean Shepherd can be seen as the man in the department store who points Ralphie and Randy to the back of the line to see Santa. You may also recognize his voice as the Narrator. Director Bob Clark also makes a cameo as Swede, the neighbor standing next to The Old Man as they gaze in awe at infamous leg lamp AKA the major award.
11Ralphie went on to be a successful producer
Although you may have seen Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) pop up in some other films, most of his time now is spent behind the camera. He is a very successful director and producer, frequently collaborating with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. His producer credits includeThe Break-Up,Iron Man, andFour Christmases.
10Originally, no major studios wanted to make the film
According to Peter Billingsley, there was little to no interest by any major studio to make the film. They didn’t think that a story of a boy wanting a BB gun for Christmas would bring in the crowds. They were certainly wrong. Luckily, the studio agreed to produce the film if Bob Clark signed on to make a horror movie.
9There are sequels
Screenwriter Jean Shepherd wrote two sequels that were produced: 1988’s TV movieOllie Hopnoodle’s Haven of Blissand 1994’sMy Summer Story. Both follow the Parker family, though with entirely different casts. Most will agree that they fail to compete with the original classic. Warner Bros. released what they consider to bea true sequel in 2012 with A Christmas Story 2. The plot finds a teenage Ralphie who now wants a 1938 Hupmobile Skyline Convertible as his Christmas gift.
8The actors' reactions to the Chinese restaurant singers were real
You may have noticed that during the Christmas dinner at the Chinese restaurant, the characters' reactions to the singing waiters were a littletoogenuine. That’s because they had no idea that the waiters would be singing Christmas carols in such a stereotypical way. Also, Melinda Dillon was purposely given the wrong script that day and had no idea that the duck would still have it’s head, hence her hilarious reaction.
7The family eats the same meal in every dinner scene
As Randy says, “meatloaf, smeatloaf, double-beatloaf. I hate meatloaf”. Well, you would too if you had to eat it every night. If you look closely, the family eats the same meal of meatloaf, red cabbage, and mashed potatoes in every dinner scene.
6There is an ongoing debate of when the movie takes place
The official year of when the film takes place is never shown.The Wizard Of Ozreferences could make it 1939, but The Old Man talks about a football game that took place in 1941. At the same time, Ralphie’s decoder pin was a 1940 model. Either way, all that matters is that the film took place around December 25th.
5There’s a Broadway musical
You know that you have a hit film if it getsproduced into a Broadway musical. 24 opened on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on July 31, 2025 and received positive reviews. Peter Billingsley worked as a producer of the show.
