The holiday season is a magical time in Illinois. While many love the seeing the outdoors blanketed in snow and the light displays in their neighborhoods and towns, holiday movies are also a beloved Christmas tradition. This year, Illinois is celebrating its rich connection to holiday movies in special ways, with events featuring iconic stars and towns stepping into the spotlight as festive film locations.
One of the most exciting events this season occurred in Rockford on December 1st. Peter Billingsley, forever remembered as Ralphie from A Christmas Story, hosted a screening of the beloved classic at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Fans enjoyed the timeless tale of a boy and his dream of a Red Ryder BB gun while hearing Billingsley share behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the film. It’s was an opportunity to relive a holiday favorite with the actor who brought its heartwarming story to life.
In Peoria, fans of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation can look forward to an evening with Chevy Chase. On December 16, the Peoria Civic Center will host a screening of the hilarious holiday classic, followed by a live Q&A with Chevy Chase himself. As Clark Griswold, Chase made us laugh and cringe as he tackled Christmas with a mix of over-the-top enthusiasm and relatable struggles.
Rosemont is also getting into the holiday spirit by welcoming Macaulay Culkin for a special screening of Home Alone. Culkin, who starred as the resourceful Kevin McCallister, will appear at the Rosemont Theatre to revisit the movie that has become a staple of Christmas movie marathons. After the screening, fans will hear Culkin share his experiences filming the movie, which features Illinois locations prominently throughout its unforgettable story.
Illinois’ connection to Home Alone is a point of pride for many residents. The film was primarily shot in Winnetka, where the famous McCallister house still draws visitors from around the world. Located at 671 Lincoln Avenue, the home served as the perfect setting for Kevin’s clever defense against the Wet Bandits.
Illinois continues to shine as a setting for holiday movie magic. Recently, Long Grove, a historic village just outside of Chicago, transformed into the backdrop for Once Upon a Christmas Wish. Starring Mario Lopez, the movie tells the story of Brian Ortega, the town’s mayor, who rediscovers the joy of Christmas with the help of an old friend and a touch of holiday magic. Lopez praised Long Grove’s charm, saying that its quaint atmosphere inspired the filmmakers to feature the town as itself rather than a stand-in for another location.
This year, as fans gather for screenings and towns like Long Grove celebrate their close-ups, Illinois reminds us of the magic that movies bring to the holiday season. We love to revisit the hilarious antics of Clark Griswold, watch Ralphie yearn for his dream Christmas gift, and watch Kevin McAllister continually outwit the Wet Bandits. These films connect us to the joy, warmth, and humor of the season.
As the holiday season unfolds, why not take a moment to celebrate Illinois’ role in making Christmas a little brighter? Attend one of these special events, visit a filming location, or simply enjoy a cozy movie night with your favorite Illinois-made holiday classics. After all, there’s no place like home, and no place like Illinois, for the holidays.