"A Christmas Story" Comes Home

The "A Christmas Story" Comes Home event is an annual holiday exhibit held at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana, running from mid-November through December 30th. This family-friendly event immerses visitors in the classic holiday film "A Christmas Story" through six to seven animatronic window displays featuring memorable scenes originally from Macy's Department Store in New York. These displays depict iconic moments such as Flick's tongue on the flagpole, the triple dog dare, Santa’s Mountain, the Parker Living Room (new in 2025), and others. The event celebrates both the movie and the closely linked hometown of Hammond, as the story is based on the childhood of Jean Shepherd, who grew up there.

The vibe of the event is festive and nostalgic, with beautifully decorated Christmas trees surrounding the displays, encouraging families to relive cherished memories and introduce the holiday classic to new generations.

Activities include:

• Viewing the detailed animated window displays at the Indiana Welcome Center (7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond).
• Photos with Santa Claus on a replica of Santa’s Mountain, especially popular for children from late November to just before Christmas, which includes a printed photo and a fun slide down from the mountain.
• A gift shop stocked with official "A Christmas Story" merchandise, Indiana-themed souvenirs, and other holiday gifts.
• Sensory-friendly sessions for families with special needs, creating an inclusive experience.
• A photo-op with a statue of "Flick" stuck to the flagpole for memorable pictures.
• The new Parker Living Room scene displayed at Cabela’s in Hammond (7700 Cabela Drive) expands the experience beyond the Welcome Center.

The exhibit is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some special hours for events. Appointments are encouraged for Santa visits, especially during busy times, although walk-ins are accepted.

The event's history traces back to the connection of the movie and author Jean Shepherd’s real-life experiences in Hammond, Indiana. The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority collaborates with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to produce this exhibit, which has been running for over 18 years, continually expanding and adding new features (such as the Parker Living Room scene).

In summary, "A Christmas Story" Comes Home offers an immersive holiday experience combining animatronic displays, traditional Christmas activities, photo opportunities, and shopping, all centered on the classic film’s deep ties to Hammond, Indiana.