Discovering the Enchanting Filming Locations of Home Alone: A Journey Across Chicago

Are you a fan of the iconic Christmas movie, Home Alone? Do you want to experience the same excitement and enchantment that Kevin McCallister did in the film? Look no further than a trip to Chicago, the location where the movie was filmed. Join us on a journey across the city as we discover the enchanting filming locations of Home Alone. Chicago is known for its stunning architecture and rich history, but it also played a major role in the making of Home Alone. From the infamous house on Lincoln Avenue to the stunning scenery of the John Hughes High School, Chicago’s beauty is on full display in this beloved holiday classic. But the adventure doesn't end there. We'll take you through the bustling streets of downtown Chicago, where Kevin ran wild trying to evade his band of burglars, and show you hidden gems like the beautiful St. Stephen Church, where Kevin hides out during Christmas Eve mass. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the world of Home Alone, join us on this thrilling journey across Chicago. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply looking for a unique way to experience the beautiful city, this tour is not to be missed. So grab your scarf, hat, and gloves, and get ready to discover the enchanting filming locations of Home Alone.

Introduction

If you are a fan of the Christmas classic movie 'Home Alone,' you might have wondered where the captivating filming locations were situated. As it turns out, most of the filming was done in Chicago!

The McCallister Home

The McCallister family home is one of the memorable filming locations featured in the movie. Although the premise was set in a suburb of Chicago, the actual filming was carried out in Winnetka, North Shore. The imposing Georgian house sits on a large parcel of land and now worth approximately $2.7 million.

Location Comparison Table

Filming Location	Actual Location
McCallister House Exterior	671 Lincoln Ave. Winnetka, IL 60093
Church Scene	Parish of Saint Paul
O'Hare Airport	O’Hare International Airport
Downtown Scenes	Chicago Loop
Grocery Store	944 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093-1726
Johnny’s House	Lincoln Square
Police Station	2434 N. Kedzie Blvd., Chicago, IL 60647
Duncan’s Toy Chest	Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave.
TV Studio	WMAQ TV Studios, NBC Tower, 454 N. Columbus Dr.

O'Hare International Airport

The airport scene where Kevin was accidentally left behind by his family is one of the classic moments in Home Alone. The filming location was carried out at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The airport staff, airline crew, and interior scenes were painstakingly recreated on a soundstage to give that authentic look.

Grocery Store

The scene where Kevin ran into the Wet Bandits; Marv and Harry was filmed at a retail store located in Winnetka, Illinois. The store's name at the time of filming was Plaza Food & Liquors, but currently, it's known as The Hubbard Woods Metra station. Unfortunately, the store went out of business in 2016 due to competition from retail chains like Whole Foods.

Johnny's House

Remember the scene where Kevin asked a polka band for directions? Well, that scene was carried out in Lincoln Square, Chicago. Even today, the community remembers the directors' scouting team who identified the location for the shoot.

Police Station

After foiling Marv and Harry's plot at his home, Kevin runs over to a station to seek the help of a cop to arrest the duo. The actual police station used for filming was located on Kedzie Boulevard in Chicago. Today, the building houses the Chicago Police Department's 14th district.

Duncan's Toy Chest

This iconic toy store was Kevin's haven after being stranded in New York City. The actual Duncan's Toy Chest filming location is a Water Tower Place mall situated on 835 N. Michigan Ave. The toy store name was changed to Duncan's Toy Chest for filming purposes only.

TV Studio Appearance

The scene where Kevin watches the video of him and his family driving his brother Buzz crazy was shot at WMAQ TV Studios, NBC Tower, in Columbus Dr. The same studios were used by shows like ER and The West Wing.

Conclusion

As you can see, the Home Alone movie was predominantly shot in various locations in Chicago. It's fascinating to see some of these locations to this day and reminisce about one of the most cherished Christmas movies of all time.

Opinion

In my opinion, the captivating locations played an essential role in making the Home Alone movie interesting and fun to watch. It's a perfect escape from reality, and we get to explore some of the beautiful landscapes in Chicago. Even after three decades since the movie's release, the locations still evoke emotions from fans worldwide.

Thank you for joining me on this journey across Chicago as we discovered the enchanting filming locations of Home Alone. It was truly a pleasure to explore these iconic spots and relive memorable scenes from one of our favorite holiday movies.

From the grandeur of the Plaza Hotel to the quaint charm of the suburban neighborhood, every location had a unique charm that captured the essence of Home Alone. It was incredible to witness how the movie transformed ordinary places into memorable settings that have become a part of popular culture.

I hope this blog has inspired you to embark on your own adventure of discovering the filming locations of your favorite movies. Whether it's in your hometown or across the globe, there's nothing quite like the magic of visiting places that have been immortalized on the silver screen.

Thank you once again for reading and I look forward to sharing more exciting travel explorations with you in the future.

Here are some common questions that people also ask about discovering the enchanting filming locations of Home Alone: A Journey Across Chicago:

What are some of the most iconic filming locations from Home Alone in Chicago?

Some of the most famous filming locations from Home Alone in Chicago include the McCallister family's home, which is located at 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, and the John Hancock Center, where Kevin goes to visit Santa Claus.
Are there any guided tours of Home Alone filming locations in Chicago?

Yes, there are several companies that offer guided tours of Home Alone filming locations in Chicago. These tours typically take visitors to see the McCallister house, the church where Kevin hides out, and other iconic spots from the film.
Can I visit the inside of the McCallister house?

No, unfortunately the McCallister house is a private residence and cannot be toured by the general public.
What other movies have been filmed in Chicago?

Chicago has been the backdrop for many popular films, including The Blues Brothers, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and The Dark Knight. Additionally, several popular TV shows, such as Shameless and Chicago Fire, are set in the Windy City.
Is it easy to get around Chicago to see these filming locations?

Yes, Chicago is a very walkable city and many of the Home Alone filming locations are located within a relatively small area. Additionally, Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains, that can take you to many popular spots throughout the city.