Celebrate the Holidays with “Home Alone”: A 34-Year Anniversary Tribute
It’s the perfect time to cozy up with some classic Christmas films. One must-watch is “Home Alone,” which is celebrating its 34th anniversary this year.
A Nostalgic Classic
Released in 1990, this iconic John Hughes film stars a young Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an ingenious eight-year-old accidentally left behind when his large, boisterous family jets off to Paris. Kevin’s adventures involve creatively defending his home from two bumbling burglars by setting a series of clever booby traps.
The film’s setting, a red-brick Colonial house, has become legendary. Fans worldwide are celebrating the anniversary, blending holiday nostalgia with a touch of pandemic-induced creativity.
Creative Tributes
One inventive fan from Los Angeles, Loren Baker, teamed up with Groundworks, a foundation construction company, to create an online tribute to the McCallister House. This site challenges visitors to spot all 14 booby traps set by Kevin in a 3D model of the house, from the tar-covered basement steps to the red-hot doorknob on the front porch.
In Austin, Texas, programmer Kevin Urrutia-O’Reilly decorated his home with “Home Alone”-themed items, including a cardboard cutout of Michael Jordan, replicas of the frustrated robbers, and a light-up sign saying, “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.”
Experience the “Home Alone” Magic
For those who want an immersive experience, a Dallas Airbnb offers a “Home Alone”-themed stay for $227 per night. This unique rental includes complimentary cheese pizza delivery, adding a delicious touch to the nostalgic experience.
Whether you’re revisiting “Home Alone” or experiencing it for the first time, these creative tributes and themed experiences add a fun twist to holiday celebrations, making it the perfect way to enjoy the season.
The Real-Life “Home Alone” House: Where It Is and How It’s Holding Up
With all the tributes celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Home Alone,” you might be curious about the real-life house featured in the film. Where is it located, and how has it fared over the years?
Location and Current Condition
The famous “Home Alone” house is located in Winnetka, Illinois, at 671 Lincoln Avenue. Despite its on-screen antics, the house is doing exceptionally well. The 4,243-square-foot, four-bedroom home sold for $1,585,000 in 2012, a reasonable market price that doesn’t seem to reflect any Hollywood markup.
A Well-Maintained Property
The home’s excellent condition can be attributed to its previous owners, Cynthia and John Abendshien, who took meticulous care to ensure the property wasn’t damaged during filming. According to Cynthia Abendshien, the filmmakers initially promised the shoot would last four to five weeks. However, the filming extended to over five months.
Filming Challenges and Care
During the extended filming period, the Abendshiens stayed on the property to oversee the production and prevent any misuse. They only spent three nights in the apartment provided by the production team. Cynthia Abendshien recalled being advised that staying on the property would be ideal, as the crew had broad permissions under the contract, including potentially knocking down walls.
Looking Ahead
While it’s unclear if the current owners are as vigilant as the Abendshiens, the house has stood the test of time. Given its history and the care it has received, it’s likely to remain in good condition for years to come. The “Home Alone” house continues to be a cherished piece of cinematic history and a beloved landmark for fans of the film.