Meet Stars from the Movie, "A Christmas Story," This Christmas Season in Cleveland, Ohio

Of all the ways of celebrating Christmas this year in Cleveland, Ohio, some of which will be touched on in this article, one of the most interesting might be visiting the actual house that was used in filming the 1983 movie, A Christmas Story. The movie told the story of Ralphie, who only wanted a Red Ryder BB Gun, and his family. In the movie his mother, teacher, and even Santa, are convinced Ralphie will shoot his eyes out if he gets the present. Peter Billingsly played Ralphie. His mother was played by Melinda Dillion, and Darrin McGavin played his father.

Movie fan Brian Jones bought the house in 2005 and quickly restored it to the condition it was in for the filming of the movie. The museum across the street from the house features props, set pieces, and more than 100 behind-the-scenes photographs from the shooting of the movie.

Events for A Christmas Story House's opening weekend include a movie marathon at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel, autograph signings, and the chance for fans to meet stars from the movie. The events are November 24-26. The house will be open year round beginning November 25. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. For more information you can call 216-255-6651 or go to the website, www.about.com, and search for A Christmas Story House.

This Christmas season, visitors can see the 70 decorated Christmas trees in the lobby of the Cleveland Playhouse for free from November 17-December 31 from 9 a.m. 6 p.m. every day. The Playhouse on Euclid Avenue not only holds plays but also adult acting classes and workshops, and a professional actor training program.

Just in time for Christmas in Cleveland, the Playhouse will also host the holiday play, The Santaland Diaries, from December 8-December 23. Tickets are $20 each. The play is a quirky and hilarious look at the holidays.