Peoria Standard

The holiday season in Illinois is marked by a celebration of its connection to iconic holiday movies. Events across the state are bringing stars and festive film locations into the spotlight.

On December 1st, Rockford hosted an event featuring Peter Billingsley, known for his role as Ralphie in "A Christmas Story." At the Coronado Performing Arts Center, fans watched the classic film and heard Billingsley share stories from behind the scenes.

In Peoria, Chevy Chase will appear at the Peoria Civic Center on December 16 for a screening of "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation," followed by a live Q&A session. Chase's portrayal of Clark Griswold has become synonymous with holiday humor and relatable family challenges.

Rosemont is also participating in the festivities by welcoming Macaulay Culkin for a special screening of "Home Alone" at the Rosemont Theatre. Culkin will discuss his experiences filming the movie, which prominently features Illinois locations.

"Home Alone" holds particular significance for Illinois residents as it was primarily filmed in Winnetka. The McCallister house at 671 Lincoln Avenue continues to attract visitors worldwide.

Additionally, Long Grove served as the backdrop for "Once Upon a Christmas Wish," starring Mario Lopez. The historic village's charm led filmmakers to use it as itself rather than a stand-in location. Lopez commented on Long Grove's atmosphere inspiring their choice.

Illinois remains a beloved setting for holiday films, connecting audiences to seasonal joy and humor through classics like those featuring Clark Griswold, Ralphie, and Kevin McCallister. As these events unfold, Illinois' role in creating memorable holiday moments is celebrated.