Unveiling the Filming Locations- Where the Magic of ‘Christmas Vacation’ Brought Home the Holiday Spirit

Where was the house in Christmas Vacation filmed? This question often comes up for fans of the iconic 1983 comedy film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and John Candy, the film has left a lasting impression on audiences with its humorous take on the holidays. The answer to this question lies in the charming and picturesque neighborhoods of California and the surrounding areas.

The film’s main setting, the Griswold family home, was actually a combination of several real-life locations. The exterior shots of the house were filmed at the now-iconic 1930s-era home located at 3140 Via Madre in Beverly Hills, California. This beautiful home, with its white picket fence and lush greenery, served as the perfect backdrop for the Griswolds’ festive home improvement endeavors. The exterior shots were captured during the summer, which explains the lack of snow in the film.

For the interior shots of the Griswold home, the production team utilized a soundstage at the Universal Studios backlot in Universal City, California. This allowed the filmmakers to control the lighting and set design, creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. The interior scenes showcase the Griswolds’ home in all its glory, complete with a towering Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and an array of festive decorations.

In addition to the Griswold home, other notable locations in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” include the Griswolds’ workplace, the Wally World store, and the fictional Great Christmas Light Fight competition. The Wally World store was also filmed at the Universal Studios backlot, while the Great Christmas Light Fight competition was set in the San Diego Zoo, which is located in San Diego, California.

The use of these diverse locations helped to create a vibrant and authentic atmosphere for the film. The charming homes in Beverly Hills, the bustling Wally World store, and the magical San Diego Zoo all contributed to the film’s enduring appeal. As a result, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” has become a beloved holiday classic, and the question of where the house was filmed remains a topic of interest for fans around the world.