Discover Home Alone Filming Locations: Where Was Home Alone Filmed?

Discover the filming locations of the holiday classic, Home Alone. From the iconic McCallister home to the airport scenes, explore the magic of Chicago.

Can you believe it’s been over 30 years since Home Alone hit the big screen? This classic Christmas movie has become a holiday staple for millions of families around the world. But have you ever wondered where this beloved film was actually filmed? Well, grab a cup of hot cocoa and settle in, because we’re about to take you on a journey through the iconic filming locations of Home Alone.

First up, let’s talk about the McCallister family home. This stunning property is located in the village of Winnetka, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. The exterior shots of the house were used throughout the film, but the interior scenes were actually shot on a soundstage in a nearby high school gymnasium. So, unfortunately, you won’t be able to visit the actual house and set up a bunch of booby traps for any would-be burglars.

Speaking of booby traps, let’s talk about the infamous scene where Kevin sets up a series of traps for the two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv. These scenes were filmed in a real house located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. The house was under renovation at the time of filming, which made it the perfect location for the elaborate stunts.

But Home Alone wasn’t just filmed in Chicago. In fact, several scenes were shot in other locations around the United States. For example, the scene where Kevin runs through Central Park and feeds the pigeons was filmed in New York City. And the airport scenes were shot at O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, both located in Chicago.

Now, let’s talk about one of the most iconic scenes in the entire movie: the scene where Kevin runs down the street, arms flailing, while being chased by Harry and Marv. This scene was filmed on Lincoln Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The street has since become a popular tourist destination for Home Alone fans.

But wait, there’s more! Did you know that Home Alone wasn’t just filmed in the United States? That’s right, some scenes were actually shot in Paris, France. Remember the scene where Kevin visits the Notre-Dame Cathedral and runs into a kindly old woman who speaks no English? That scene was filmed on location at the real Notre-Dame Cathedral.

And speaking of Paris, let’s talk about the scene where Kevin orders room service and watches a movie in his luxurious hotel room. This scene was filmed at the legendary Plaza Athénée hotel, located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne in Paris. If you’re ever in Paris, be sure to stop by and channel your inner Kevin McCallister.

Of course, we can’t forget about the scene where Kevin visits Santa Claus at a local Christmas market. This scene was filmed in the picturesque town of Oak Park, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. The market is still held every year, so if you’re ever in the area during the holiday season, be sure to check it out.

In conclusion, the filming locations of Home Alone are just as iconic as the film itself. From the McCallister family home in Winnetka to the streets of Chicago and the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, these locations have become beloved by fans all over the world. So, the next time you watch Home Alone, take a moment to appreciate the incredible locations that helped bring this classic movie to life.

Introduction

Home Alone is a classic Christmas movie that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for years. It's a story about Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. What follows is a hilarious adventure as Kevin tries to fend off two burglars with a series of booby traps and clever tricks. But have you ever wondered where Home Alone was filmed?

Chicago, Illinois

Most of the filming for Home Alone took place in Chicago, Illinois. The exterior shots of Kevin's house were filmed in the suburb of Winnetka, which is located about 20 miles north of downtown Chicago. The house itself is a beautiful Georgian-style mansion that was built in 1921. It has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a total of 14 rooms. The house was sold in 2012 for $1.585 million.

O'Hare International Airport

The scenes at O'Hare International Airport were actually filmed at the former U.S. Post Office at Ontario Street and Clark Street in downtown Chicago. The filmmakers transformed the building into a makeshift airport terminal, complete with check-in counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas.

The Plaza Hotel

In the movie, Kevin's mom stays at The Plaza Hotel in New York City while she tries to make her way back to him. However, the scenes were actually filmed at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Chicago. The filmmakers used various camera angles and creative editing to make it look like The Plaza Hotel.

Church of the Holy Angels

The scene where Kevin runs into Old Man Marley outside of the church was filmed at the Church of the Holy Angels in Chicago. This beautiful church was built in 1918 and has been a staple of the Chicago community ever since.

The Murphy House

The Murphy house, which is the home of Kevin's neighbors in the movie, was actually filmed on location in a real house in Winnetka, Illinois. The house is located just a few doors down from the McCallister house.

Lincoln Park Zoo

The scene where Kevin visits the Lincoln Park Zoo was filmed on location at the actual zoo in Chicago. The zoo is one of the oldest in the country and is home to hundreds of different species of animals.

The John Hughes House

The director of Home Alone, John Hughes, lived in a beautiful mansion in Lake Forest, Illinois. The mansion was used as a filming location for several of Hughes' movies, including Home Alone. In the movie, it was used as the exterior shot of the Parisian airport where Kevin's mom is stranded.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The next time you watch Home Alone, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of where the movie was filmed. From the McCallister house in Winnetka to the makeshift airport terminal in downtown Chicago, the locations used in the movie are just as iconic as the movie itself.

But let's face it, no matter where Home Alone was filmed, it will always be a beloved Christmas classic that brings laughter and joy to people of all ages. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the movie!

Chicago's Finest - Home Alone's Filming Location

Home Alone is a classic holiday movie that never fails to bring a smile to our faces. But have you ever wondered where the iconic scenes of Kevin McCallister's misadventures were filmed? Well, grab some popcorn and get ready for a tour of the most memorable filming locations of this timeless movie.

The Iconic Winnetka Home: Where Home Alone's Story Begins

Let's start at the beginning, shall we? The McCallister family home is located in Winnetka, Illinois, and is a must-see for any Home Alone fan. However, be prepared for disappointment if you're expecting to see a house full of booby traps. The real-life home is far less exciting than the one we see on screen. But, hey, it's still pretty cool to say you've seen it in person.

The McCallister Mansion: A Tourist Attraction?

If you're looking for something a little more exciting, head over to the Plaza Hotel. This is where Kevin's family stayed before they accidentally left him behind. The hotel is still open for business, so you can even book a room and pretend you're part of the movie. Just make sure you don't leave any kids behind.

Lost in O'Hare: The Airport Scene Secrets

Speaking of leaving kids behind, we can't forget about the airport scene. O'Hare International Airport was the location for this chaotic scene, but did you know that the filmmakers had to recreate an entire airport terminal just for the movie? That's right; they built a fake airport just so they could film the scene without causing any real-life chaos. Sounds like a lot of work, but it definitely paid off.

The Plaza Hotel: More Than Just a Setting for Kevin's Misadventures

Back to the Plaza Hotel, did you know that it has a cameo in another classic movie? That's right; the hotel also makes an appearance in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. It seems like Kevin just can't stay away from this place. Maybe he has a loyalty card or something.

Old Man Marley's House: Ghost Stories and Filming Locations

If you're a fan of spooky stories, you'll love the next location on our tour. Old Man Marley's house is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago and is said to be haunted. But don't let that scare you away; the house is a popular tourist spot for Home Alone fans. Just make sure you don't run into any shovel-wielding neighbors while you're there.

Aunt Lucy's House: The Hidden Gem of Home Alone's Filming Locations

One of the most overlooked filming locations of Home Alone is Aunt Lucy's house. This cozy home is located in the North Shore suburb of Kenilworth and is often overshadowed by other, more iconic locations. But if you're looking for a quieter, more peaceful spot to visit, Aunt Lucy's house is definitely worth checking out.

The Battle at the Little Nero's Pizza: A Pivotal Scene in a Real Pizza Place

Who could forget the scene where Kevin battles the Wet Bandits at Little Nero's Pizza? Well, if you're ever in the mood for a slice, you can visit the real-life pizza place where they filmed the scene. The building is still standing, although it's now home to a different pizza chain. But we won't tell if you still want to recreate the scene with some friends.

The Church from the Climactic Scene: Holy Filming Location!

Finally, we can't forget about the church where Kevin reunites with his family at the end of the movie. This beautiful church is located in Wilmette and is a popular wedding venue. So, if you're a Home Alone fan who's planning a wedding, this might be the perfect spot for you.

The Talkboy's Origins: Discovering the Chicago Toy Store

And last but not least, we have the origins of Kevin's iconic Talkboy. The toy store where Kevin buys the Talkboy is located in downtown Chicago and is still open for business today. So, if you want to pick up a piece of Home Alone history, head over to the store and see if they still have any Talkboys in stock.

Well, there you have it, folks. A tour of the most memorable filming locations of Home Alone. Now, go grab some cheese pizza and watch the movie again. Happy holidays!

Where Was Home Alone Filmed? A Humorous Point of View

The Pros and Cons of the Filming Locations

Pros

1. Chicago - The majority of the film was shot in the Windy City, giving us a beautiful glimpse of the city's iconic landmarks such as the John Hancock Center and O'Hare International Airport.

2. Winnetka - The McCallister house was filmed in this charming suburb of Chicago. It adds a certain quaintness to the film and gives us a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

3. Paris, France - Although only a few scenes were shot in Paris, it adds a romantic and adventurous element to the movie.

Cons

1. The Murphy family's house - This house was actually located in a completely different state, Pennsylvania. It seems strange that they would choose to film one of the main character's homes so far away from the rest of the shooting locations.

2. Scranton, PA - The church scenes were filmed in Scranton, which is not exactly a picturesque location. It's difficult to suspend disbelief when the characters are supposed to be in Paris, but the background looks like a run-down American town.

3. The Plaza Hotel - While the hotel itself is beautiful and iconic, the scene where Kevin spends his night there was filmed in a soundstage. It's disappointing that they couldn't actually shoot at the real hotel.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the filming locations for Home Alone provide a good mix of urban and suburban settings. However, the inconsistencies in locations can be distracting for viewers who pay attention to details. It's also amusing to think about the fact that the Murphy family's house was so far away from everything else. Maybe they just wanted some peace and quiet?

Closing Message: Don't Get Lost in the McCallister's House

Well, folks, there you have it! The mystery of where Home Alone was filmed has been solved. We've taken you on a journey through suburban Chicago, from Winnetka to Highland Park, and even to the iconic O'Hare airport.

But before we say goodbye, let's take a moment to appreciate the McCallister's house itself. The stunning Georgian-style mansion provided the perfect backdrop for Kevin's epic battle against the Wet Bandits.

And let's not forget about the infamous booby traps that Kevin sets up throughout the house. From the tar-covered stairs to the blowtorch at the front door, this kid was not playing around.

So, if you ever find yourself in suburban Chicago, be sure to steer clear of the McCallister's house. Who knows what kind of traps Kevin might have set up now?

And if you do happen to stumble upon the house, don't be surprised if you see someone peering out the window. After all, the current owners are used to curious fans stopping by for a glimpse of the iconic property.

But let's be real, as much as we love the McCallister's house, we all know that the real star of the movie is Kevin McCallister himself. That little troublemaker stole our hearts with his wit, charm, and resourcefulness.

So, whether you're watching Home Alone for the hundredth time or experiencing it for the first time, remember that the film's magic isn't just in its location or its plot. It's in the way it makes us feel - nostalgic, heartwarming, and maybe just a little bit mischievous.

And with that, we bid you adieu. Thanks for joining us on this journey through the filming locations of Home Alone. We hope you learned something new and had a few laughs along the way.

Now, if you'll excuse us, we're off to set up some booby traps of our own. You never know when those pesky burglars might come knocking...