THE MCCALLISTER HOUSE, ETC.

Chicago, Illinois

Home Alone was Americana movie mogul John Hughes’ great contribution to the Christmas genre, as well as his most successful film.  It also made child star Macaulay Culkin a household name.  Home Alone tells the story of Kevin McCallister, a youngster separated from his family over Christmas vacation, in a slapstick fight to the finish against thieves determined to make a holiday haul at the neighborhood’s expense.  Not surprisingly, the movie was set in Hughes’ usual stomping grounds in northern Illinois.  Filming locations are now destinations for local sightseers.

Home Alone was filmed primarily in the suburb of Winnetka, approximately fifteen miles north of downtown Chicago.  The house used for the McCallister residence is located on Lincoln Avenue, with the exterior shots and some of the interior shots taken here.  Also in Winnetka are the Grand Food Center and the Hubbard Woods Pharmacy, both located on Green Bay Road, and both of which were featured in the film.

Additional scenes were filmed in nearby New Trier High School.  The Grace Episcopal Church, which features prominently in the movie, is located further south on Lake Street in Oak Park.  It was here that the childrens choir sequences were filmed.  Finally, the Rookery Building in downtown Chicago was used as a stand-in for Duncan’s Toy Chest in the sequel.

Virtually all of the above locations are open sights, but include stores and churches with limited hours.  There is no charge for admission to any of the above locations.  Web: www.villageofwinnetka.org (official town website of Winnetka)