'A Christmas Story Comes Home' Exhibit Opens Soon In Hammond

HAMMOND, IN — A holiday tradition in Northwest Indiana will make its 2017 debut soon. The "A Christmas Story Comes Home" exhibit will again feature six displays from iconic scenes of the legendary Christmas movie "A Christmas Story" at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond this winter. The exhibit, now in its 10th year, will be open from Nov. 11 to Jan. 7, 2018 and include several special events and fun for the entire classic movie-loving family.

WHAT TO SEE

When visitors first arrive to the Welcome Center at 7770 Corinne Drive, they'll notice a statue at the entrance that's an homage to the "Flick" character and the memorable scene from the 1983 movie that had his poor tongue stuck to a pole.

Indoor animated displays include:

• 'The Hibgee's Department Store Window,'
• 'Flick's Tongue and the Triple Dog Dare,'
• 'It's a Major Award,'
• 'Santa's Mountain at Higbee's,'
• 'The Bumpus Hounds'
• 'A Hero's Dream.'

The displays were first showcased in 2003 in the windows of the Macy's in New York City, according to a news release from the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority.

"The movie, 'A Christmas Story' is a holiday tradition for most Midwestern families and the exhibit 'A Christmas Story' Comes Home is no different," said Erika Dahl, director of communications for the SSCVA. "Families visit the Welcome Center during the holidays to enjoy special events, stroll through the exhibit and create lasting memories with their children."

WHY HAMMOND?

Hammond has a strong connection to "A Christmas Story." The story behind the movie was written by Jean Sheppard, who is from Hammond. The fictional "Hohman, Indiana" town depicted in the movie is based on Hammond since Hohman Avenue is a major thoroughfare of the real NWI town and the (also real) nearby town of Griffith is mentioned in the movie.

WHEN TO GO

The exhibit will be open everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Nov. 11 until Dec. 23, except for Thanksgiving Day when it will be closed. On Saturdays and Sundays it will be open until 6 p.m. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

It will again be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Dec. 26-30, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on New Year's Eve, closed on New Year's Day and open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Jan. 2-7.

SPECIAL EVENTS via the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority

• "A Major Event" & Holiday Market will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Indiana Welcome Center and kicks off the holiday season. The Welcome Center will be bustling with children's activities from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and a cozy holiday market from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. features handcrafted and specialty items and gourmet treats. "A Major Event" kid's activities include a passenger train - kids can ride for just $1! "Flick" Bingo, movie viewings, crafts, and a visit to Santa atop Santa's Mountain.
• "Oh Fuuudge!" Tire Changing Relay is an event that pays tribute to the events leading up to Ralphie blurting out "the-queen-mother-of-dirty-words," will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9. Parent/child teams will run through an obstacle course and prizes will be awarded to the pair with the best time. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and the event begins at 10:00 a.m.
• "Mommy's Little Piggy" Mashed Potato Eating Contest features plates mounded with mashed potatoes and contestants of different age groups showing how the piggies eat and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16. Registration will start at 9:30 a.m., and the first wave of participants will begin at 10:00 a.m.
• Letters to Santa: The entire family is welcome to enjoy live entertainment on the weekends and write letters to Santa and drop them off in the big mailbox outside the exhibit hall.
• "The Untold Christmas Story" may be viewed upon request in the 100-seat theater.
• Vote on the ugliest leg lamp and favorite holiday tree or participate in the Write a Theme Contest
• Relive the "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" scene atop Santa's Mountain: Have your picture taken with Santa on top of Santa's Mountain, a replica of the one featured in the movie. In the famous scene, Ralphie Parker asks Santa for an Official Red Ryder BB Gun, and Santa responds, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid."
• Photos with Santa on Santa's Mountain are available between Thanksgiving and Christmas, every Saturday and Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Indiana Welcome Center; photos on Christmas Eve will end at 2:00 p.m. Photos are also available on Nov 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Dec. 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Children have the opportunity to slide down a big red slide into a pillow of snow. Photos are $6 each.
• Wag Your Tail Wednesdays: Don't miss the opportunity to have your pet photographed with Santa on Santa's Mountain. Pet photos with Santa will be available Wednesday, Nov. 22; Nov. 29; Dec.13 and Dec. 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Photos are $6 each, and $1 of every photo is given to local animal rescues. Well-behaved animals only.
• The Parker Living Room: See an additional "A Christmas Story" Comes Home animated display window this year at Cabela's in Hammond! This year, Cabela's, 7700 Cabela Dr. in Hammond will display the Parker Living Room through the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority