For over three decades, “Home Alone” has charmed audiences worldwide, becoming a beloved holiday tradition. Set against a backdrop of festive cheer and snowy landscapes, the movie’s setting feels intrinsically linked to its heartwarming story. But where exactly was this Christmas classic filmed? While the film depicts the McAllister family jetting off to Paris for the holidays, the reality is that “Home Alone” was filmed entirely closer to home, in the United States. Specifically, the movie’s production was deeply rooted in the Chicago area, particularly in its picturesque North Shore suburbs.
The iconic red-brick house, synonymous with “Home Alone,” is indeed a real residence located in the charming village of Winnetka, Illinois. Situated at 671 Lincoln Avenue, this house has become a pilgrimage site for fans each holiday season, eager to catch a glimpse of the exterior that Kevin McCallister famously defended from the Wet Bandits. However, while the exterior shots prominently feature this Winnetka home, the interior scenes were not filmed within its walls.
To accommodate the extensive filming crew and create the elaborate sets required for the interior scenes, the production team turned to an unexpected location: New Trier Township High School. Located in Winnetka, this high school, which had experienced closures in sections due to declining enrollment in 1981, provided the perfect space to build a sound stage. Director Chris Columbus and his team transformed the school’s gymnasium into a two-story sound stage, ingeniously constructing the interiors of the McAllister house within its walls. Even the memorable basement scenes, often flooded in the movie, were filmed in the school’s swimming pool, adapted to suit the water-based sequences.
Winnetka’s local charm extends beyond just the famous house and high school. Several other locations within this North Shore village served as backdrops for memorable scenes in “Home Alone.” Remember Kevin’s visit to Santa Claus? This heartwarming scene was filmed at Chestnut Court, conveniently located next to the Winnetka Village Hall. When Kevin bravely ventures out for groceries, he does so at the Grand Food Center on Green Bay Road, and the pharmacy he visits is also situated along the same street. These familiar spots in Winnetka contribute to the movie’s relatable suburban atmosphere.
While the majority of “Home Alone” was filmed in Winnetka and its immediate surroundings, a few scenes did venture into the bustling city of Chicago itself. Notably, the airport sequences, depicting both Chicago O’Hare and Paris Orly airports, were both filmed at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. This clever filmmaking trick allowed the production to maintain its Illinois base while still suggesting international travel. Furthermore, two churches in neighboring suburbs also made it into the film: Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette and Grace Episcopal Church in Oak Park, adding to the diverse range of locations within the Chicago area.
The decision to film “Home Alone” so extensively in the Chicago North Shore was deeply influenced by the film’s writer and producer, John Hughes. A Glenbrook North High School graduate, Hughes had strong ties to the area, having spent his formative years there. His affection for the region is evident not only in “Home Alone” but also in many of his other iconic films, such as “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Sixteen Candles,” which were also filmed in and around Chicago. Glenbrook North High School itself served as Shermer High School in “The Breakfast Club” and was featured in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” showcasing Hughes’ tendency to revisit familiar locations. Chicago landmarks like Willis Tower (then Sears Tower) and the Art Institute of Chicago also frequently appeared in his movies, solidifying his cinematic love letter to the city and its suburbs.
In conclusion, “Home Alone,” while ostensibly set in a generic suburban locale, is firmly rooted in the real-world locations of Chicago’s North Shore. From the now-famous house in Winnetka to the converted high school gymnasium and various local businesses, the movie’s filming locations offer a tangible connection to this beloved Christmas film. The choice of this region was a deliberate and personal one by John Hughes, who brought his cinematic vision home, making the Chicago area an integral, if often uncredited, character in “Home Alone.” Exploring these locations adds another layer of appreciation for this holiday classic, revealing the real places behind the movie magic.
