Lake County Gazette

The holiday season in Illinois is being celebrated with a focus on the state's connection to iconic holiday movies. Events featuring well-known stars and towns that have served as festive film locations are drawing attention.

On December 1st, Rockford hosted an event with Peter Billingsley, known for his role as Ralphie in "A Christmas Story." The screening at the Coronado Performing Arts Center allowed fans to enjoy the classic film while hearing behind-the-scenes stories from Billingsley.

In Peoria, a special evening is planned for December 16th at the Peoria Civic Center. Fans of "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation" will have the opportunity to watch the movie followed by a live Q&A session with Chevy Chase, who played Clark Griswold.

Rosemont is also joining in on the festivities by hosting Macaulay Culkin for a screening of "Home Alone" at the Rosemont Theatre. Culkin will share his experiences filming this beloved movie, which prominently features Illinois locations.

The connection between Illinois and "Home Alone" is significant for many residents. The film was mainly shot in Winnetka, where the McCallister house still attracts visitors worldwide. This famous location can be found at 671 Lincoln Avenue.

Long Grove has recently been transformed into a setting for another holiday movie, "Once Upon a Christmas Wish," starring Mario Lopez. The historic village's charm led filmmakers to feature it as itself rather than using it as a stand-in location.

These events and films highlight Illinois' role in creating memorable holiday moments through cinema. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate in these celebrations or enjoy their favorite Illinois-made holiday classics during this festive season.