CLEVELAND — It's almost time!
The cast of “A Christmas Story” is set to reunite in Cleveland as “Behind the Camera: A Christmas Story Official 40th Anniversary” will take place Nov. 10-12 at Cleveland Public Auditorium. The event is being presented by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience will feature Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie, returning to Cleveland for the cast reunion. Billingsley’s appearance will mark his first-ever signing and first public reunion with the cast.
Billingsley spoke with reporters on Thursday and recalled the tremendous amount of help Cleveland was to the production of the 1983 film. Many people showed up to be extras, including at Higbees Department Store where Ralphie meets Santa.
“So many local folks showed up and they were great. It was nice that they weren’t kinda Hollywood people. There was a lot of regular kids. They kept that slide open during lunch for us. So we would go on that thing, we wouldn't even eat. We just kept sliding down that thing and having fun.”
Click here to purchase tickets for the festivities.
Schedule of events:
Friday, Nov. 10
- Cast Expo: 1:30 pm - 6:00 pm in Public Auditorium
- Behind the Camera Panel: 7:00 pm in the Music Hall
Saturday, Nov. 11
- The Cleveland Christmas Run: 8:30 am
- Cast Expo: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, Nov. 12
Cast Expo: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The following cast members are expected to be in attendance during the reunion weekend:
- Peter Billingsley
- Zack Ward
- Scott Schwartz
- R.D. Robb
- Yano Anaya
- Ian Petrella
- Tedde Moore
- Patty Lafontain
- Drew Hocevar
The three-day reunion is expected to draw tens of thousands of people to Cleveland coming from across all 50 states.
The house from "A Christmas Story," which has become a bucket list destination for movie fans, remains up for sale on West 11th Street in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. The iconic property was listed last November.
Previous Reporting:
- 'Behind the Camera: A Christmas Story Official 40th Anniversary' to take place in Cleveland in November: How to get tickets
- 'Thank you to all': 'A Christmas Story' Run permanently canceled after 3-year hiatus
- 'A Christmas Story' House owner discusses screening for qualified buyers, reveals big ideas for property's possible future