Everything You Need to Know About the 'A Christmas Story Christmas' Sequel
'A Christmas Story Christmas' is just what we need for the holidays.
Watching A Christmas Story has become a holiday tradition ever since TNT began its annual marathon of the beloved movie in 1997. Today, both TNT and its sister station TBS begin the 24-hour marathon on Christmas Eve.
As a result of its popularity, the holiday movie classic has finally gotten a sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas, with original star Peter Billingsley returning to his role as Ralphie.
Here's everything we know so far about the A Christmas Story sequel:
When does A Christmas Story Christmas premiere?
The sequel to A Christmas Story, was released Thursday, Nov. 17 on HBO Max.
What is the A Christmas Story Christmas sequel about?
The sequel takes place in the 1970s, with the adult Ralphie taking his family to his childhood home on Cleveland Street to deliver his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had growing up. Ralphie will reconnect with childhood friends, reconcile the passing of his Old Man, and sow the seeds for the origins of the beloved holiday classic.
Related: 100+ Best Christmas Movies To Watch
Who’s in the cast of A Christmas Story Christmas?
In addition to Billingsley, A Christmas Story Christmas also saw the return of four additional actors from the original 1983 film: Ian Petrella as Randy, Zack Ward as Scut Farkus, Scott Schwartz as Flick and R.D. Robb as Schwartz.
Julie Hagerty, Erinn Hayes, River Drosche, and Julianna Layne also joined the cast. Hayes plays Ralphie’s wife, and Drosche and Layne play his kids. Hagerty plays Ralphie's mother, Mrs. Parker.
Melinda Dillon, who played Ralphie’s mother in the original, did not return for the reboot.
Here's a look at A Christmas Story Christmas in photos
Yana Blajeva/HBO Max
Yana Blajeva/HBO Max
Photo by Yana Blajeva/HBO Max
Photo by Yana Blajeva/HBO Max
What has Peter Billingsley been doing since A Christmas Story?
When his days as a child actor came to an end, Billingsley moved behind the camera to producing and directing. He started as a co-producer on Jon Favreau’s 2001 mob comedy Made. He then went on to form a production company with Vince Vaughn, Wild West Picture Show Productions, and the two produced The Break-Up and Four Christmases. Billingsley also was a producer on Favreau’s 2008 Marvel Studios film Iron Man. He worked with Vaughn again, directing his romantic comedy Couples Retreat, in 2009. In addition, Billingsley produced the Tony-nominated Broadway musical A Christmas Story The Musical in 2009. Most recently, he executive produced the Netflix animated series F Is for Family.
Billingsley credits the late Bob Clark, the director of A Christmas Story, with helping guide his transition to working behind the camera.
“He was absolutely encouraging and supportive,” Billingsley told Variety. “I would visit him on sets. We would talk and play golf together.”
Related: Peter Billingsley Reflects on 'A Christmas Story' and Shares a Few Spoilers from the New Sequel
Courtesy HBO Max
What is the original A Christmas Story about?
The original film was set in the 1940s and tells the story of a young boy named Ralphie, who attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder carbine action, 200 shot range model BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift, despite all the adults telling him that it is dangerous and “You’ll shoot your eye out!”
What year did A Christmas Story come out?
The original A Christmas Story came out in 1983.
When does A Christmas Story take place?
The original film was set in the 1940s.
Where to stream the original A Christmas Story
Just like the sequel, the original A Christmas Story is streaming on HBO Max.
How to watch the original A Christmas Story
If TBS and TNT continue the tradition started back in 1997, you'll be able to watch the original A Christmas Story nonstop during the annual 24-hour marathon on Christmas Eve.
What year will A Christmas Story Christmas be set?
The A Christmas Story sequel will take place in the 1970s.
Will the Leg Lamp be in the A Christmas Story sequel?
Since Mrs. Parker "accidentally" destroyed the Leg Lamp in A Christmas Story, it would have been hard to bring it back for the sequel. Instead, it was mentioned in the new movie and featured in flashbacks. Too bad producers didn't recreate it as a tribute!
Where was A Christmas Story Christmas filmed?
According to Variety, the new film began production in Hungary in February 2022.
Where was A Christmas Story filmed?
The original film shot in Cleveland. In fact, Ralphie's house is located at 3159 W. 11th Street Cleveland, Ohio.
Where to watch A Christmas Story Christmas?
A Christmas Story Christmas, directed by Clay Kaytis from a script by Nick Schenk, was produced by Warner Bros. & Legendary. It airs on HBO Max.
Where to stream A Christmas Story Christmas
A Christmas Story Christmas is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Is there a trailer for A Christmas Story Christmas?
There are now two trailers. And this one, released on Nov. 1, is not to be missed as Ralphie takes on the responsibility of making Christmas perfect for his mother, wife and children after his mother beseeches him, “Ralphie, promise me we’re going to make this a wonderful Christmas. That would make your father so happy.”
Then there is the trailer released by HBO Max on Oct. 17—one month before the movie drops—with the first footage from the new Christmas Story sequel. Watch the teaser trailer here.
Next, Nearly 40 Years Later, We Still Love A Christmas Story—But Where Is the Cast Now?