Higbee Company Department Store
Higbee’s was the first department store in the greater Cleveland area. The 12-floor Higbee Company building was the anchor for Cleveland’s Public Square from its open in 1931 until its eventual close on Monday, Jan. 7, 2002.
Why is Higbee's important?
Higbee's in Cleveland was the only Department store willing to leave up the decorations for weeks after Christmas for filming which was another benefit to choosing Cleveland for filming A Christmas Story.
Higbees Building (1982) by A Christmas Story Production StaffA Christmas Story House
Higbee's building downtown Cleveland a location for many of the shots throughout the filming.
Higbee's Cleveland Staging Santa's Mountain (1983) by A Christmas Story Production CrewA Christmas Story House
Over looking the mountain for the line for Santa where many Higbee staff members and locals filled in as extras.
Main Aisle in Higbees (1983) by A Christmas Story Production TeamA Christmas Story House
Higbee’s executives were skeptical, but Cleveland's Higbee's Vice President R. Bruce Campbell welcomed the publicity and offered employees to feed the crew, style the performer’s hair and make up, build sets and serve as extras.
Public Square (1982) by A Christmas Story Production teamA Christmas Story House
The parade scene was filmed just outside Higbee’s in Cleveland’s public square at 3 AM in the morning.
Notafinga!
In 2008 the Higbee Window was decorated with “A Christmas Story” theme to mark the 25th Anniversary. In 2012 the Higbee building became home to the Horseshoe Casino.
Higbee's Extras (1983) by A Christmas Story Production CrewA Christmas Story House
Inside Hidbees
During filming many locals were used to help fill the Higbees building during filming.
Main Aisle of Higbees (1983) by A Christmas Story Production TeamA Christmas Story House
Scene is set
Inside the Higbees main aisle before shooting the Santa Clause scene.
Santa Clause on the Mountain (1983) by A Christmas Story Production CrewA Christmas Story House
Santa Mountain
Structure of Santa Mountain (1982) by A Christmas Story Production TeamA Christmas Story House
Behind the scenes
A view of the massive construction of Santa Mountain inside of Higbees.
Santa Display window (1983) by A Christmas Story Production CrewA Christmas Story House
Tap to explore
Immerse yourself into Jack Casino's (formerly Higbees) yearly Christmas window display.
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