Buzz, McCallister! Can You Actually Visit the Home Alone House in New York City?
Ah, the holidays. A time for family, festive cheer, and accidentally leaving your mischievous eight-year-old son at home while you jet off to Paris. We've all been there (hopefully not literally). But for Kevin McCallister, this festive faux pas turned into a hilarious (and slightly terrifying) adventure through the Big Apple.
Naturally, a burning question arises for fans of the classic film Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - can you visit the actual house used in the movie? Buckle up, adventurers, because we're about to dive into the fascinating, slightly disappointing, and ultimately hilarious answer.
The Plot Thickens (Like Kevin's Paint Cans)
The dream: recreate iconic scenes from the movie on the very steps where Kevin outwitted the bumbling bandits, Harry and Marv. Picture it: you, triumphant, brandishing a paintbrush à la Kevin. The reality? Not quite so straightforward.
The house featured in Home Alone 2 is a private residence located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Yes, you read that right. Chicago. Seems Hollywood has a thing for geographical relocation (looking at you, "When Harry Met Sally").
So, a visit to the McCallister abode is off the itinerary. But fear not, intrepid explorer! New York City offers a treasure trove of Home Alone 2 filming locations that are accessible.
Live Like Kevin (Minus the Sticky Bandits)
The Plaza Hotel: Channel your inner rich kid with a luxurious stay at the opulent Plaza Hotel, where Kevin enjoyed a lavish (and room service-heavy) vacation.
Central Park: Retrace Kevin's footsteps through the picturesque greenery of Central Park, stopping by the iconic ice rink for a twirl (and maybe avoid any pigeons).
Duncan's Toy Chest (Sort Of): The FAO Schwarz toy store, though not the exact one from the movie, is a legendary New York toy haven that will unleash your inner child (and maybe make you wish you had a credit card with unlimited funds).
Carnegie Hall: Catch a performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, just like Kevin (though hopefully without any near-death balcony escapades).
Remember: While you can't visit the McCallister house itself, recreating Kevin's New York City adventure is totally doable. Just pack your paint cans (for artistic endeavors, of course), a sense of humor, and maybe a change of clothes (things get messy in Home Alone).
Home Alone 2 in NYC: FAQ
How to recreate Kevin's Plaza Hotel experience (without the room service bill): Many hotels in New York offer afternoon tea experiences, allowing you to indulge in a fancy spread without breaking the bank.
How to find the filming locations: Several NYC bus tours offer movie location tours, including Home Alone 2 hotspots.
How to avoid getting lost in New York City (unlike Kevin): Invest in a good map or download a navigation app.
How to deal with pesky pigeons (a.k.a. the Central Park menaces): Admire them from afar. Feeding them is generally discouraged.
How to booby-trap your house like Kevin (important disclaimer: DON'T): This one's a hard pass. Safety first, folks!
