Perhaps one of the most intriguing holiday events planned in the heart of Michigan is the 35th anniversary screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” scheduled for Monday, December 9, at 6 p.m. at the Dow Event Center in downtown Saginaw is planned.

This is not your typical screening of the comedy classic. Chevy Chase, star of the 1989 film (and many other Reagan-era blockbusters), will be in attendance, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and answering questions after the film.

In the spirit of the family-friendly holiday classic, let’s explore five ways to celebrate “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” right here in the heart of Michigan.

Visit Bronner’s – duh

How perfect. This region happens to be home to a retail store billed as the “largest Christmas store in the world”: Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.

The original National Lampoon’s Vacation ended with Chase’s Clark Griswold landing his family at the fictional Walley World amusement park. Considering that the name of the founder of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland was Wally Bronner, and then considering how much the Griswold family loves the holiday season, it’s not hard to imagine them visiting this popular Frankenmuth tourist attraction in the 25 Christmas Lane would enjoy.

There, guests can shop—as the Griswolds no doubt would—from the huge selection of holiday-themed merchandise and gifts.

Light them

One of the most memorable set pieces from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is the blindingly bright Christmas lights that Clark installs on the outside of his house.

In the film, Clark claims that the house has more than 25,000 Christmas lights.

It’s unclear whether a Mid-Michigan family could replicate this feat, but if they wanted to try, perhaps one of the best places to purchase such a large number of lights would be one of the many Meijer stores in the area.

According to the Meijer website, purchasing a 100-count set of multi-colored Christmas lights costs $4.99 there. This means that to secure 25,000 lights, a customer would need to purchase 250 of these 100 light units, which would total $1,247.50 (excluding sales tax).

Of course, fewer than 25,000 lights would perfectly express a family’s holiday spirit.

Juicy days

While the Griswold family chose to purchase their giant Christmas tree in the wild – seemingly by stealing one from private property or public land – we recommend a more lawful approach.

Mid-Michigan is home to several companies that sell real trees that can bring holiday cheer to any home.

One of the area’s most popular spots opens for the season on Friday, November 29th: Kluck Nursery, 1020 VanWormer in Thomas Township.

The full experience

Mid-Michigan residents who want to visit family members outside the area might consider the Cousin Eddie route: traveling by RV.

It would probably be difficult to track down the same vehicle that Cousin Eddie’s family operates during “Christmas Vacation.” After all, there isn’t much demand for a 1973 Chevy Condor II in 2024.

However, if you’re looking for a modern equivalent, General RV Center, 12410 Dixie Highway in Birch Run, has plenty of options.

However, before you head to the family reunion, be sure to consult with a salesperson about the proper methods for emptying the vehicle’s wastewater.

Just watch the movie

The easiest way to celebrate the 35th anniversary of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is to watch it.

Tickets for Chase’s Dec. 9 viewing at the Dow Event Center are still available online. The cost ranges from $39 to $250.

Several local cinemas will also be showing the film next week. The Quality 10 Powered by Emagine Theater in Saginaw Township and Emagine Birch Run will present multiple showings of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on Sunday, December 1, and Wednesday, December 4.

Or the film can be streamed on both the streaming services Max and TBS.

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