How an iconic movie is coming to life in Ottawa for Christmas

The mansion's decorations helped raise more than CAD 150,000 for charity.

Every year, when Christmas arrives, one house in Canada's capital city is transformed into a true miracle. It has become famous for its unique decoration in the style of the cult movie "Christmas Vacation". The owners, the Turcotte family, come up with new ideas every year to decorate their home, and this year they decided to revisit the theme of this family movie.

The main character of this movie, Clark Griswold, dreams of creating the perfect Christmas for his family. He passionately decorates his house with thousands of lights, but things don't go according to plan. This funny story is reflected in the decorating of a house in Ottawa. From the short circuit to the Christmas tree attached to the car, it's as if every element of the decor came straight out of the screen.

Cousin's house car

There are 5,000 Christmas lights on the house, as well as a 1984 Pontiac Parisienne car modified in the Griswolds' style. Figurines and decor details from the movie were also included, including Cousin Eddie's motorhome with its characteristic sewer drainage problem.

A 1984 Pontiac Parisienne

Since 2020, through these Christmas displays, the Turcotte family has raised over CAD 150,000 for charity: CAD 100,000 for Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and over CAD 50,000 for a foodbank located in the Stittsville — Ottawa neighborhood.

In previous years, the Turcotte family has created decorations in the style of the movies Home Alone and Elf. Starting planning usually just after New Year's Eve, this year they began preparations later due to busyness with sending their son Hudson to US university. But after buying a car and a motorhome, it was clear it was time to get back to the "Christmas Vacation" theme.

This Christmas decoration not only makes the Turcotts' home a center of attraction for Ottawa residents and visitors, but also serves a noble purpose — raising funds for those in need. This is an example of how tradition, family values and charity can come together to create real Christmas magic.

Clark Griswold's house