Chevy Chase Will Lead Christmas Con Over 3 Decades After ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ Premiered

Jun 30, 2023

Comedian Chevy Chase is set to headline Christmas Con, a holiday-themed convention in New Jersey, 34 years after starring in the iconic film "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." The convention, which will take place from Dec. 8 to 10, 2023, promises to be a dream come true for the fans.

Christmas Con is known for its festive atmosphere, featuring a holiday market showcasing local artists and vendors, as well as an array of holiday activities. For 2023, the attendees will have the chance to participate in various events and explore an extensive collection of props. 

One of the main highlights will be a panel discussion with Chase himself, along with other stars from classic Christmas movies. The news of Chase's participation was unveiled shortly after the successful second-ever summer edition of Christmas Con, held near Hallmark headquarters in Kansas City from June 9 to 11, 2023. 

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,” in which Chase co-starred with Beverly D’Angelo, achieved the status of a Christmas classic for several reasons. Unlike traditional Christmas movies that focus on the magic and wonder of the season, this film takes a different approach by exploring the chaotic and comedic aspects of the holiday.

Released in 1989, the film, written by John Hughes and directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, centers around Clark Griswold's relentless pursuit of the perfect Christmas, only to be constantly thwarted by a series of hilarious disasters. Despite the comedic tone, the film retains its heart and offers a relatable portrayal of the challenges and joys of family life during the holiday season.

Its main character, Clark Griswold, played by Chase, has been a major factor in its cult success. Clark is not necessarily described as lovable, but he is well-intentioned and relatable to the audience. 

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" was the third film in a series, alongside "National Lampoon's Vacation" in 1983 and "European Vacation" in 1985. Hughes drew inspiration from his own short story when he came up with the plot for the film.

Chris Columbus was initially set to direct the movie, but he withdrew before shooting began. Reports cited that the director had difficulties working with Chase. Hughes shared Columbus' sentiment about Chase's dominating presence, which influenced his reluctance to continue the series. 

Chase hurt himself during the filming of "Christmas Vacation." In a scene where Clark goes on a rampage with the Christmas decorations, Chase accidentally broke his pinky finger while punching a Santa figurine. He continued filming, avoiding using his hands in subsequent scenes, and the take was included in the final movie.

Although "Christmas Vacation" debuted at number two at the box office, It took a couple of weeks for the movie to reach number one surpassing "Back to the Future Part II." It remained the number-one movie in America for two consecutive weeks before the holiday season came to an end. "Christmas Vacation" outperformed its predecessors. With a box office gross of $73.3 million on a $25 million budget, the film surpassed the earnings of the first two movies in the series. 

Meanwhile, Chase and his "National Lampoon" co-star Randy Quaid spent a weekend at the Fan Expo Dallas event on June 8 and 9, 2023. The actor shared a video on his Instagram account where Griswold and Cousin Eddie seem to have made up.  

"There should be another Vacation Movie that would star you both," one follower commented. "Hear me out...road trip movie with just Clark and Eddie. A final, crazy adventure," another commenter wrote. 

Are you a big fan of the "National Lampoon" film series? Do you agree that "Christmas Vacation" was the best? Did you relate to Chevy Chase's character? Tell us about your thoughts on this story!