Peter Billingsley Reveals Whether He Can Still Sit Through 'A Christmas Story' Marathon

More than 40 years after "A Christmas Story" debuted, fans still gather around their TVs each December for the iconic 24-hour holiday marathon. But does the film’s original star, Peter Billingsley, still tune in, or is he long over revisiting his childhood role as Ralphie Parker? During Raising Cane’s massive holiday bike giveaway in Times Square, where The Blast was in attendance, Billingsley revealed the surprising, and delightfully wholesome, truth: Yes, he still watches it. Even if only for a few minutes.

When asked directly whether he and his family still watch the film, Billingsley didn’t hesitate to clear up the decades-old question. “The marathon? When I first heard about it, I thought, 'Oh, this is a terrible idea,' but I was wrong," he admitted. "And a lot of folks do watch it.”

And despite being the face of the movie, he confessed that he, too, still turns it on every holiday season, even if he doesn’t sit for the full 24 hours like many families do. “Honestly, in our home, it does wind up on just for a couple of minutes because it just doesn’t feel like Christmas unless that movie’s on,” he said. “It’s nice just to hear the sounds of the voice over and the music.”

For fans wondering whether Ralphie has emotionally checked out of his own Christmas legacy, he hasn’t. If anything, Peter Billingsley has found a sense of comfort in the tradition that millions share.

The actor also reflected on why he believes the film continues to resonate across generations.

He called it “the movie that keeps on going,” pointing to the timeless themes of “love, family, and the magic of Christmas.” Billingsley shared that he often sees three generations show up at events: grandparents, parents, and kids, all bonded by the same holiday classic.

The event itself was packed with nostalgia. Peter Billingsley returned to New York City, where he grew up riding bikes through Manhattan, to help Raising Cane’s donate 500 bikes to the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem.

“It’s so special to be back in New York City today because I grew up in this city and have many fond memories of riding bikes around here,” he said. “Now we’re donating 500… It’s a full circle moment.”

He even unveiled several original props from the film, his pink bunny suit, cowboy outfit, and the legendary Red Ryder BB gun, displayed publicly for the first time ever at Cane’s Times Square flagship.

Few holiday films have cemented themselves in pop culture the way "A Christmas Story" has. Released in 1983 with modest expectations, the movie slowly transformed into a seasonal phenomenon thanks to its relatable childhood nostalgia, offbeat humor, and unforgettable moments, from Ralphie’s Red Ryder obsession to the iconic leg lamp glowing proudly in the window.

What began as a quirky family comedy has evolved into one of the most-watched holiday films of all time, fueled in part by the now-famous 24-hour Christmas marathon that generations have grown up with. For many families, the movie isn’t just entertainment, but it’s a tradition.

Its charm lies in the timeless themes Billingsley himself referenced, including love, family, and the magic of Christmas. And those themes continue to resonate. Today, "A Christmas Story" is passed down like an heirloom, with grandparents introducing it to parents, and parents sharing it with their kids. At events, Billingsley says he often meets three generations who all share the same affection for the film, proving just how deeply rooted it has become in holiday culture.

More than four decades later, Ralphie’s wide-eyed wonder and occasional mischief still define the season for millions. And as Peter Billingsley's recent reflections make clear, the movie’s legacy isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

As Billingsley joked to the crowd, many families spend Christmas Day with him “all day long” thanks to the marathon, and he’s not remotely bothered by it. The tradition brings him joy, not fatigue.

Ralphie may have grown up, but "A Christmas Story" is still part of his Christmas, too.