The Famous Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story Was Born in Oklahoma

It might surprise you to learn that one of the most famous movie props ever made didn’t come from Hollywood at all. It came from right here in Oklahoma. Yep, the legendary leg lamp from A Christmas Story was born in the Sooner State, first imagined and built by an Okie.

So who’s the genius behind the “major award”? That would be Nolan James, born and raised in Chickasha. He taught at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Visual Arts and, long before the movie ever existed, he built a lamp out of mannequin legs and a shade that sat proudly in his office.

It was weird, funny, and totally unforgettable... the kind of thing people stopped to comment on. One of those people ended up working on A Christmas Story, and well… you can probably guess what happened next.

Sadly, Nolan passed away in 2020, but his legacy didn’t fade. Chickasha made sure of that.

If you’ve driven through town lately, you’ve probably seen it, a 50-foot-tall leg lamp towering near the old train depot on 1st Street. It’s lit up year-round and draws visitors from all over. People call it “indescribably beautiful” and say it makes them think of Christmas, the 4th of July, and small-town pride all rolled into one.

And while you’re in Chickasha checking out the world’s largest leg lamp, don’t skip the Festival of Lights. It’s one of Oklahoma’s biggest Christmas displays... millions of lights, music, hot cocoa, and more. It’s gotten so popular, Buc-ee’s has even scouted the area for Oklahoma’s first location.

So if you’re feeling nostalgic this holiday season, take a little road trip south. There’s no better way to see Christmas through an Okie’s eyes, glowing leg lamp and all.