How to Watch a Beloved Holiday Movie on a Big Screen

As we compiled our list of the best holiday-themed movies of all time, we discovered that watching them at home is but one option. Of course, cuddling up with a cozy blanket and some snacks in your PJ’s is one way to go. But if you want to make watching a beloved classic holiday movie into a bigger event, head to a theater holding a holiday film festival on the big screen. Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum shares how to watch your favorite film on a big screen this holiday season in cities across the US.

lots of holiday film festivals at luxury movie theaters this year

If you are looking for a fun holiday activity on a cold, windy day – whether it’s with friends, family, visitors, or even a date – why not see one of your favorite holiday films in a luxury movie theater? Cinemas all over the United States are doing special celebratory showings of some of the most beloved Christmas classics.

Bring friends, bring the kids, and feel a little extra festive this year as you watch some old favorites again, this time on the big screen.

How to watch a beloved holiday movie on a big screen

New York

1. It’s a Wonderful Life at IFC Theater

At New York’s favorite haven for independent films, IFC Theater, there will be screenings all month long of It’s a Wonderful Life. As a special treat, Mary Owen, daughter of the film’s star, Donna Reed, will be at multiple showings each week to introduce the film.

2. Three Christmas classics at Cinepolis Chelsea

You can head to Cinépolis Chelsea, the gorgeously renovated theater on 23^rd Street, to see three Christmas favorites. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (December 3^rd, 7 pm), The Polar Express (December 10^th, 7 pm) and A Christmas Story (December 17^th, 7 pm). Sit back and relax in their comfortable armchairs, and let the holiday magic sweep you away.

3. A Holiday Movie marathon at Syndicated Brooklyn

The beloved Bushwick theater and bar Syndicated has a fantastic holiday viewing schedule all through December. From December 13^th through December 23^rd, catch A Christmas Story, Scrooged, Home Alone, Die Hard, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life.

4. A holiday film festival at the Alamo Drafthouse Brooklyn

The Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn is our favorite place to watch movies, thanks to its comfy seats and great food. This season you can catch Elf (December 8^th, 12 pm, and 17^th and 18^th, 7 pm) and Black Christmas (December 17^th, 9:30 pm), and for a special kid-friendly palooza, The Grinch (December 13^th, 10:45 am, 14^th and 15^th, 8:15 am).

Los Angeles

1. Elf at The Roadium

The Roadium is an amazing drive-in theater that evokes all kinds of nostalgia. On December 10^th, you can pedal over to see a showing of everyone’s favorite, Elf, at 7 pm. Tickets are per car, not per person, and there will be food trucks in the vicinity to offer refreshments.

2. A holiday film festival at the New Beverly Cinema

New Beverly Cinema is a historic theater (that is currently owned by Quentin Tarantino!). This year, it’s the place to enjoy a full repertoire of Christmas favorites. The line-up includes A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Bad Santa, and Black Christmas.

Plus National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, The Muppets Christmas Carol, White Christmas, Holiday Affair, and Home Alone. They’re even screening a film of debatable holiday relevance: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. There are options for the whole family.

3. The holiday film festival at ArcLight Cinemas

At all of their Los Angeles locations, ArcLight Cinema will host screenings of Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Love Actually, Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Scrooged. Wherever you are in the city of Los Angeles, you’ll be able to catch these all month long.

San Francisco

1. The New Parkway in Oakland

The New Parkway in Oakland is one of the most unique in the area. The seating in the theater is made up of reclaimed vintage furniture and cozy sofas. There are frequent special event series, and the holidays are no exception.

Stop by for viewings of Trading Places (December 12^th, 10:30 pm), Gremlins (December 19^th, 9:30 pm), and Elf (December 20^th, 10:30 pm). It’s a Wonderful Life (December 21^stand 23^rd, 3 pm) and, perhaps in honor of Hanukkah, Fiddler on the Roof (December 25^th, 3 pm).

2. Alama Drafthouse New Mission

If you’re in search of a big screen to watch your favorite Christmas movie, head to the West Coast branch of our favorite movie theater chain, Alamo Drafthouse New Mission. You can catch Elf (December 10^th and 17^th, 7 pm) and Love Actually (December 18^th, 7 pm). These are movie parties, meaning you can expect special surprise goodies and thematic menu options, and a truly festive viewing experience.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life and more at The Castro Theater

Built in 1922, The Castro Theater is a registered landmark in San Francisco. And one of the last remaining theaters from the 1920’s that is still in operation in the US.

Enjoy a double feature of Elf and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (December 19^th, 7 pm and 5/8:50 pm). The Nightmare Before Christmas (December 21^st, 3 and 7 pm) and a special 4k restoration of It’s A Wonderful Life (December 22^nd, 1:30, 4:15 and 7 pm). The theater is also hosting a special musical presentation called ‘Femlins,’ followed by a showing of the movie Gremlins on December 14^th.

4. Love Actually and Elf at the Balboa Theater

Another historic San Francisco location, the Balboa Theater is also an excellent spot to spend the holidays. On December 4^th at 7:30 they’ll be showing Love Actually on VHS. On December 10^th at 7:30 they’ll be showing Gremlins. And on December 12^th at 7 pm, they’re having a special “Elf-Stravaganza” – which is a 21+ viewing of the film Elf that includes an ugly sweater contest.

Chicago

1. Vintage holiday movies at The Logan Theater

The Logan Theater is ready to help make your December special, and to do that they’ll have late night showings of holiday flicks all month. At 10:30 pm each night all month, they’re bringing you different holiday classics, including A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, Elf, and A Christmas Story. Gremlins, A Christmas Carol, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Trading Places.

2. The Movie Tavern at Marcus Theaters

From December 6^th to 19^th, the Marcus Theaters’ Movie Tavern is hosting a special retro holiday series that includes How The Grinch Stole Christmas, White Christmas, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Polar Express, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

3. Live Santa sightings and music at The Music Box

At The Music Box, your holiday screenings can be accompanied by a Santa Clause in costume and live music. Catch the 36^th annual sing-a-long (or hiss-a-long) double feature of the musical White Christmas and the classic It’s a Wonderful Life.

This is more a holiday movie event than a simple screening. It’s sure to be a ton of fun, with screenings available from December 12^th to 24^th. If you’re more interested in “alternative” Christmas movies, attend their “alternative Christmas double feature” of Elf and Love Actually on December 11^th  (4:45 pm to 9:45 pm) or December 17^th.

How to watch a beloved classic holiday movie on the big screen this year

That’s it! Some great options for a screening of your favorite holiday films in an old-school movie theater – with the really good popcorn! And sometimes holiday cocktails, too. Who knew there were so many excellent options for a holiday movie film festival?

So what’s your favorite holiday movie? Enjoy the season!

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Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.

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