13 Holiday Movies Playing in Philadelphia-Area Theaters
Sure, you could sit inside and watch whatever movie marathons are on cable this month. But isn’t that what you do every weekend? Instead, venture out to see some holiday classics like they were meant to be seen: on the big screen.
Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny (1972)
Exhumed Films presents the weirdest Christmas film known to man. This ’70s B-movie is just really, really creepy and is now meant for no one but hate-watchers. This screening presents an extremely rare version with special deleted scenes.
Where: International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut St.
When: Tuesday, December 9th, 7 p.m.
How Much: $10
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppets perform cheery songs to retell this Dickens holiday classic, with Gonzo playing Dickens, the narrator, the great Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit as Bob Cratchit.
Where: The County Theater, 20 East State St., Doylestown, PA
When: Saturday, December 13th, 10:30 a.m.
How Much: $4
An unexpected hero saves the day in “Arthur Christmas.” | Photo via Facebook.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
When Santa’s high-tech production line goes down, the bumbling black sheep of this famous family steps in to save the day in this animated feature.
Where: Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA
When: Saturday, December 13th, 11 a.m.
How Much: Adults $5, kids $4
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) plus How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
This double feature is perfect for little ones or those longing for a wallop of nostalgia. Each film is under an hour and includes songs from the Snow Miser and the Heat Miser and the hit “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch.”
Where: PFS Theater at the Roxy, 2023 Sansom Street
When: Saturday, December 13th, 11 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.
How Much: $8 for adults, $7 for students, and $5 for kids under 12
(PFS Theater at the Roxy is playing Holiday Films all month long).
White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby stars in this revered holiday musical about two performers making their way through post-World War II America. And yes, it features the instant-classic rendition of “White Christmas.”
Where: Newtown Theatre, 120 North State St., Newtown, PA
When: Monday, December 15th, 7 p.m.
How Much: $5, plus a nonperishable item for Bucks County Food Pantry
(Newtown Theatre is showing more Holiday Film Screenings, too.)
Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)
This isn’t exactly holiday fare, but the story of an important family moving to New York at the turn of the century is endlessly watchable. Plus, you’ll see a young Judy Garland singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Priceless.
Where: PFS Theater at the Roxy, 2023 Sansom Street
When: Monday, December 15th and Tuesday, December 16th, various times
How Much: $8 for adults, $7 for students, and $5 for kids under 12
Get romantic with a BYO showing of Love Actually. | Photo via Facebook.
Love Actually (2003)
It’s date night! This showing of the ever-popular, A-list-filled, rom-com extravaganza known as Love Actually, is a BYO Wine event! Add a $2 corkage fee and you’re on your way to a romantic evening (or girls’ night).
Where: PFS Theater at the Roxy, 2023 Sansom Street
When: Wednesday, December 17th, 8:45 p.m.
How Much: $10 if you bring wine, $8 without
The Polar Express (2004)
It’s only been 10 years since this animated film debuted, but it’s made its mark on the season. Not-so-cheery kids get on a train to the North Pole to meet the big man in charge—and it’s a bumpy ride.
Where: Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA
When: Saturday, December 20th, 10:30 a.m.
How Much: $4
Babes in Toyland (1961)
Take the kids to see this beautiful operetta brought to life in Technicolor. Be sure to explain who stars Annette Funicello and Ray Bolger (Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz) are to the little ones.
Where: Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA
When: Saturday, December 20th, 11 a.m.
How Much: Adults $5, kids $4
Elf (2003)
Consider this your reminder that this film is now over a decade old—and the jokes about Santa and favorite colors are still funny. Will Ferrell stars as giant clumsy elf Buddy looking for his real father and meeting Zoey Deschanel along the way.
Where: Hiway Theater, 212 Old York Road, Jenkintown, PA
When: Saturday, December 20th, 10 a.m.
How Much: $4
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
George Bailey has the original mid-life crisis. Bogged down by his life, he contemplates ending it all until an angel intervenes. He regains his spirit in a Christmas miracle and an angel gets its wings.
Where: Sellersville Theater, 24 West Temple Ave., Sellersville PA
When: Monday, December 22nd , 7:30 p.m.
How Much: Free! But please bring some canned goods for Pennridge FISH Food Bank
“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”|Photo via Facebook.
Bad Santa (2003)
A con man (Billy Bob Thorton, naturally) poses as Santa so he can rob department stores until his evil plans are thwarted. This is the uncut version, so it’s definitely not safe for kiddies or sensitive types.
Where: PFS Theater at the Roxy, 2023 Sansom Street
When: Monday, December 22nd and Tuesday, December 23rd, various times
How Much: $8 for adults, $7 for students, and $5 for kids under 12
A Christmas Story (1983)
Knock out the post-Christmas blues by reliving the magic one more time with Ralphie and the gang. This 1940’s period film also features one of the best and most repeated movie lines of all time: “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”
Where: Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA
When: Saturday, December 27th, 11 a.m.
How Much: Adults $5, kids $4
More Philadelphia holiday guides:
- 10 Great Places to Ice Skate
- 10 Best Holiday Sites
- 8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah
- 11 Kid-Friendly Holiday Events
- 14 Philly Holiday Shows
- 15 Holiday Events
- The Best Christmas Lights in and Around Philadelphia
- Do All Your Holiday Shopping at These 14 Local Pop-Up Markets
- Christmas Tree Farms in Pennsylvania and New Jersey: Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
