Where to Catch a Classic Holiday Movie

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes many traditions: sipping eggnog by the fire, baking cookies for Santa, and heading out to see Christmas lights. For many, watching a holiday movie is an important part of their winter tradition.

Turn on the television and it’s easy to find a holiday movie to watch. Every streaming service offers a robust lineup of seasonal movies, from the classics to the current-day faves. Many families watch these over and over as part of their holiday tradition. Here are some fun facts about holiday movies over the years:

• First Holiday Movie: Santa Claus, 1898. This silent, black-and-white film was known as a technical marvel at the time.
• Highest Grossing Animated Holiday Movie: The Grinch, 2018. The third adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ 1957 book grossed more than $540 million worldwide.
• Highest Grossing Live-Action Holiday Movie: Home Alone, 1990. This comedic holiday film, the first in a franchise, brought in more than $476 million.
• Most Streamed Christmas Movie: Elf, 2003. Starring Will Ferrell as loveable Buddy the Elf, this comedy classic has been streamed more than 9 million times.
• Highest Rated Christmas Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946. According to IMDB, this classic starring Jimmy Stewart is the highest rated according to users.
• Most Controversial Holiday Film: Die Hard, 1988. Some debate whether it’s a Christmas movie at all, but regardless, it’s considered one of the best action movies of all time.

Sure, curling up at home to watch a holiday movie is great, but sometimes, it’s best to see it on the big screen! There are several new holiday movies out this year, but many theaters around the Sacramento region are also playing older Christmas movies as well. From the black-and-white classics (White Christmas) to the cult classics (Elf), there are special showings for older movies for both kids and adults alike. Following are some spots where you can see classic holiday films in Sacramento.

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Crest Theatre | Sacramento

This historic theater in downtown Sacramento has a robust holiday movie lineup this year. The schedule is as follows:

• A Christmas Story, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.
• Elf, Dec. 20, 3 p.m.
• Die Hard, Dec. 20, 8 p.m.
• White Christmas, Dec. 22, 6 p.m.
• Miracle on 34th Street, Dec. 23, 7 p.m.
• The Polar Express, Dec. 24, 2 p.m.

Tower Theatre | Sacramento

Another historic theater, this one is located in Sacramento’s Land Park neighborhood. They are putting on their “Three Weeks of Christmas” event, which takes place Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Remaining films include It’s a Wonderful Life on Dec. 11 and Love Actually on Dec. 18. They’re also showing Elf on Dec. 14 and 15 at 10 a.m. and Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. They are part of the Pajama Party series, so wear festive PJs and enjoy hot cocoa and other goodies!

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Cinemark | Various Locations

Cinemark has locations across the Sacramento region, and although they’re known for the first-run blockbusters, they also show classic movies as well. White Christmas will play Dec. 15-17. As part of their Holiday Movie Clubhouse series, The Polar Express will play Dec. 11 and How the Grinch Stole Christmas will play Dec. 14 and 18. All movies will screen at their locations in Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove and Rocklin.

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Regal | Various Locations

Regal cinemas also has locations throughout the Sacramento region, including Natomas, Elk Grove, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and Auburn. Here’s the lineup:

• The Polar Express, Dec. 15, Natomas, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Auburn ($5 matinee)
• White Christmas, Dec. 15-17, Natomas, Elk Grove, El Dorado Hills.
• The Polar Express in 4DX 3D, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Natomas.
• Elf, Dec. 14, Natomas, Elk Grove, Roseville, Auburn ($5 matinee).
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Dec. 22, Natomas, Elk Grove, Roseville, Auburn ($5 matinee).

Studio Movie Grill | Rocklin

Located in Rocklin, you can take advantage of a full-service meal (and adult beverages) while you catch a classic holiday flick. Their Retro Series features National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Elf on Dec. 18, also at 7:30 p.m.

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Catch a Holiday Movie in Sacramento Today!

So, whether you prefer a feel-good holiday drama or a laugh-out-loud Christmas comedy, there’s bound to be a classic holiday movie playing somewhere near you. Take advantage of the special movie screenings held at various theaters during the holidays and see your favorite on the big screen!