As the weather gets cooler and the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to grab your friends and family and snuggle up for some holiday movie cheer. We’ve gathered a few places to see your favorites, or maybe discover a new one.
Alamo Drafthouse
Here, you can enjoy dinner and drinks with your special holiday movie showing, but as always at Alamo, be sure to arrive on time and silence your phone. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 6 and older will be admitted. 20575 Easthampton Plz., Ashburn; 1660 Crystal Dr., Arlington; 15200 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge, starting at $14
Elf Movie Party
Ashburn: December 8, 14, 15, 16, 18
Arlington: December 8, 14, 15
Woodbridge: December 8, 14, 15, 16
This holiday classic, rated PG, follows the epic journey of Buddy the Elf as he travels from the North Pole through the forest of twirly swirly gumdrops to the Big Apple to reunite with his father. The movie party includes props, a gift “wrap off” before the film, and your very own elf hat.
The Polar Express Movie Party
Ashburn, Arlington, Woodbridge: December 7
With a G rating, this film is appropriate for the whole family. It takes viewers on a magical train ride to the North Pole to see Santa. Props at the kid-friendly movie party include a Santa hat, sleigh bells, and fun activity sheets to take home.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Movie Party
Ashburn, Arlington, Woodbridge: December 8, 15
Hop in the camper, it’s time to join the entire Griswold family as they celebrate Christmas in their own chaotic way in this PG-13 film. Festive movie-party props like pine tree air fresheners, yellow glow sticks, and ugly neckties are included to help you feel like you’re an honorary Griswold.
It’s a Wonderful Life Brunch
Ashburn, Arlington, Woodbridge: December 15
This 1946 film is a holiday classic and a timeless tradition for many families. This showing at Alamo includes a special brunch menu to accompany the film.
National Harbor – Holiday Movies on the Potomac
Bring your blankets, grab some food from one of the many nearby restaurants, snuggle up, and enjoy your favorite holiday films on the jumbo screen outside. 150 National Plz., National Harbor, Maryland, free
The Santa Clause
December 8
When Santa has a mishap delivering toys, Tim Allen, playing the lead, is recruited to take his place in this 1994 PG-rated Christmas favorite.
The Year Without a Santa Claus
December 15
This stop-motion animated classic is the one we all grew up watching. Rated TV-G, this is sure to bring back holiday memories for parents and create a new generation of fans.
Jack Frost
December 22
A snowman comes to life when Michael Keaton, in the lead role, attempts to prove he’s the coolest dad around in this touching PG-rated holiday movie.
The Polar Express
December 29
An animated, magical train ride to the North Pole, this G-rated Christmas favorite features Tom Hanks in multiple roles. It’s perfect for the whole family.
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas
These theaters in Reston and Tysons provide opportunities to see holiday classics on the big screen throughout December. As a bonus, you can order food, craft cocktails, and beer right to your seat while you watch the Christmas classics. 11940 Market St., Reston; 1667 Silver Hill Dr., McLean, starting at $7
A Christmas Story
December 5
Set in the 1940s, this nostalgic PG-rated tale follows Ralphie as he tries to convince his family, and Santa, to get him a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
Elf
December 8
Indulge in your affinity for elf culture with Buddy the Elf, played by Will Farrell in what may be his most charming role, as Buddy spreads Christmas cheer throughout Manhattan in this much-loved PG film.
The Polar Express
December 15
Hop aboard and hold onto your sleigh bells during a magical train ride to Santa’s place in a Christmas tale perfect for young and old alike. Rated G.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
December 19
Chevy Chase, in his iconic role as Clark Griswold, celebrates the holidays with his family as he stumbles from one misadventure to the next in this PG-13 movie.
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