Spyglass Media Group
Audio By Carbonatix
Holiday movies are as essential to the season as candy canes and questionable fruitcakes. We all have our favorites that we watch every year, but this season, Dallas theaters are turning the simple act of watching a festive film into a full-blown event. Forget just pressing play on your streaming service. We’re talking about 35mm prints, gourmet meals served to your seat, themed movie parties and even a few holiday horrors to spice things up.
Whether you’re looking for a dose of pure nostalgia or a delightfully weird way to celebrate, the city’s coolest cinemas have something festive on the schedule.
More Than Just a Movie
Some theaters are going the extra mile to make your holiday screening an unforgettable night out. The Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff continues its legacy of unique cinematic events with 35mm presentations of holiday-adjacent classics. Catching a film here feels like stepping back in time, adding a layer of authenticity to your viewing experience. They’re known for digging up gems, so expect to see unconventional picks such as Carol and Batman Returns alongside the standards, like A Nightmare Before Christmas.
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Meanwhile, Alamo Drafthouse is the undisputed champion of the movie party. Their holiday programming often includes interactive screenings where you’re encouraged to quote along, plus themed food and cocktails that perfectly match the film. Imagine sipping some eggnog out of a moose cup while watching the Griswolds unleash chaos — an immersive experience that turns a movie into a memory.
For those who prefer a more refined evening, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas offers the VIP treatment. Think push-button service, plush reclining seats, and a gourmet menu delivered right to you. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic like The Holiday or It’s a Wonderful Life while indulging in a little seasonal luxury.
Your Holiday Movie Cheat Sheet
Ready to plan your cinematic calendar? Here’s a quick rundown of what’s playing and where you can find it. Be sure to check theater websites for specific dates and showtimes.
- For the Traditionalist: Find screenings of It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at various locations, including Alamo Drafthouse and Cinepolis.
- For the ’90s Kid: Relive your childhood with The Polar Express and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Galaxy Theatre in Grandscape.
- For the Unconventional: Is it even a holiday movie? That’s for you to decide. Catch screenings of Batman Returns, Eyes Wide Shut, Carol, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Long Kiss Goodnight at theaters like the Texas Theatre, Alamo Drafthouse and Violet Crown.
- For the Horror Fan: If you like your holidays with a side of suspense, look for screenings of the original Black Christmas (1974) at the Texas Theatre, or the creature feature Gremlins with a drag brunch at the Alamo Drafthouse.
- For the Stop-Motion Lover: The Nightmare Before Christmas will be popping up at the Texas Theatre with a special ballet performance, settling the Christmas-or-Halloween-movie debate once and for all (or not).
So, grab your ugliest holiday sweater, round up your friends and book your tickets. This year, make your holiday movie night an adventure. After all, nothing says “festive spirit” quite like watching Bruce Willis foil a terrorist plot on Christmas Eve on the big screen.
