Event Finder: Christmas Movie Screenings

Christmas Movie Classics Coming to a Theater Near You

Cozy up and catch some of these classic holiday films being shown around the area.

It ain't Christmas if you haven't watched "It's a Wonderful Life." Starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, the film takes you along for the life story of goodhearted but discontented George Bailey and culminates on one fateful Christmas night. Showtimes at AFI Silver Theatre (8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Md.):

  • Fri., Dec. 16, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 17, 5 and 7:45 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 18, 7 p.m.; Mon., Dec. 19, 6:30 and 9:05 p.m.; Tue., Dec. 20, 4:30 and 9:05 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 21, 6:30 and 9:05 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 22, 4:30 and 9:05 p.m. $11.


Iconic feel-good film "A Christmas Story" will be at not one, but two theaters this year, giving you double the chances to shoot your eye out.

  • AFI Silver Theatre (8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring): Fri., Dec. 16, 9:45 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 17, 10:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 18, 5 and 9:45 p.m.; $11.
  • Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington): Sun., Dec. 11, 3 p.m.; $8 for whole day of showings.


For a musical holiday classic you may never have actually seen, catch "White Christmas" (1954) with Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye on the big screen at National Theater (1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW)

  • Mon., Dec 12, 6:30 p.m.; free; tickets are distributed 30 minutes prior to showing, first come first served.


The Muppets reinterpret Dickens in 1992's "The Muppet Christmas Carol" starring Michael Caine as Scrooge. Showtimes at AFI Theatre (8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Md.)

  • Fri., Dec. 16, 5 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 17, 3:10 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 18, 3:10 p.m.; Mon., Dec. 19, 4:30 p.m.; Tue., Dec. 20, 7:10 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 21, 4:30 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 22, 7:10 p.m. $11.


Cartoon favorite based on the Dr. Seuss book of the same name How The Grinch Stole Christmas shows the true meaning of Christmas. Showtimes at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington)

  • Sun., Dec. 11, noon and 2:30 p.m.; $8 for all films showing that day.


The Peanuts gang takes on materialism during the holidays with seminal classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas" at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington).

  • Sun., Dec. 11, 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.; $8 for all films showing that day.


Lovable -- and quotable -- Buddy, the human raised by Christmas elves, treks to modern-day Manhattan to find his real father in "Elf," starring Will Ferrell. Showtimes at the Arlington Draft House (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA.)

  • Sun., Dec. 11, 1 p.m.; $8 for all films showing that day.

If you're tired of re-watching the regular holiday films, check out Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival at E Street Cinema (555 11th St. NW). Featuring retro Christmas cartoons and mini-features, the main event will be 1964's so-bad-it's-almost-good "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians."

  • Fri., Dec. 16 and Sat, Dec. 17, midnight. $11.


Beloved comedian Chevy Chase's "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" takes you through the excruciating holiday season, Griswold family-style. Showtime at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington)

  • Sun., Dec. 11, 7:20 p.m. $8 for all films showing that day.


Want a modern (well, circa 1988) reboot of "A Christmas Carol" featuring Bill Murray? Look no further than "Scrooged." Showtime at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA.)

  • Sun., Dec. 11, 5:15 p.m. $8 for all films showing that day.
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