One of the true delights of the Christmas season is the excuse to watch Christmas movies on repeat throughout the winter. Whether you love Love Actually or constantly rewatch The Muppet Christmas Carol, ’tis the season to curl up and get cosy in front of a festive flick. But what if you fancy getting out of the house so you can watch them on the big screen? Well, you’re in luck, because these cinemas and movie-focused pop-ups are hosting special Christmas movie screenings this winter.
Ranging from rooftop cinemas to intimate venues and retro theatres, these venues are serving up festive cheer (and popcorn) by the sleigh-load this winter. So grab some snacks and settle in; the film’s about to start!
London’s iconic Prince Charles Cinema will be screening an extensive collection of Christmas movies throughout the festive season. They’re showing The Muppet Christmas Carol almost every single day through December in the run-up to Christmas. They’re also programming a special selection of ‘Alt. Xmas’ films – aka “Festive favourites that aren’t very festive”. These include everything from Tokyo Godfathers to Batman Returns, Eyes Wide Shut, and, of course, Die Hard.
🕰️ Screenings from November 28 – December 26.
Find out more here.
This December, the Royal Albert Hall is treating Macaulay Culkin fans to two extremely special Christmas screenings of Home Alone. These concert screenings will see the film’s iconic score being performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus. It just might be the most magical way to watch a Christmas movie in London.
🕰️ Screenings on December 6 & 13.
Find out more here.
Pair your Christmas movie screening with a special festive meal at Kitchen at Holmes. They’re inviting guests to join them at their extremely intimate movie showings, with space for just 8 people at a timefor a magical experience this winter.
🕰️ Screenings from December 4 – 20.
Find out more here.
4. Backyard Cinema
Image: @backyardcinema, via IG
Backyard Cinema is enhancing Christmas movie screenings with an immersive experience that “brings the festive spirit roaring to life”. It all starts with live performances in the Christmas Cabaret Room before you make your way through the towering trees of the Enchanted Forest. Then, it’s time to warm up in The Cosy Forest Cinema, “a retro-style theatre where it snows before every screening”. How’s that for a truly special Christmas cinematic experience?
🕰️ Screenings from November 26 – December 31.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
5. Christmas Pop-Up Cinema at Rivoli Ballroom
Image: @croftonparkpictures, via IG
Add some flair to your festive film-watching at this South London ballroomwhich will transform into a pop-up cinema this December. They’ll be screening classics like Elf and Home Alone alongside alternative picks such as Die Hard and Gremlins. (Because, yes, they are both Christmas movies!)
🕰️ Screenings on December 20 & 21.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
6. Clapham Grand
Image: @theclaphamgrand & @thegrandsdreamteam, via IG
The Clapham Grand is accenting its schedule of festive-themed club nights and raucous parties with a handful of film screenings. But don’t expect these to be any less raucous than a typical night out at the venue! These events will feature singing, drinking, and Xmas Disco tunes – oh, and a snow machine, of course!
🕰️ Screenings on December 7, 11 & 13.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
7. The Arzner
Image: @arznercinema, via IG
This hidden gem of a cinema in South London’s Bermondsey (London’s only cinema dedicated to screening LGBTQ+ films) is queer-ing up the holiday season. Through December, their range of ”Tis the Season to Be Queer’ screenings will treat guests to a variety of Christmassy cinematic experiences. Enjoy some ‘ho-ho-horror’ film such as Carnage for Christmas or Anna and the Apocalypseor settle in for a cosy LGBTQ+ flick such as Happiest Season or Make the Yuletide Gay. Psst… they also do puppy-friendly screenings so you can take your dog along with you!
🕰️ Screenings from December 13 – 24.
Find out more and get tickets here.
8. art’otel London
Battersea Power Station’s art’otel is also treating us to Christmas movie screenings this winter. Following the success of last year’s events, they’re inviting you up to the JOIA restaurant rooftop for some jaw-dropping cinematic experiences against the backdrop of the iconic power station chimneys. Catch holiday classics such as The Holiday, Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Santa Clause, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and more.
🕰️ Screenings from November 20 – December 21.
Find out more and grab a ticket here.
