Holiday Movies at The Art Theatre

The Art Theatre, the jewel of Retro Row, is unspooling a festive mix of nostalgia, romance and slashers this holiday season. From morning screenings to late-night screamings, each film offers a unique way to celebrate the spirit of the season. And there’s few better ways to enjoy any film than inside this fully renovated 100-year-old beauty.

BLACK CHRISTMAS, Dec. 19

Considered both a slasher classic and one of the first Christmas horror films, Black Christmas (1974) follows a group of sorority sisters, including Jess (Olivia Hussey) and Barb (Margot Kidder), who begin receiving threatening phone calls from an unknown stalker. Soon, someone goes missing leading the women to suspect a serial killer is on the loose. And you think you hate the holidays. This 16 mm print, shown at 10 PM, is a tense, suspenseful groundbreaking film.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Dec. 20-21

The Godzilla of Christmas movies, It’s a Wonderful Life will be shown on back-to-back days at 11 AM. The film follows George Bailey, a small-town man burdened by personal and financial struggles, who contemplates ending his life on Christmas Eve only to find out what the world would be like without him. Sure, you’ve seen the Frank Capra classic, but have you ever seen it in the way it was intended to be experienced, a 16mm print projected on the silver screen in the Art Theatre–a classic itself!

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, Dec. 27-28

When Harry Met Sally, a holiday classic? Well, one of the best–if not the best–rom coms ever, much of its action takes place during festive New York winters, with nostalgic, snowy cityscapes. The witty warmth of the writing and performances is tailor-made for seasonal viewing. Plus, the entire film moves to its joyous culmination–ON NEW YEAR’S EVE! (Kiss! Kiss!) The film’s timeless charm pairs perfectly with the Art Theatre—itself a 100-year-old classic–where it will be shown at 11 AM both days.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.