Watching a Christmas classic on the big screen with an audience is a holiday tradition for many Torontonians.
Where to look
- TIFF Lightbox on King Street West often programmes holiday films and family screenings in December.
- The Revue Cinema in Roncesvalles, one of Toronto’s oldest cinemas, typically runs holiday classics.
- The Fox Theatre in the Beaches, another historic neighbourhood cinema, often shows seasonal favourites. See Christmas in the Beaches.
- Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema on Bloor Street sometimes has seasonal programming.
- Major chains often bring back holiday classics for limited runs.
Check each cinema’s December listings; programmes are announced in November.
Special formats
- Sing-along and quote-along screenings of musicals and holiday favourites.
- Movies with live orchestra: the Toronto Symphony has performed film scores live alongside the movie.
- Family matinees during winter break.
Classic Christmas movies to watch on the big screen
Toronto cinemas often bring back favourites like these in December:
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), the black-and-white classic about George Bailey.
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947), set around a department store Santa.
- Home Alone (1990), a family favourite.
- Elf (2003), sometimes shown with live orchestra.
- Love Actually (2003), a popular date-night pick.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), loved by all ages.
- Die Hard (1988), for those who count it as a Christmas movie.
- A Christmas Story (1983), with some scenes filmed in Ontario, including Toronto and St. Catharines.
Programmes change every year, so check each cinema’s December listings.
Independent cinemas worth visiting
Toronto has some of North America’s best independent cinemas, many in historic buildings. Watching a holiday film at one feels like an event:
- The Revue Cinema in Roncesvalles, a non-profit cinema in a building dating back over a century.
- The Fox Theatre in the Beaches, one of Toronto’s oldest continuously operating cinemas.
- TIFF Lightbox downtown, home of the Toronto International Film Festival.
- Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in the Annex.
Movie night at home
Not heading out? Make your own Christmas movie night: build a blanket fort, make popcorn and hot chocolate, and let everyone pick one film from a list. A movie marathon is a cozy plan for a snowy day or the quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s. See things to do between Christmas and New Year’s.
Christmas movie screenings: FAQ
Are cinemas open on Christmas Day in Toronto? Many are. Going to the movies on December 25 is a tradition for lots of families.
Are there free Christmas movie screenings? Some libraries and community centres host free family movie screenings over the holidays.
Make it an evening
Grab a hot chocolate or dinner nearby. More ideas: indoor winter activities and Christmas date ideas.
