For many, the holiday season is incomplete without those cozy evenings spent watching Christmas movies. Thankfully, Los Angeles offers a plethora of movie theaters screening all the classic Christmas films. From the bustling DTLA to the charming Pasadena and the iconic Hollywood, here's your ultimate guide to experiencing the magic of Christmas movies in LA theaters.

Dive into the Holiday Movie Magic of LA Theaters

Alamo Drafthouse

This national movie theater chain is a favorite among local cinephiles. Not only do they serve food directly to your seat, but they also have a wonderful Wicked Holiday Wonderland Menu available at all screenings through Jan. 13, 2025. Indulge in fun drinks like the Defying Gravi-Tea with Irish whiskey or the Witch’s Brew horchata with Malibu coconut rum.The location in Downtown LA at The Bloc, 700 W 7th St Ste. U240, is a must-visit. Their holiday movie screenings include a diverse lineup such as Klaus on Dec. 11, Elf on Dec. 17, 18, 22, 23, and many more.

Rooftop Cinema Club

Bringing back its Fireside Films series, Rooftop Cinema Club keeps us cozy through the winter. Each loveseat or Adirondack chair comes with its own personal wood-burning stove, and you can opt for a blanket for an extra fee. Snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or apple cider and enjoy the film without catching a chill.Located at 888 S Olive St 4th Floor in Downtown LA, their holiday movie screenings are equally impressive. You can catch movies like Serendipity on Dec. 12 and 21, Elf on Dec. 13 and 20, and a wide variety of other classics.

Yuletide Cinemaland

Street Food Cinema's Yuletide Cinemaland presents open-air movies picnic-style at Pasadena's Heritage Square Museum. Bundle up and enjoy a merry evening under the stars while making the most of the on-site craft market, food trucks, and holiday lights.The location at 3545 Pasadena Ave in Pasadena is a sight to behold. Their holiday movie screenings include Edward Scissorhands on Dec. 13, How The Grinch Stole Christmas on Dec. 14, and a host of other beloved films.

The Hollywood Roosevelt

Did you know that the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel hosts public movie screenings every week? This month, they alternate between the Tropicana Pool and the Cinegrill Theater. You can get towels, blankets, and heaters at the pool on a first-come, first-served basis.Located at 7000 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, their holiday movie screenings include The Godfather on Dec. 11 (Cinegrill), Home Alone on Dec. 12 (Tropicana), and a range of other festive films.

American Cinematheque

Presenting a nice lineup of Christmas movies at three LA theaters - the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, The Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz, and the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Their screenings are popular among local movie buffs for having a great variety of indies, cult classics, and new releases.At the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, you can catch Santa Claus Conquers the Martians on Dec. 14 and Die Hard on Dec. 21. The Los Feliz 3 Theatre has Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point on Dec. 19, 21, 22 and Bad Santa on Dec. 23. And at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, you can enjoy The Muppet Christmas Carol on Dec. 21, The Polar Express 3D on Dec. 22, and more.

New Beverly Cinema

Quentin Tarantino's historic LA movie theater presents films in 35mm. With a carefully curated lineup of classic and contemporary films, plus some new releases, it's a must-visit. Their holiday schedule includes multiple screenings of Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life, Die Hard, and more.Located at 7165 Beverly Blvd in Fairfax, their holiday movie screenings are a treat for movie lovers.

Melrose Rooftop

This 21+ outdoor rooftop theater in WeHo is a great centrally-located option. They present a reliable mix of classics and new releases, and this December you can enjoy a different holiday movie almost daily until Christmas. Each guest gets a personal beanbag chair and an individual wireless headset to enjoy the film, and you can order food and snacks to your seat.Located at 603 N La Cienega Blvd in West Hollywood, their holiday movie screenings are a delight. From The Nightmare Before Christmas to Elf, there's something for everyone.

LA Philharmonic's Home Alone Live Film Soundtrack Concert

On the weekend before Christmas, the LA Philharmonic will present a highly-anticipated live film soundtrack concert for the movie Home Alone. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra will fill the Walt Disney Concert Hall with a live rendition of John Williams’ memorable score. Consider arriving early in your best holiday sweater to participate in “Ugly Sweaters & Trivia” in BP Hall.Performances are at 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA.