Earlier this evening, December 7th, the Alabama Theatre announced on Facebook that they would be canceling the remainder of 2020’s Alabama Theatre Holiday Film Series, beginning with tonight’s showing of one of my favorite Christmas movies, It’s A Wonderful Life. If you have fond memories of seeing holiday films at the venue, or are saddened by the cancelation of the 2020 season, here’s how you can help preserve the Alabama Theatre for future generations.

Canceled due to COVID-19

Bham Now at The Alabama Theatre — Last year, the Bham Now team made fond memories while watching Elf during the Holiday Film Series. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

2020 isn’t holding back any punches. The beloved Holiday Film Series at the Alabama Theatre has officially been canceled for the rest of the year due to—you guessed it—COVID-19. With cases rising in Alabama and across the country, the Alabama Theatre didn’t feel that they could responsibly continue with the series.

For many Birminghamians, the annual Holiday Film Series is a way to meaningfully celebrate the spirit of the holidays with friends and family. And how can you not love holiday classics like A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone and Christmas Vacation? Last year, the Bham Now team spent a wonderful evening watching Elf at the Alabama Theatre—it is truly one of my fondest memories here in Birmingham.

The Alabama Theatre Needs Your Help

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With the cancelation of the 2020 Holiday Film Series, the Alabama Theatre has lost a much-needed source of revenue. This year has been extremely tough on performing arts venues, especially historic Birmingham Landmarks like the Alabama and Lyric Theatres.

Normally, these theatres would have spent the year hosting movies, school field trips, concerts, dance competitions, comedy shows, worship services, proms, graduations, weddings and more. In fact, 90% of their operating budget comes from events like these—the Alabama and Lyric Theatres are NOT publicly funded.

Since the Alabama and Lyric are historic and delicate, it is simply impossible for them to close until the pandemic sweeps over. Each theatre requires constant care and maintenance—and the money to do so is drying up. By the end of the year, the two theatres will have lost more than $2 million in revenue.

Spread the Holiday Cheer — Donate Today

Bham Now'er Nathan Watson at Alabama Theatre — Hey look, it’s me, the author. Donate to the Alabama & Lyric Theatres today to help preserve their magic for generations to come. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now, taken before COVID-19

Three months ago, the Alabama & Lyric Theatres launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds to cover expenses. With over 1,300 individual donations, the campaign has met less than half of its $500,000 goal. However, there is still plenty of time to donate!

Donating is super easy. If you’d like to donate online, visit the GoFundMe campaign or the Alabama Theatre’s website to make an Immediate Cash Donation. If you’d prefer to mail a check, send it to:

Birmingham Landmarks, Inc.
1813 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham AL 35203
Please write “GoFundMe donation” in the memo.

Plus, all contributions are tax deductible! It’s a win-win.

If you love the Alabama Theatre as much as we do at Bham Now, you know that losing this landmark would be a tremendous loss for Birmingham. It’s time to step up and do our part to save this treasured piece of Birmingham history.