It wouldn’t be the holidays without classic movies. Here’s where to catch your faves in Birmingham.

Sidewalk film
What’s your favorite holiday movie? Photo via Bham Now (Photo taken pre-COVID)

The holidays are looking a little different this year, but one thing that remains constant is the classic movies that keep us glued to the screen. Luckily, we found some places around town showing our favorite holiday flicks. Check them out!

Grand River Drive-In

Grand River Drive-In
Which holiday movies are you looking forward to seeing? Photo via Grand River Drive-In’s Facebook

Hanging out in the comfort of your own car while enjoying holiday movies classics sounds like the ideal set up to me. The drive-in located at The Outlet Shops of Grand River is hosting a holiday movie lineup with double features at each screen.

Every week, they announce a fresh lineup on four different screens. Are you more of an Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas person or would you prefer Christmas Vacation and Die Hard? Either way, you can find the ideal movie combo on one of their screens.

You can check out each week’s lineup on their Instagram or website.

McWane Science Center

IMAX Theater, McWane
Movies in the IMAX make you feel like you’re in the movie. Photo via McWane Science Center

Starting Friday, December 18, the IMAX Dome Theater is back open for business just in time for the holidays. Have you seen The Polar Express in an IMAX theater? Me neither, but it sure sounds like something right up my alley.

With crystal clear images and ridiculously good sound quality, you’ll be able to experience your favorites—or soon to be favorites—in a unique setting. The movie lineup includes:

  • The Grinch
  • The Polar Express
  • Antarctica
  • Into America’s Wild

Check out showtimes and grab your tickets on McWane Science Center’s website.

Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema

Sidewalk Cinema Experience 16 It wouldn't be the holidays without classic movies. Here's where to catch your faves in Birmingham.
Visit Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema at The Pizitz. Photo via Bham Now (Photo taken pre-COVID)

Now here’s a holiday movie that you weren’t expecting. Sidewalk Film is showing Gremlins this holiday season and if they consider it a Christmas movie, we can’t argue with that. After all, they’ve been chosen to host THE Sundance Film Festival as a satellite site.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Gremlins. It’s comedy and 80’s horror all rolled up into one. If cute little alien creatures that can’t be left around water aren’t your cup of tea, they’re also showing Chadwick Boseman’s last performance in Ma Rainy’s Black Bottom.

Looking for showtimes and tickets? It’s all on their website.

Hop City Birmingham

Hop City Birmingham
Christmas jams and movies at Hop City Birmingham. Photo via Hop City Birmingham’s Facebook

On Thursday, December 17 from 5:30PM-7:30PM, join Cahaba Brewing and Hop City Birmingham for “Christmas Jam and Jammies.” Hop City will be hosting a special Christmas tasting with small batch beers made for the holidays and two of Cahaba Brewing’s brand spankin’ new beers that they just released.

Of course, there’ll be Christmas music and movies because it just wouldn’t be a merry time without them.

A special holiday shout out to Alabama Theatre

If you haven’t heard already, The Alabama Theatre had to cancel their annual holiday film series. It’s always been a tradition that Birmingham looks forward to, but COVID had other plans.

This historic landmark needs your help now more than ever. ‘Tis the season for giving, right? Spread some holiday cheer and preserve The Alabama Theatre for future generations to enjoy by donating today.

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.

What holiday movie is your go-to this year? Share your faves with us on Instagram @BhamNow + @now_bham on Twitter.

Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
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