Holiday films playing at Coastal Bend movie theaters, and on streaming services
The cozy season of the holidays has made its way to the Coastal Bend, and what better way to spend then by watching holiday films with your loved ones.
In this day and age, you get to choose how you want to watch these movies — at home or your favorite local theater.
Check out these holiday films playing in theaters and available on streaming platforms this winter season.
'Silent Night'
Rated R, 1 hour and 44 minutes
A tormented father witnesses his young son die when caught in a gang's crossfire on Christmas Eve. While recovering from a wound that costs him his voice, he makes vengeance his life's mission and embarks on a punishing training regimen to avenge his child's death. The film premieres Thursday.
Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Catalina Sandino Moreno and Kid Cudi
Where to watch: Alamo Drafthouse, AMC Corpus Christi 16, Century 16 and Movies Inc
'Glisten and the Merry Mission'
Rated G, 1 hour and 18 minutes
Marzipan, a young elf, and her mother Cinnameg go on an adventure to rediscover the enchanted snow deer named Glisten in order to save Christmas. The film premieres Friday.
Starring: Julia Michaels, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Chevy Chase
Where to watch: Century 16
'Christmas with the Chosen: Holy Night'
Not rated, 2 hours and 5 minutes
The special film tells the story of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of a young mother labeled impure and a shepherd boy considered unclean. It also includes a never-before-seen performance from Italian singers Andrea and Matteo Bocelli. The film premieres Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Starring: Raj Bond, Sara Anne and Noah James
Where to watch: AMC Corpus Christi 16, B&B Theatres Portland Northshore 8 and Century 16
Special screenings at Alamo Drafthouse
"Elf": Raised as an oversize elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas sprit. The showing is on Friday.
"Little Women": Based on Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel, Jo March reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters — four young women, each determined to live life on their own terms. The screening is a Brunch Screening, which includes a special brunch menu. The showing is on Saturday.
"The Polar Express": On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. The screenings are a Movie Party, which includes fun props and an immersive experience. Showings are on Saturday and Sunday.
"Krampus": When a boy's dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, his Christmas spirit is thrown away. Unknowingly, his actions awaken a demonic force of ancient evil to wreak havoc on his family. The showing is on Monday, Dec. 4.
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation": It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for them. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep pushing forward knowing his Christmas bonus will arrive. The screenings are a Movie Party, which includes fun props and an immersive experience. Showings are on Wednesday, Dec. 6, Monday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 20.
"Christmas with the Kranks": Luther Krank is fed up with the commerciality of Christmas, so he decides to skip the holiday and go on a vacation with his wife instead. But when their daughter decides to come home at the last minute for the holiday, they rush to put together a quick winter celebration. The screening is a Brunch Screening, which includes a special brunch menu. The showing is on Saturday, Dec. 9.
"White Christmas": A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont lodge of their former commanding general. The screening is a Brunch Screening, which includes a special brunch menu. The showing is on Sunday, Dec. 10.
"Gremlins": A young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on his small town. The screening is a Movie Party, which includes fun props and an immersive experience. The showing is on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
"Arthur Christmas": When a young girl doesn't receive a Christmas present from Santa Claus, his son Arthur sets out on a mission to deliver her gift in less than two hours. Showings are on Friday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 21.
"It's a Wonderful Life": An angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. The screening is a Brunch Screening, which includes a special brunch menu. The showing is on Sunday, Dec. 17.
"The Grinch": A cynical grump goes on a mission to steal Christmas from the town of Whoville, until he has an encounter with a young girl's generous holiday spirit. Showings are on Saturday, Dec. 23 through Thursday, Dec. 28.
"Jack Frost": A father, who can't keep his promises, dies in a car accident. One year later, he returns as a snowman, who has the final chance to put things right with his son before he is gone forever. Showing are on Friday, Dec. 29. through Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024.
Movies at AMC Theatres
"Elf": Raised as an oversize elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas sprit. Showings are on Friday; Saturday; Monday Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 9; Tuesday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 6; and Tuesday, Dec. 19 through Thursday, Dec. 21.
"The Polar Express": On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. Showings are on Friday; Saturday; Monday Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 9; Tuesday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 6; and Tuesday, Dec. 19 through Thursday, Dec. 21.
"The Grinch": A cynical grump goes on a mission to steal Christmas from the town of Whoville, until he has an encounter with a young girl's generous holiday spirit. Showings are on Sunday through Thursday, Dec. 7; Sunday, Dec. 10; Tuesday, Dec. 12 through Thursday, Dec. 14; Sunday, Dec. 17; and Tuesday, Dec. 19 through Thursday, Dec. 21.
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation": It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for them. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep pushing forward knowing his Christmas bonus is upon arrival. Showings are on Sunday through Thursday, Dec. 7; Sunday, Dec. 10; Tuesday, Dec. 12 through Thursday, Dec. 14; Sunday, Dec. 17; and Tuesday, Dec. 19 through Thursday, Dec. 21.
What's playing at Century 16
"Arthur Christmas": When a young girl doesn't receive a Christmas present from Santa Claus, his son Arthur sets out on a mission to deliver her gift in less than two hours. Showings are on Saturday and Monday, Dec. 4.
"Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas": On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town. Showings are on Sunday and Wednesday, Dec. 6.
"Die Hard": A New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party in Los Angeles. The showing is on Friday, Dec. 8. through Wednesday, Dec. 13.
"The Polar Express": On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. Showings are on Saturday, Dec. 9 and Monday, Dec. 11.
"A Christmas Story": In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift. Showings are on Sunday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 13.
"Tokyo Godfathers": During Christmas Eve in Tokyo, a middle-aged alcoholic, a former drag queen and a runaway girl discover an abandoned newborn while looking through the garbage. With only a handful of clues to the infant's identity, the three misfits search the city to find its parents. Showings are Sunday, Dec. 11 and Monday, Dec. 12.
"The Grinch": A cynical grump goes on a mission to steal Christmas from the town of Whoville, until he has an encounter with a young girl's generous holiday spirit. Showings are on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Monday, Dec. 18.
"It's a Wonderful Life": An angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Showings are on Sunday, Dec. 17 and Tuesday, Dec. 19.
New and classic holiday films available to stream
Disney+
"The Shepherd": On Christmas Eve, a fighter pilot on his way home gets lost mid-flight over water and needs a miracle to land safely. Available to stream Friday.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever": For Greg, the winter vacations are going a little rough after he gets stuck with his family in the snow and worries about getting a new video game console he desperately wants for Christmas. Available to stream Friday, Dec. 8.
Hulu
"Meet Me Under the Mistletoe": Two rival realtors are forced to work together to sell one special house, owned by a renowned botanist and mistletoe grower, before Christmas. Available to stream Saturday, Dec. 9.
"The Family Stone": An uptight businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric and outgoing family's annual Christmas celebration and finds out she's a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life. Available to stream now.
Kanopy
"The Bishop's Wife": A debonair angel comes to Earth to help an Episcopalian bishop and his wife in their quest to raise money for a new church. Available to stream now.
"Spencer": Diana Spencer, struggling with mental-health problems during her Christmas holidays with the Royal Family in England, decides to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles. Available to stream now.
Max
"Four Christmases": A couple struggles to visits all four of their divorced parents on Christmas, leading to arguments and trips down memory lane. Available to stream now.
"Fred Claus": Fred Claus, Santa's bitter older brother, is forced to move to the North Pole to help Santa and the elves prepare for Christmas in exchange for cash. Available to stream now.
Netflix
"Falling for Christmas": In the days leading up to Christmas, a young and newly engaged heiress experiences a skiing accident. After being diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the handsome lodge owner and his daughter. Available to stream now.
"Single All the Way": Desperate to avoid his family's judgment about his perpetual single status, Peter convinces his best friend Nick to join him for the holidays and pretend that they're now in a relationship. Available to stream now.
Paramount+
"The B**** Who Stole Christmas": A workaholic big-city fashion journalist is sent to a Christmas obsessed town to dig up a story. Available to stream now.
"A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas": Six years after their Guantanamo Bay adventure, stoner buds Harold and Kumar cause a holiday fracas by inadvertently burning down Harold's father-in-law's prize Christmas tree. Available to stream now.
Peacock
"Casper's Haunted Christmas": Everyone's friendly ghost decides to celebrate Christmas with the Jollimore family instead of doing his ghostly tasks. Available to stream now.
"Jack Frost": After an accident that left murdered Jack Frost dead in genetic material, the vengeful killer returns as a murderous snowman to exact revenge on the sheriff who caught him.
Prime Video
"Candy Cane Lane": A man is determined to win the neighborhood's annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win, and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life — bringing unexpected chaos to the man's town. Available to stream Friday.
"Merry Little Batman": Little Damian Wayne confronts enemies in his city after finding himself alone at Wayne Manor. Available to stream Friday, Dec. 8.
Shudder
"It's a Wonderful Knife": After saving her town from a psychotic killer, Winnie's life is less than wonderful. When she wishes she'd never been born, she finds herself in a nightmare parallel universe where without here, things are worse. Available to stream Friday.
"The Sacrifice Game": It's bad enough that boarding school students Samantha and Clara can't go home for the holidays, but things take a deadly turn when a murderous cult arrives on their doorstep — just in time for Christmas. Available to stream Friday, Dec. 8.
Tubi
"The Family Man": A fast-lane investment broker, offered the opportunity to see how the other half lives, wakes up to find that his sports car and girlfriend have become a mini-van and wife. Available to stream now.
"The Night Before": On Christmas Eve, three lifelong friends spend the night in New York City looking for the Holy Grail of Christmas parties. Available to stream now.
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Spend the holidays at your local movie theater with these films
