See festive favorites like “Love Actually” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the big screen.
By
Maggie Roth
December 11, 2025 at 1:11 pm
A tried-and-true holiday tradition is bundling up on the couch and watching the holiday films we know and love. This year, put a spin on that cozy activity by catching special screenings of classic movies in these six Northern Virginia theaters.
The Alamo, with locations in Woodbridge and Ashburn, takes holiday movies above and beyond with interactive movie parties. At The Polar Express on December 13, visitors will get props like golden train tickets, silver bells, and holiday hats. Other festive screenings include Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and It’s a Wonderful Life. Plus, check out a New Year’s Eve screening of When Harry Met Sally. 20575 Easthampton Plz., Ashburn; 15200 Potomac Town Pl., Ste. 100, Woodbridge
Keep up with the misadventures of Buddy the Elf at the Angelika Film Center in Mosaic. There will be screenings of Elf on December 13, 14, and 17. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax
Catch several of your favorites all in one day with the Arlington Drafthouse’s Holiday Movie Festival on December 21. For $15, you get all-day access to screenings of The Polar Express, Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and Krampus. There are also separate screenings throughout the month of films like It’s a Wonderful Life, Love Actually, and Die Hard. (We’ll let you decide if that last one belongs among the holiday films.) 2903 Columbia Pk., Arlington
As part of this independent theater’s Montage Mondays series, it will show Elf on December 13 and Love Actually on December 15. While you’re there, take a peek at the mini art vending machine, an initiative from Fairfax City Economic Development to benefit the city’s parks and recreation department. 9650-14 Main St., Fairfax
Holiday favorites will appear on the big screen in Reston Town Center and Tysons this year. Movies on the lineup include How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Polar Express. 11940 Market St., Reston; 1667 Silver Hill Dr., McLean
This chain, with several locations across Northern Virginia, has a wide array of holiday movies new and old. Scrooged, Eight Crazy Nights, The Christmas Chronicles, Christmas in Connecticut, and Arthur Christmas are just a few of the showtime options. Availability varies by location. Multiple area locations
Maggie Roth is the associate editor for Northern Virginia Magazine, where she covers news and culture in the NoVA area. Originally from New Jersey, she is a graduate of George Mason University and joined the magazine in 2021 as an editorial intern.