2025 12 Movies of Christmas

12 Movies of Christmas
At the Dietrich Theater in downtown Tunkhannock
Dec. 5 – Dec. 18
Admission is free!
Join us for our sixth annual Christmas Film Festival!
An eclectic mix of twelve holiday films will play for two weeks on the Dietrich Theater’s big screen.
Admission is free! Advance tickets are not available.
Seating is first come, first served.
Some of the movies are generously sponsored and will include small popcorn and small soda!.

Year: 2025

Genre: various

Rating: various

Length: various

12/05 1:00 PM

12/18 7:00 PM

A CHRISTMAS STORY

PG --94 minutes Directed by: Bob Clark
Starring: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin
Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, A Christmas Story is the beloved holiday movie that follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a "Red Ryder air rifle." Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact.
Show times:
Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 8 at 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 11 at 4:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Year: 1983

Genre: Family/Comedy

Rating: PG

Length: 1hr35min

Cast: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin

12/05 7:00 PM

12/08 1:00 PM

12/11 4:00 PM

12/15 4:00 PM

Batman Returns

PG-13 126 minutes Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer
Michael Keaton returns as the Dark Knight in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, facing off against the grotesque Penguin, played by Danny DeVito, and the enigmatic Ca -twoman, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer. Set against a snow-draped Gotham during the holiday season, the film weaves dark humor, gothic visuals, and high-stakes action into a uniquely twisted Christmas tale. As Batman struggles to protect the city from chaos while confronting his own moral dilemmas, the holiday backdrop adds an ironic sparkle to the crime-ridden streets.
Dec. 5 at 9:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 13 at 9:00 p.m.
Dec. 18 at 4:00 p.m.

Year: 1992

Genre: Action/Sci-fi

Rating: PG-13

Length: 2hr5min

Cast: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer

12/05 9:00 PM

12/09 7:00 PM

12/13 9:00 PM

12/18 4:00 PM

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

PG Directed by: Dallas Jenkins
Starring: Stanlee Arches, Vanessa Benavente, Judy Greer
In the 2024 adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Judy Greer portrays Grace Bradley, a mother who unexpectedly finds herself directing her town's Christmas pageant after the previous organizer breaks her leg. The story centers around the Herdman siblings who, known for their unruly behavior, audaciously take on the lead roles in the church nativity play. Their unconventional approach to the Christmas story challenges the community's perceptions and ultimately teaches them about authenticity and the true meaning of the season.
Dec. 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 9 at 4:00 p.m.
Dec. 11 at 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 13 at 4:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda

Year: 2024

Genre: Family/Comedy

Rating: PG

Length: 1hr40min

Cast: Stanlee Arches, Vanessa Benavente, Judy Greer

12/07 7:00 PM

12/09 4:00 PM

12/11 1:00 PM

12/13 4:00 PM

ELF

Rated: PG Runtime: 97min Starring: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Bob Newhart
A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves who travels from the North Pole to New York City in search of his real father. His childlike wonder collides hilariously with the cynicism of the big city, melting hearts with every awkward grin and sugary breakfast. Joined by Zooey Deschanel and James Caan, Ferrell’s performance turns slapstick into sincerity and chaos into Christmas cheer.
Dec. 5 at 1:00 p.m--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 7 at 4:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 18 at 7:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda

Year: 2003

Genre: Family/Comedy

Rating: PG

Length: 1hr40min

Cast: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Bob Newhart

12/05 1:00 PM

12/07 4:00 PM

12/13 7:00 PM

12/18 7:00 PM

FOUR CHRISTMASES

PG-13 88 minutes Directed by: Seth Gordon
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall
Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn star in Four Christmases as a couple who has carefully avoided family obligations collide when travel plans force them to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day. Amid chaotic dinners, embarrassing secrets, and holiday mishaps, they confront the messy realities of love, family, and tradition. With sharp humor and heartfelt moments, the film captures the comedic chaos that often accompanies the holiday season.
Show times:
Dec. 6 at 9:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 12 at 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Year: 2008

Genre: Comedy/Romance

Rating: PG-13

Length: 1hr30min

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall

12/06 9:00 PM

12/12 1:00 PM

12/14 7:00 PM

JACK FROST

PG 101 minutes Directed by: Troy Miller
Starring: Michael Keaton, Kelly Preston, Joseph Cross
Starring Michael Keaton in this modern fairytale, Jack Frost follows a touring musician and aging rocker clinging to dreams of stardom, who never had much time for his wife, and young son. A year after his tragic death in a car accident, his son plays a mournful tune on his father's harmonica. Much to his surprise, the elder Frost is magically brought to life as a snowman on the family lawn. Given a second chance, father and son struggle to make up for lost time.
Dec. 7 at 1:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 14 at 4:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 18 at 1:00 p.m

Year: 1998

Genre: Family/Comedy

Rating: PG

Length: 1hr40min

Cast: Michael Keaton, Kelly Preston, Joseph Cross

12/07 1:00 PM

12/11 7:00 PM

12/14 4:00 PM

12/18 1:00 PM

It's A Wonderful Life

On Tuesday, December 16 it will be "It's a Wonderful Life" Day at the Dietrich! All showtimes are FREE!
This beloved classic will show on all our screens on this day. Seating is first come first seated for your choice of seats. NO ADVANCE ticket reservations. All showtimes will have free admission, small popcorn and small soda, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Ron & Abby Kukuchka and family.
Rating: PG Runtime: 130 mins Director: Frank Capra Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
The Christmas classic to end all Christmas classics. James Stewart stars as George Bailey, a small-town man whose dreams of adventure are constantly sidelined by duty, leaving him feeling trapped and despairing on Christmas Eve. When an angel named Clarence, played by Henry
Travers, shows George what life would be like if he’d never existed, he discovers the profound impact of his kindness and sacrifices. Frank Capra’s timeless direction blends heart, humor, and hope into a story that celebrates the value of every life. It’s a Wonderful Life has become an enduring holiday classic, cherished for its message that even ordinary lives can create extraordinary ripples of love and community.
Dec. 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Dec. 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 16 at 8:00 p.m.

Year: 1946

Genre: Family/Fantasy

Rating: PG

Length: 2hr10min

Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore

12/16 2:00 PM

12/16 7:00 PM

12/16 8:00 PM

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a laugh out loud Christmas classic. As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold wants to have a perfect family
Christmas. However, things go awry quickly when his cousin and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the property. Even worse, Clark's employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs. Will Clark be able to save Christmas or will the Griswold family Christmas devolve into chaos?
Dec. 5 at 4:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 12 at 9:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 15 at 7:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda

Year: 1989

Genre: Comedy/Family

Rating: PG-13

Length: 1hr37min

Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis

12/05 4:00 PM

12/10 7:00 PM

12/12 9:00 PM

12/15 7:00 PM

THE POLAR EXPRESS

G 100 minutes Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite for The Polar Express, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book.
When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Show times:
Dec. 6 at 7:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 9 at 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 12 at 4:00 p.m--includes free small popcorn & small soda
.Dec. 17 at 4:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda

Year: 2004

Genre: Family/Adventure/Animated

Rating: G

Length: 1hr40min

Cast: Tom Hanks

12/06 7:00 PM

12/09 1:00 PM

12/12 4:00 PM

12/17 4:00 PM

THE STAR

PG 86 minutes Directed by: Timothy Reckart
Starring: Steven Yeun, Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi
Voiced by Steven Yeun, Gina Rodriguez, and Zachary Levi, The Star follows a brave little donkey named Bo who dreams of a life beyond his mundane stable duties. When he joins a ragtag group of animals on the first Christmas journey, Bo unwittingly becomes part of the greatest story ever told. With heart, humor, and a touch of holiday sparkle, the film brings the nativity story to life for a new generation. The Star has become a family-friendly Christmas favorite, celebrated for its charm, faith, and joyful reminder of hope and courage.
Show times:
Dec. 6 at 1:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 10 at 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 13 at 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Year: 2017

Genre: Family/Comedy/Animated

Rating: PG

Length: 1hr30min

Cast: Steven Yeun, Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi

12/06 1:00 PM

12/10 1:00 PM

12/13 1:00 PM

12/17 7:00 PM

WHITE CHRISTMAS

not rated--120 minutes Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, White Christmas is a fun filled musical extravaganza. White Christmas follows two opposing acts who band together to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont and save a quaint country inn from failing. With the help of each other, they are sure to put the inn back in business and each other on the map.
Show times:
Dec. 6 at 4:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 10 at 4:00 p.m.
Dec. 15 at 1:00 p.m.

Year: 1954

Genre: Musical/Romance

Rating: PG

Length: 2hr

Cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen

12/06 4:00 PM

12/08 7:00 PM

12/10 4:00 PM

12/15 1:00 PM

THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS

G -51 minutes Directed by: Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr.
Starring: Shirley Booth, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn
Mickey Rooney and Dick Shawn star in the classic stop-motion special The Year Without a Santa Claus, where a disillusioned Santa decides to skip Christmas, leaving the North Pole in turmoil. Two determined elves, Jingle and Jangle, enlist the mischievous Heat Miser and Snow Miser to convince Santa to deliver gifts after all. With its whimsical animation, catchy songs, and heartwarming humor,
the story highlights that holiday spirit comes from caring, not just giving. Since its debut, it has become a beloved Christmas staple, enchanting generations and proving that even a grumpy Santa can’t stop the magic of the season.
Show times:
Dec. 8 at 4:00 p.m.
Dec. 12 at 7:00 p.m.--includes free small popcorn & small soda
Dec. 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 17 at 1:00 p.m.

Year: 1974

Genre: Musical/Animation

Rating: G

Length: 1hr

Cast: Shirley Booth, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn

12/08 4:00 PM

12/12 7:00 PM

12/14 1:00 PM

12/17 1:00 PM