Don’t Miss These Classic Holiday Movies at the Franklin Theatre

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. 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.

Showtimes – Saturday, Dec. 8 10 a, Saturday, Dec. 22 10 a, and Monday, Dec. 24, 1 p. Buy tickets online here. 

Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

Showtimes – Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a, Tuesday, Dec. 18 7 p, and Sunday, Dec. 23 1 p. Buy tickets online here. 

In this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain’s main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity.

Showtimes – Sunday, Dec. 9 1 p, Sunday, Dec. 16 1 p, Friday, Dec. 21 4 p, and Saturday Dec. 22 4 p. Buy tickets online here.

Dejected by his efforts to raise money to build a cathedral, Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) beseeches heaven for guidance, and is visited immediately by Dudley (Cary Grant), who claims to be an angel. Henry is skeptical, then annoyed when Dudley ingratiates himself into the household as his assistant — and worse, wins the attentions of Henry’s long-suffering and kindly wife (Loretta Young). When Dudley continues to intervene in Henry’s struggles, the bishop decides to challenge heaven.

Showtimes –  Sunday, Dec. 9 4 p, Sunday, Dec. 23 4 p, and Tuesday, Dec. 25 4 p. Buy tickets online here. 

George Bailey is facing troubled times and jumps off a bridge but his guardian angel Clarence saves George. Clarence grants George’s wish to see what life would be like if he’d never been born. After begging Clarence to live again, he is greeted by an old friend Bert and at home, he finds the community has come together to save the family business.

Showtimes – Sunday, Dec. 9 7p, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 7p, Monday, Dec. 17 7p, Thursday, Dec. 20 7 p, Friday, Dec. 21 7p, Saturday, Dec. 22 7p, Sunday, Dec. 23 7p, Monday, Dec 24, 4p, 7:30p and Tuesday, Dec 25 7p. Buy tickets online here.

There will be a special showing of the movie on Sunday, Dec. 16 7p where the daughter of lead actress Donna Reed who played Mary Hatch George Bailey’s wife will be in attendance.  Mary Owen, Reed’s daughter will share stories about the film followed by a Q & A. Proceeds from the showing will benefit the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts, a non-profit that memorializes Mrs. Reed’s accomplishments and to perpetuate her deep commitment to youth and education. Buy tickets online here. 

In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.

Showtimes – Monday, Dec. 10 7p,Sunday, Dec. 16 4 p,Thurday, Dec.  20 4p ,Saturday, Dec. 22 1 p, and Tuesday, Dec 25 1p.  Buy tickets online here.