We at Time Out Chicago get in the holiday spirit just as much as you do, but frankly, we're in need of a break. What with all that holiday gift shopping, running around for cheap stocking stuffers and perusing Christkindlmarket every few days in search of the perfect gift—let's be honest, a rest is due.
So why not stop by one of Chicago's best movie theaters for a little rest and relaxation? Holiday film screening session is in season, and it's one of the best reprieves you could give yourself (and a friend!), while still savoring all the charm. So take a break. Here are all the best Christmas movies playing in theaters around Chicago.
Logan Theatre
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
10:30pm, December 10
Diehard
11pm, December 11–14
Bad Santa
10:30pm, December 15–17
A Christmas Story (1983)
11pm, December 18–21
Elf
10:30pm, December 22 & 23
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
11pm, December 25-28
When Harry Met Sally
10:30pm, December 29–31
Thalia Hall
Home Alone 1 & 2 double feature
(5:30pm doors) 6:30pm, 8:45pm; December 18
ROOF
Love Actually
7:30pm, December 21
Music Box Theatre
Note: Check Music Box's official schedule for more precise showtimes.
Uncle Nick
9:45pm, December 10
It's a Wonderful Life sing-along
Almost every day at various times from December 11–24
White Christmas sing-along
Almost every day at various times from December 11–24
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
5 & 9:50pm, December 15; 7:15pm, December 16
Love Actually
7:15pm, December 15; 4:30 & 9:15pm, December 16
The Nutcracker
7:20pm, December 21
ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection
The Night Before
Various showtimes through December 16
Krampus
Various showtimes through December 16
Miracle on 34th Street
2 & 7pm, December 23
AMC 600 North Michigan 9
Krampus
Various showtimes through December 16
The Night Before
Various showtimes through December 16
AMC River East 21
Krampus
Various showtimes through December 16
The Night Before
Various showtimes through December 16
The Metropolitan Opera's The Magic Flute Special Encore
6:30pm, December 16
Miracle on 34th Street
2 & 7pm, December 20; 2 & 7pm December 23
Landmark's Century Centre Cinema
Love Actually
11:59pm, December 11 & 12
Landmark's Renaissance Place Cinema
Royal Opera House's live production of The Nutcracker
11am, December 13
ArcLight Chicago
Krampus
Various showtimes through December 16
The Night Before
Various showtimes through December 16
Home Alone
4:30pm, December 13
Gene Siskel Film Center
Note: Check Gene Siskel Film Center's full schedule for precise showtimes.
Christmas, Again
Various times, December 18–23
Evanston Century 12
Krampus
Various showtimes through December 16
The Night Before
Various showtimes through December 16
The Nutcracker by NYC Ballet
7pm, December 10
The Metropolitan Opera's The Magic Flute
12:25pm, December 12; 6:30pm, December 16
It's a Wonderful Life
2pm, December 12; 2 & 7pm December 16 & 24
RiffTrax Live: Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny Encore
7:30pm, December 15
Miracle on 34th Street
2 & 7pm, December 20 & 23
Doctor Who Christmas Special 2015
7:30pm, December 28
Regal Webster Place 11
Krampus
Various showtimes through December 16
The Nutcracker by NYC Ballet
7pm, December 10
Miracle on 34th Street
2 & 7pm, December 20 & 23
Navy Pier IMAX Theatre
All regular showtimes are playing at this theater through December, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.