Get ready, movie buffs: Here’s your guide to what’s on at York Picturehouse this December

Picturehouse’s pop-up screen comes to St Saviour’s Church to bring audiences some of the most-loved festive movies. Because who wouldn’t want to watch Christmas favourites in a church that dates back to the 1840s?

Here’s a list of movies they will be showing from the 12th to the 23rd December:

Bridget Jones’s Diary

via YouTube

Although I think this is one I could enjoy all year round, this English classic is the go-to for romanticising the cold weather and lack of sunlight. And, what could be more romantic than watching a frazzled English woman run after the man she loves in the snow in her underwear?

Home Alone

via YouTube

Die Hard but for kids. This has to be so good on the big screen!

Love Actually

via YouTube

If you love reality TV and can keep up with the chaos of eight very different couples in the lead up to Christmas – this one might be for you. Too many characters but that’s the fun of it I guess.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

The beloved Michael Caine as Ebeneezer Scrooge… need I say more?

Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone

via YouTube

It’s kind of an unspoken rule that a Harry Potter marathon must be completed (or at least attempted) in the build up to Christmas – ESPECIALLY if you’re a student in York. You have to walk down the Shambles too x

Elf

via YouTube

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A wholesome Christmas story about what happens when a human child accidentally ends up working as an elf for Santa. Though it’s not all bad, who wouldn’t want to experience Christmas all year round?

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Whilst perhaps more of a Halloween-esque type of movie, who doesn’t love the classic hater to lover of Christmas trope?

Paddington in Peru

via YouTube

If you’re looking for something a little less analysis-worthy and just want to relax to a cozy, family-friendly movie, this may just be the perfect one. Plus, it’s actually new to theatres this winter!

Die Hard

Hero cop saves the day whilst everyone stands around and does nothing – the perfect blend of action and saving Christmas.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Maybe a slight twist on A Christmas Carol – watching this movie at Christmas might be more reflective than the other light-hearted ones. So if you’re feeling a little existential, maybe add this to your Christmas to-watch list.

The Polar Express

via YouTube

Perhaps a bit of a horror movie for younger audiences at Christmas. However, if you’re hoping for a bit of nostalgia and reminiscing on your own wish to be on Santa’s Nice List as a child, it’s worth giving a watch.

Wonka

via YouTube

Having not seen Wonka myself, Chat GPT described it as whimsical and magical, which is all I think we need to make a decent Christmas movie. And, of course, its star-studded cast gives it that little extra boost of familiarity.

Tickets purchased from the Christmas at St Saviourgate screenings even include a £5 credit towards food and drink on the night.

A short distance away, at City Screen Picturehouse, you can book tickets from the cinema’s Home for the Holidays selection, including other classics such as Gremlins, When Harry Met Sally, and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. A great tip for students is to join the 16-25 members club for free, getting you tickets for just £4.99 Monday-Thursday.

So, whether you’re looking for some downtime after wandering through the chaos of the city’s Christmas markets, or simply a movie-lover in search of some classics to review on your Letterboxd, you won’t regret watching these festive favourites on the big screen.