Credit: Rex features
The capital is packed with festive film screenings for Christmas 2017, with pop-up picture houses and rooftop cinemas to suit every taste and budget.
The weather outside is frightful, which makes it the perfect time to hunker down in front of a festive film. But don’t settle for a night on the sofa: there are plenty of Christmassy film screenings taking place all over London this December, from swanky soirees in luxury hotels to pop-up cinemas in derelict theatres.
To half-steal a phrase from Marks & Spencer, these aren’t just any film screenings; they’re special festive film screenings, almost invariably involving cosy blankets, comfy seats and posh popcorn (at the very least). Whether you love Die Hard or are just a die-hard fan of ELF, there’s something for everyone.
Here are our top picks of where to go and what to watch…
Christmas Cinema Presents: The Muppet Christmas Carol, Camden
Sit back and bask in the nostalgic glory of one of the greatest Christmas films ever made, with this one-night-only special event at Proud Camden. As well as the magnificence of the movie itself, there will also be alcoholic refreshments, mulled wine, Christmas snacks and bratwurst – and when the screening ends, the venue morphs into a Christmas ‘afterparty’ with music and dancing.
20 December, Proud Camden, The Horse Hospital, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH. From £30, tickets here.
Credit: Rex Features
Pop Up Screens, Hackney
You’ll find an almost unbelievable number of films on at Hackney Showroom, which has been completely given over to festive cinema during December. Choose from flicks such as Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone, The Grinch and Miracle on 34th Street (both the 1947 and 1994 versions). There’s also a full bar serving hot chocolate, mulled wine, snacks and popcorn.
Until 24 December, Hackney Showroom, Hackney Downs Studios, Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT. £20 (£10 for children), tickets here.
Festive Film & Fizz with Curzon, Covent Garden
If you’re a fan of the finer things in life, you’ll want to book yourself into one of these screenings at One Aldwych near Covent Garden. The vibe is old-school glamour: the only films being screened are Christmas classics It’s A Wonderful Life and White Christmas, which are shown the hotel’s luxury screening room.
The (high) ticket price includes a glass of Lallier champagne and a post-movie three-course dinner in One Aldwych’s Indigo restaurant.
Until 24 December, 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ. £55, tickets here.
The Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square
The Prince Charles is known for its offbeat film seasons and cheerful themed nights (upcoming events include a Game of Thrones marathon, a Labyrinth masquerade ball and a Mean Girls “bitch along”).
They’ve laid on a bunch of festive screenings until the end of December: head down to watch Bridget Jones’s Diary, Home Alone and Love Actually, among many other films. There are also sing-along showings of The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Nightmare Before Christmas, plus an ELF “quote-along” (which we assume will just be a cinema full of people shouting “YOU SIT ON A THRONE OF LIES”).
Until 31 December, The Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BY. From £8.50 for non-members, tickets here.
Snow Kingdom, Elephant & Castle
From the brains behind the phenomenally successful Backyard Cinema comes Snow Kingdom, a winter-themed pop-up cinema complete with fake ice caves, secret tunnels, festive hot cocktails served from a “potions bar” and giant beanbags to loll about on while you watch films including Sleepless in Seattle, Hocus Pocus and The Princess Bride.
Until 18 February, Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR. From £17, tickets here.
Rooftop Winter Cinema, Knightsbridge
Now this one is Made in Chelsea-level fancy. It’s held on the roof of five-star hotel The Berkeley, with views over the twinkling lights of Hyde Park, Belgravia and Knightsbridge, and can seat only eight people at a time.
Guests are provided with Moncler fur wraps, fleecy rugs, hot water bottles and heating lamps to keep warm, and plied with mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies. If you want to really splash out, there’s a special Christmas menu that will be emailed to you ahead of your screening, from which you can order food and champagne.
Until 10 February, The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL. £70 (£50 for children), tickets here.
Images: Rex Features
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