Holiday Movies at The Franklin Theatre
The Franklin Theatre, located in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee, is a beloved venue known for its rich history and community offerings. Originally built in 1937, this charming theater has been a cultural hub for generations, maintaining its old-world charm while offering a modern moviegoing experience. As the holiday season approaches, this iconic theater transforms into a festive destination for families and movie lovers alike, showcasing a lineup of holiday movies. With its intimate atmosphere, complete with plush seating and a vintage marquee that lights up Main Street, The Franklin Theatre provides a magical setting to enjoy classic holiday films.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cherished holiday film with loved ones or introduce a new generation to festive favorites, The Franklin Theatre has something special for everyone. From heartwarming comedies to animated wonders, these films create the perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday outing.
Here’s a look at the holiday movie lineup scheduled at The Franklin Theatre for 2024.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
In this holiday classic, Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his family, but things quickly spiral out of control. From a disastrous tree-cutting adventure to an over-the-top house lighting display, Clark’s holiday spirit is tested by a series of comedic mishaps. As relatives descend on the Griswold home, including the eccentric Cousin Eddie, the chaos ramps up, leading to one unforgettable Christmas Eve. Packed with slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and iconic holiday scenes, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a must-see for fans of holiday comedy.
Rated PG-13. For National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation showtimes and tickets, click here.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch, a grouchy, green recluse who lives atop Mount Crumpit and despises Christmas. Annoyed by the festive spirit of the Whos down in Whoville, the Grinch hatches a plan to steal Christmas by taking all of their decorations, gifts, and holiday treats. However, his scheme takes an unexpected turn when he meets the kind-hearted Cindy Lou Who, whose innocence and warmth may be enough to melt even the Grinch’s icy heart. Filled with humor, whimsy, and a heartwarming message, it’s a family-friendly holiday favorite.
Rated PG. For How the Grinch Stole Christmas showtimes, and tickets, click here.
Home Alone
The holiday comedy classic Home Alone follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who is accidentally left behind when his family departs for a Christmas vacation to Paris. At first, Kevin relishes having the house to himself, but his fun soon turns to responsibility as he discovers two bumbling burglars are plotting to rob his home. Using clever tactics and a series of booby traps, Kevin defends his house in a hilariously inventive way. With plenty of laughs, heartwarming moments, and charm, Home Alone remains a must-watch for families during the holiday season.
Rated PG. For Home Alone showtimes and tickets, click here.
The Polar Express
Based on the beloved children’s book, The Polar Express brings the magic of Christmas to life through stunning animation. A young boy embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole, encountering adventure and heartwarming moments along the way. With Tom Hanks lending his voice to multiple characters, this family-friendly film fills audiences with wonder and holiday spirit, making it a perfect watch for the season.
Rated G. For The Polar Express showtimes and tickets, click here.
Love Actually
Set during the holiday season in London, Love Actually follows the intertwined lives of eight very different couples as they navigate the ups and downs of love. From romantic gestures to heartwarming moments, the film explores the complexity of relationships, all set against the festive backdrop leading up to Christmas. With a stellar ensemble cast and a mix of humor and emotion, this heartwarming movie has become a holiday favorite for those who enjoy stories about love in all its forms.
Rated R. For Love Actually showtimes and tickets, click here.
Miracle on 34th Street
A timeless holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street tells the story of a man named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Claus. When he’s put on trial to prove his authenticity, a young girl’s belief in the magic of Christmas hangs in the balance. Set in New York City during the holiday season, this heartwarming film is a celebration of faith, family, and the enduring spirit of Christmas. Perfect for all ages, Miracle on 34th Street remains a beloved tradition during the Christmas season.
Not Rated. For Miracle on 34th Street showtimes and tickets, click here.
Die Hard
Though unconventional, Die Hard has become a holiday classic in its own right. Set on Christmas Eve, this action-packed thriller stars Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York City cop who finds himself caught in a hostage situation in a Los Angeles skyscraper. With thrilling sequences, memorable one-liners, and an unexpected holiday spirit, Die Hard is a fan favorite for those who like a little more action in their holiday viewing.
Rated R. For Die Hard showtimes and tickets, click here.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
A whimsical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, The Muppet Christmas Carol brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to life with the beloved Muppet characters. Michael Caine stars as the miserly Scrooge, who embarks on a journey of redemption after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Filled with humor and catchy musical numbers, this family-friendly adaptation delivers the timeless message of kindness and generosity, making it a holiday favorite for all ages.
Rated G. For The Muppet Christmas Carol showtimes and tickets, click here.
Elf
Will Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy the Elf has become a modern Christmas classic. In Elf, Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, travels to New York City in search of his biological father, spreading Christmas cheer along the way. This heartwarming and hilarious film is perfect for families and those who enjoy a good laugh during the holiday season.
Rated PG. For Elf showtimes and tickets, click here.
It’s A Wonderful Life
George Bailey, played by James Stewert, is overwhelmed with problems and, despite it being Christmas, feels like giving up. As angels look back on George’s life, we see the moments that shaped him and the ways he’s quietly impacted his community. His guardian angel, Clarence, steps in to give George a remarkable gift: a vision of what the town would look like without his kindness and good deeds, revealing just how much his life has truly mattered. This heartwarming classic is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make.
Rated PG. For It’s A Wonderful Life showtimes and tickets, click here.
Host a Private Movie Night at The Franklin Theatre!
Celebrate the holiday season with an unforgettable private movie night at The Franklin Theatre. Whether you’re planning a get-together with friends, family, or coworkers, this exclusive experience lets you gather up to 40 guests to enjoy beloved holiday movie classics from the comfort of your very own balcony. The package includes tickets for all guests, complimentary popcorn and sodas, and access to convenient on-site bathrooms. Plus, you’ll have access to a cozy upstairs lounge with a fantastic view of Main Street and the Franklin Theatre marquee.
Bring your own holiday treats to make the evening even more special, and create lasting memories with a unique movie experience in this charming, historic theater. Book your private balcony now for a holiday event that’s sure to delight everyone in your group!
Tips for Attending a Holiday Movie at The Franklin Theatre
Buy Tickets Early: The holiday season is a busy time at The Franklin Theatre, and popular films can sell out quickly. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot.
Parking: There are two garages, one on Second Avenue and one on Fourth Avenue, that offer free 4-hour parking and are a short walking distance to the theatre.
No Previews: One unique feature at The Franklin Theatre is that they don’t show previews before their movies. This means you can enjoy the full film experience without waiting for trailers, so be sure to arrive on time!
Experience the Magic of the Holidays at The Franklin Theatre
This holiday season, make The Franklin Theatre part of your festive traditions. With a lineup of beloved holiday films, from family-friendly classics like Elf and The Polar Express to comedies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re sharing laughs with friends or creating memories with loved ones, the cozy, historic atmosphere of The Franklin Theatre is the perfect setting for holiday cheer. Be sure to make The Franklin Theatre part of your holiday tradition this year!
More Holiday Events in Franklin You Won’t Want to Miss
Interested in more festive fun after enjoying holiday movies at The Franklin Theatre? Be sure to check out other holiday events happening in Franklin and Williamson County. From the FrankTown Festival of Lights running from November 22 to December 31, to the Made South Holiday Market on November 22 and 23 at The Factory at Franklin, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season with family and friends. And don’t forget the Dickens of a Christmas event in downtown Franklin on December 14 and 15, where you can immerse yourself in the magic of Victorian Christmas with characters like Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and carolers filling the streets. Explore these events and more to make the most of your holiday season in Franklin!
For details on these and other exciting local holiday events, visit our Calendar of Events.
