If you want to have an old-fashioned Christmas, then head to the historic Lido Theater in Newport Beach. This recently restored Art Deco showplace, opened in 1939, is holding its second annual “12 Days of Christmas Movies” festival, with a roster of classic holiday favorites every night.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and shows start at 7 p.m. promptly, because there are no trailers. Tickets cost $12.50 each. There’s free parking off of Finley Avenue, just after Via Lido, behind the theater.
Incidentally, although their official festival doesn’t start until Dec. 12, they’re actually already playing Christmas movies, so check their schedule.
- Dec. 12: “Die Hard” (R) Is this Bruce Willis action flick really a holiday movie? Of course it is. It’s set on Christmas Eve. Get ready for some action with villain Alan Rickman. 7-9:15 p.m.
- Dec. 13: “The Grinch” (PG) This is the 2018 extended animated version of the Dr. Seuss tale by Illuminations, with the excellent Benedict Cumberbatch voicing the Grinch. 7-8:45 p.m.
- Dec. 14: “Love, Actually” (R) The merits of this Christmas-themed ensemble romantic comedy are debated by fans and detractors each holiday season. There’s a great cast — Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Keira Knightley and … Alan Rickman. 7-9:15 p.m.
- Dec. 15: “A Christmas Story” (PG) For many, the holidays just aren’t complete without seeing Ralphie Parker and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. Enjoy Ralphie’s pink bunny suit on the big screen. 7-8:30 p.m.
- Dec. 16: “The Polar Express” (G) Robert Zemeckis adapted Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book into this modern holiday classic, starring Tom Hanks, on a journey to the North Pole. 7-8:45 p.m.
- Dec. 17: “White Christmas” (G) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen and Rosemary Clooney sing and dance their way through this holiday favorite from 1954, the second Crosby film to feature Irving Berlin’s iconic song. This was the first movie ever released in widescreen VistaVision. 7-9 p.m.
- Dec. 18: “Christmas with the Kranks” (PG) Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star as a couple who try to skip Christmas one year, but it won’t let go of them that easily. 7-8:45 p.m.
- Dec. 19: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (PG-13) With funny man Chevy Chase reprising his role as Clark Griswold and Beverly D’Angelo. Whatever mishaps you experienced putting up your Christmas lights can’t compare to these. 7-8:45 p.m.
- Dec. 20: “Home Alone” (PG) Yes, it’s really been 35 years since this movie about an 8-year-old kid left behind by his family at Christmas introduced the world to Macaulay Culkin. 7-8:45 p.m.
- Dec. 21: “Elf” (PG) Irvine native Will Ferrell‘s holiday comedy achieved classic status many Christmases ago. 7-8:45 p.m.
- Dec. 22-23: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (G) Yes, it’s on TV every year, but this Christmas classic by legendary director Frank Capra is worth seeing on the big screen, even if just to enjoy Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in the bathrobe scene. 7-9:10 p.m.
Where to go: Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach thelidotheater.com