- Christmas
- 6th Dec 2024
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Festive Film Escapes: The Best Pop-Up Cinemas and Screenings
By Maria Winter
As the holiday season sparkles into life, what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than cozying up with a festive film?
This year, the North East is rolling out the red (and green) carpet with pop-up cinemas and screenings guaranteed to sleigh your expectations. From historic castles to quirky independent cinemas, these film escapes will wrap you in a blanket of holiday magic.
Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle upon Tyne
Dates: Throughout December
Price: From £23
The Tyneside Cinema is pulling out all the festive stops this year, blending the magic of Christmas films with indulgent experiences that are sure to make your season sparkle. If you’re looking for a movie night that’s more than just popcorn, their ‘Popcorn and Prosecco’ event is perfect. From December 6th to 22nd, the Tyneside invites you to enjoy Nancy Meyers’ beloved rom-com The Holiday, paired with a glass of bubbly and plenty of cheer.
For those seeking a more refined Christmas escape, they are also hosting Festive Afternoon Tea screenings of the classic It’s a Wonderful Life from December 8th to 24th. These events let you enjoy Frank Capra’s heartwarming tale while savouring an elegant spread of seasonal treats. Picture this: you, a steaming pot of tea, and George Bailey reminding you why life is worth celebrating – it’s a recipe for pure Christmas magic.
The Great Hall at Newcastle Castle
Dates: Saturday 7th December to Thursday 19th December
Price: From £13
This one’s for the history buffs and holiday lovers. Watch Elf (December 7th) and The Muppet Christmas Carol (December 19th) in the grand medieval setting of Newcastle Castle’s Great Hall. Trust me, the only thing cooler than Buddy’s snowball fight is this unique and atmospheric venue.
Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle upon Tyne
Date: Saturday 14th December
Price: £7
If you like your Christmas with a side of supernatural scares, then The Star and Shadow’s 3rd annual Ghost Stories for Christmas event is sure to make your spirits bright (and a little spooked)! On December 14th, they’ll be showcasing three haunting BBC classics inspired by the master of ghostly tales, M.R. James. These include, A Warning to the Curious, The Ash Tree, and finally A View from a Hill.
Adding to the eerie atmosphere is a post-screening Q&A, where you can dissect the spine-tingling tales with fellow fans. Costumes are encouraged – so feel free to channel your inner ghostly Victorian – or just come as you are to experience a hauntingly festive evening.
The Fire Station, Sunderland
Date: Sunday 22nd December
Price: From £19
Sunderland’s Fire Station is offering a truly magical experience with a live-scored screening of The Snowman. As the beloved animated classic unfolds on the big screen, brass virtuosos The EverReady Band will bring the enchanting score to life, including the unforgettable ‘Walking in the Air’. Perfect for families and festive film fans alike, the Fire Station’s modern and welcoming setting will add a special touch to an already memorable event.
Jam Jar Cinema, Whitley Bay
Dates: Throughout December
Prices: From £8.50
Step into the cozy charm of Whitley Bay’s Jam Jar Cinema this Christmas, where the screenings are small in size but big on festive cheer. This community gem is offering a mix of holiday hits, including Scrooge on December 14th and 17th, for those who like their classics.
For fans of comedy and all things Jim Carrey, How the Grinch Stole Christmas will be playing on December 15th, letting you dive into the hilarious and heartwarming tale of mischief and mayhem. With many other screenings to choose from, Jam Jar is the perfect spot to escape the seasonal hustle and enjoy a relaxed, intimate cinema experience.
Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne
Date: Monday 23rd December
Price: £5
Celebrate Christmas with a triple dose of festive fun at Gosforth Civic Theatre, where three holiday classics will light up the big screen on December 23rd. For just £5 per film, you can catch Arthur Christmas, Home Alone, and Elf – a lineup guaranteed to leave you laughing, smiling, and full of Christmas cheer.
Whether you’re a Kevin McCallister fan or a Buddy the Elf enthusiast, it’s the Christmas hat-trick you didn’t know you needed.
No matter your holiday film of choice, these pop-up cinema experiences across the North East have everything you need to make this season extra magical. If you want to find yourself laughing at Buddy’s antics in the medieval grandeur of Newcastle Castle or feeling the nostalgic glow of It’s a Wonderful Life in the heart of Newcastle’s iconic Tyneside Cinema, these screenings pay homage to both the stories we love and the vibrant spirit of our region.
So grab your friends and family, wrap up in your winter warmers, and set out to experience the magic of Christmas cinema in true North East style.
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