Christmas film screenings Edinburgh 2019: festive movies to catch across the city - from Elf to It's a Wonderful Life

Seeing a screening of your favourite Christmas film is one of the best parts of the festive season.
There's so much to do at Christmas - why not steal an hour or two to relax in front of a movie? Picture: Vue CinemasThere's so much to do at Christmas - why not steal an hour or two to relax in front of a movie? Picture: Vue Cinemas
There's so much to do at Christmas - why not steal an hour or two to relax in front of a movie? Picture: Vue Cinemas

Whether you're after a heart-warming classic like Miracle on 34th Street, a festive thriller like Die Hard or a Christmas nightmare like Black Christmas, 'tis the season to be jolly.

What Christmas films are being shown this year?

For those who fancy a classic cinema experience, you can't beat the Filmhouse on Lothian Road. This winter, they'll be screening cult Christmas hits like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Tokyo Godfathers, as well as classics like Miracle on 34th Street and Scrooged (until Christmas Eve; tickets from £10.50 for adults, £4.50 for children).

This winter wonderland is the perfect place to watch a festive movie. Picture: Hobo CinemaThis winter wonderland is the perfect place to watch a festive movie. Picture: Hobo Cinema
This winter wonderland is the perfect place to watch a festive movie. Picture: Hobo Cinema
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If you want to go big, movie theatre giants Cineworld will be showing fresh festive releases like Frozen 2 and Last Christmas, as well as old favourites like Elf, all at their Fountainpark location (until Christmas Eve; tickets from £9.75 for adults, £5.75 for children).

The Vue cinemas at the Omni Centre and Ocean Terminal will also be screening the latest Christmas flicks as well as animated hits like The Grinch and Abominable (until Christmas Eve; tickets from £5.75 per person).

Not to be outdone, the Odeon at Fort Kinnaird will be showing child-friendly Christmas flicks like Home Alone and Abominable (until Christmas Eve; tickets from £5.75 per person).

No matter how many times you've seen it, It's A Wonderful Life is the perfect Christmas movie. Picture: Liberty FilmsNo matter how many times you've seen it, It's A Wonderful Life is the perfect Christmas movie. Picture: Liberty Films
No matter how many times you've seen it, It's A Wonderful Life is the perfect Christmas movie. Picture: Liberty Films

If you prefer your Christmas films with a dash of something strange, Summerhall's“Christmas Creatures” line-up might be tailor-made for you (Friday 20 and Saturday 21 December; tickets from £8 per person).

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It includes freaky festive faves like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Gremlins.

That said, if you like Summerhall but prefer your Christmas movies filled with belly laughs rather than blood and guts, they'll also give you the chance to see Jim Carrey's The Grinch and Bill Murray's Scrooged.

Or maybe you'd prefer more of a woodland setting for your winter escape to the movies?

Stewart Brewery will be hosting its first ever films screening this Christmas. Picture: Stewart Brewery.Stewart Brewery will be hosting its first ever films screening this Christmas. Picture: Stewart Brewery.
Stewart Brewery will be hosting its first ever films screening this Christmas. Picture: Stewart Brewery.

Hobo Cinema is returning to Dalkeith Country Park this Christmas to provide exactly that. Snuggle down with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate and take in a family-friendly classic like The Gruffalo or The Snowman (20-24 December; tickets from £14 for adults, £10.50).

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If mulled wine is not really your speed, then how about a nice pint while you watch the movie? The Stewart Brewery will be hosting its first ever film screening this Christmas, paired with any one of their 18 brewery-fresh beers or something from their extensive range of Scottish spirits (Saturday 21 December; tickets are £6 per person).

Everyone's favourite shady den, Banshee Labyrinth will also be screening a series of Christmas classics, including Die Hard and Nightmare Before Christmas (Friday 20 December; all movie screenings are completely free).

True to their dark nature, they will also be hosting a recap of the decade in horror, beautifully titled Teens Slasher.

Elf has quickly become a modern Christmas classic. Picture: New Line CinemaElf has quickly become a modern Christmas classic. Picture: New Line Cinema
Elf has quickly become a modern Christmas classic. Picture: New Line Cinema

For those looking for an all-inclusive experience, Harvey Nicholsat St Andrew Square will be hosting a Movies and Shakers event which includes a three-course meal and a film-themed cocktail, as well as a screening of either White Christmas or It's A Wonderful Life (17 December; tickets from £55 per person)