BREAKING: Christmas at the movies is on. AMC Theatres will light up screens on December 25 in markets across the country, with many locations running adjusted holiday hours and a mix of classic seasonal favorites and fresh wide releases. If you want a big-screen break between presents and pie, you have options.
Are AMC Theatres open on Christmas Day?
Yes, many are. Hours vary by location. Some sites open mid-morning. Others roll into the afternoon. A few will run a full slate. The schedule depends on your local theater, so check listings before you leave.
I’m seeing Christmas Day showtimes populate in the AMC app and on theater pages. Premium formats are in the mix in select markets. Think IMAX or Dolby for the big titles, plus standard screenings for family classics. Seats are reserved, and popular times can go fast.
Holiday hours are set by each theater. Confirm exact showtimes and formats in the AMC app or on your local theater’s page.
Expect bigger crowds in the late afternoon and early evening. Lines will build at concessions. Plan your snack strategy. Popcorn and a hot cocoa hit different on December 25.
What to watch: Holiday comfort on a giant screen
Christmas at the movies is a tradition, and AMC is leaning into cozy nostalgia. Families are teaming up for matching sweaters. Friends are quoting their favorite lines. Stars who defined the season are back on the marquee, and the vibes are festive.
- Elf, led by Will Ferrell’s joyful chaos, is a crowd pleaser for all ages.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation delivers Chevy Chase, lights, and pure holiday mayhem.
- The Wizard of Oz brings Judy Garland’s magic, a Technicolor escape for the whole family.
- The latest wide releases offer big-scale spectacle for those who want something new.
These picks fill seats with parents, grandparents, and kids who want to share the same screen. That shared laugh when Buddy says, “Smiling’s my favorite,” still hits. The Griswold light show still gets applause. And “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” still hushes a room. This is why theaters matter.
Book smart, skip stress
You can lock in your holiday movie with a few quick moves. Do it before you wrap the last gift. You will thank yourself later.
- Open the AMC app, choose your theater, and set the date to December 25.
- Pick your format, time, and seats together, then buy in one transaction.
- Add concessions in the app if mobile ordering is available at your location.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to avoid lobby traffic and get settled.
If you are going as a group, use the seat map to block a row. Buy all tickets at once to keep your squad together.
Afternoon and early evening shows usually draw the biggest crowds. Morning matinees can be calmer. Late shows often open up for night owls. If you are bringing little ones, consider a matinee and a center row. It is easier for quick exits and snack runs.
Peak holiday times can sell out. Reduced holiday staffing may slow lines. Build in extra time for parking, tickets, and popcorn.
The celebrity angle and the season’s vibe
Hollywood helped build this tradition. Will Ferrell turned Elf into a modern classic that families repeat every year. Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold still defines the “too many lights” dad. Judy Garland’s voice remains the gold standard of holiday wonder. Their films connect generations inside a dark theater, where everything feels a little larger and a little warmer.
AMC locations are ready for that energy. Recliners are a soft landing after a long morning of wrapping paper. Big sound makes sleigh bells boom. Crowds laugh together, and strangers become seatmates in the best way. That communal spark is the real present. It is why fans choose the theater on the one day the world slows down.
Concessions bring their own drama. Kettle corn for the classic crowd. Pretzels for the grazers. Extra butter for the bold. Some locations offer seasonal treats and specialty drinks. If you see a holiday menu in your app, lock it in with your ticket. One tap, zero line.
Bottom line
AMC Theatres will be open in many cities on Christmas Day, with hours and formats tailored to each location. That means you can build a perfect holiday outing, from Elf to The Wizard of Oz to the newest wide releases. Check your theater’s page. Book early. Show up cozy. And let the big screen do the rest. Popcorn tastes better on Christmas. 🎬🍿
