London's best Christmas film screenings, 2021
From the cinema at Selfridges to The Luna Cinema's palatial venues, we round up the best Christmas film screenings London 2021 has to offer
And as temperatures drop, what better way to explore fresh corners of London than in new places that feel just as comfortable as home? And, in some cases, even more comfortable…
The Cinema at Selfridges
In need of a pit-stop while Christmas shopping? The time is right with the plush, three-screen cinema at Selfridges. The project was opened by Olympic Studios founder Stephen Burdge, who notoriously turned the Rolling Stones' favourite recording studio into a community cinema.
Everything has been thought through: from a cocktail lounge and private members' area to the comfort of Norwegian reclining seats, as well as popcorn that doesn't rustle or smell. Take your significant other to see Last Christmas or bask in the festive spirit with a screening of Home Alone or take a locomotive trip to the North Pole in The Polar Express. Other films showing include Gremlins, The Grinch, and the 2009 version of A Christmas Carol.
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Where: 40 Duke Street, London W1U 1AT
Christmas at the Prince Charles Cinema
The Prince Charles Cinema never disappoints when it comes to screenings that are themed, interactive, or just a bit different. They make sure you have an unforgettable experience: whether it's the actual Santa Claus dropping in for Elf, singalongs of The Muppet Christmas Carol, or reruns of Die Hard and It's a Wonderful Life.
There's even an Alternative Christmas season for the Grinches out there, which includes films like the Rocky IV director's cut, Eyes Wide Shut, and American Psycho.
The central location in Leicester Square boasts a cosy and familiar atmosphere, its audiences the most vocal cinema lovers in the big smoke.
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Where: 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BY
The Rivoli Ballroom Christmas Pop-Up Cinema
Did you know that the Rivoli Ballroom is one of the only 1950s ballrooms remaining in London? With regal red and glittering gold decor, it sets the perfect scene for a one-off festive film screening this Christmas period.
With a select number of classics, from Home Alone 2 to Die Hard, the space offers beautiful but affordable pop-up events from Thursday 16 to Friday 17 December. It's some kind of Christmas miracle.
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Where: 350 Brockley Road, Crofton Park, London SE4 2BY
Love Actually: film with live orchestra, Eventim Apollo
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Where: 45 Queen Caroline Street, London W6 9QH
Festive Film & Fizz with Curzon, One Aldwych
Film & Fizz graces One Aldwych all year round, but come November and December the luxurious experience – complete with a three-course dinner and Sparkling Henners Wine – is given a festive twist too. Booking now, from the feel-good factor of The Holiday and Love Actually to the timeless magic of Elf and It's a Wonderful Life, there's sure to be something to add a bit of sparkle to your happy holidays this year.
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Where: 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
Backyard Cinema's Snow Kingdom and Winter Night Garden
This Christmas, the titans of immersive cinema return with their lauded and magical experiences from Monday 15 November to Monday 3 January 2022. Taking over Capital Studios, Backyard are bringing back the Winter Night Garden, which asks guests to travel through a wardrobe (Narnia lives on) and journey through an enchanted forest, and the Snow Kingdom, which houses ball-pit rivers, secret passageways and password-protected worlds. All with mince pies and mulled wine.
Both venues offer the same comfortable Backyard experience – cosy beanbags, festive snacks (including scrumptious meals from Honest Burger and Backyard Pizza) as well as all the best festive flicks. Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually, Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone and more are scheduled, but tickets are selling fast!
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Where: Capital Studios, Ram Quarter, 13 Wandsworth Plain, Wandsworth, London SW18 1ET
Backyard Cinema's Christmas Movie Spectacular
The third offering from the geniuses at Backyard Cinema takes place at a historic venue. The Troxy building was first constructed as an art deco cinema in 1933, the largest in England at the time. Its first film was the original King Kong. Nowadays, it’s mostly a music venue but occasionally opens its doors for movie lovers.
Backyard Cinema’s Christmas Movie Spectacular is running from Sunday 5 December to Friday 24 December, featuring not only festive favourites (Love Actually, Elf, Home Alone) but also a live Christmas choir and a special performance from George the Poet. Expect plenty of tinsel.
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Where: Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, London E1 0HX
The Luna Winter Cinema
The brilliant minds over at The Luna Cinema have made a storming comeback with a new winter season, their biggest yet. With 124 screenings at the Battersea Arts Centre and Kensington Palace, Luna transports you to an architecturally astounding wonderland: bursting with giant Christmas trees and sprinkled with falling snow.
Why not have a warm cup of cocoa or a pleasing mug of mulled wine in front of Frozen or The Snowman or It’s a Wonderful Life? And maybe, if you’re willing to splash out, book a VIP sofa and purchase a Limited Edition Festive Box filled with candy canes and chocolate coins. There's nothing that defines Christmas more than eating festive snacks on the sofa.
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Where: Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN / Kensington Palace Pavilion, London W2 4RS
