Holiday Movies Showing at Classic Buffalo Theatres

By Drew Brown

Published on | Last Updated

There’s something comforting about stepping through the front doors of Buffalo’s classic movie theatres – the smell of popcorn at the snack counter, the twinkling of lights down the aisle, the dimming of the house lights, even the creak of the old-time seats. Combine that with the spirit of the holiday season and you’ve got the recipe for a nostalgic experience unlike any other. Several classic Buffalo theatres cherish this time of the year by firing up the projectors to show timeless holiday movies, new and old. Here is what’s playing at Buffalo’s theatres this season:

Aurora Theatre

673 Main Street, East Aurora, NY

This vintage movie house, the Aurora Theatre & Popcorn Shop located in the charming village of East Aurora, has just the right touch of modern flair. Check out their stacked holiday showings – all of which are completely FREE.

All showtimes are at 11:00am.

• Arthur Christmas: Friday, November 28th, 2025

• Elf: Saturday, November 29th, 2025

• A Christmas Carol: Sunday, November 30th, 2025

• The Grinch (animated): Saturday, December 6th, 2025

• A Christmas Story: Sunday, December 7th, 2025

• Christmas Vacation: Saturday, December 13th, 2025

• White Christmas: Sunday, December 14th, 2025

• The Polar Express: Saturday, December 20th, 2025

• It’s a Wonderful Life: Sunday, December 21st, 2025

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North Park Theatre

1428 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY

The Buffalo Evening Times called North Park Theatre “Buffalo’s Finest Neighborhood Theatre” on its opening day in 1920, this North Buffalo jewel continues its tradition of seasonal screenings with a holiday classic.

• Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Saturday, November 22nd & Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 at 11:30am (get tickets)

• It’s a Wonderful Life: Saturday, November 29th & Sunday, November 30th, 2025 at 11:30am (get tickets)

Christmas Tree at Sheas Theatre

Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

Don’t miss your free opportunity to catch a holiday movie in the grandest theater in Buffalo, which has been meticulously restored to its original, breathtaking beauty. Shea’s continues its special holiday programming, just in time for the holiday season.riviera theatre

• Elf: Friday, December 12th, 2025 at 6pm (while free, tickets for seat assignments are still required)
Doors at 6pm, show at 7pm.

Drew Brown headshot

Drew Brown

Born in Buffalo's Historic Polonia District, raised in East Aurora, current resident of Allentown, and I'm still discovering new things in Buffalo every day. I'm proud to represent our community as the Senior Creative Director for Visit Buffalo. Let's go Buffalo!