Deck the Halls With ‘Yuletide Cinema’

Neil McNally

For those of you seeking Christmas dinner and a movie, look no further than “Yuletide Cinema!” Over two weekends, Street Food Cinema is bringing a little holiday cheer to Downtown L.A.’s historic and venerable Palace Theater with screenings of some of your favorite movies. All this and gourmet food vendors to boot!

It all begins Saturday, Dec. 6 with a matinee of that most perennial of classics, “A Christmas Story.” Released in 1983, this Bob Clark-directed movie went largely ignored upon its original release, but through VHS, DVDs and annual 24-hour television viewings, it has become a holiday favorite. Don’t forget to bring your Red Rider BB gun, and whatever you do, don’t shoot your eye out! Doors open at 3 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. showing.

Stick around for John Favreau’s comedy “Elf.” The story of a human adopted by Santa’s elves, the film went on to become the ultimate “fish out of water” vehicle for comedian Will Ferrell. With winning performances by Zooey Deschanel, James Caan and Bob Newhart, the film successfully reminds us to keep the holidays with us year round.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for an 8:30 p.m. showing.

The fun continues one week later, when on Saturday, Dec. 13, the beloved Rob Reiner comedy/fantasy “The Princess Bride” swashbuckles its way onto the Palace’s screens with a special appearance by actor Carey Elwes, Westley himself. Elwes will be there to promote his new book “As You Wish”, which profiles the making of the film. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. A book signing and Q & A with Elwes will occur before the film begins at 8:30 p.m.

If none of this whets your appetite, then perhaps a multitude of sweet and savory treats will. Various L.A. food vendors such as Cobblermania, Dakota’s Pop Parlor, Mercedes Binge, Tart Bites and Dog Haus will attend each show to serve such delicious fare as single serving pies, peanut brittle, cookies, gourmet popcorn, miniature pizzas and holiday sausages.

So, whether you’ve been good or bad this year, a great time is sure to be had at these uniquely LA holiday events. Be sure to put it on your list, check it twice, and well, I’m sure by now you know the rest.

For more information, visit the Street Food Cinema website here.