Photo courtesy of: Athena CinemaThe 2017 Holiday Movie Series opens Nov. 3 and runs through Dec. 16, at the Athena Cinema, Athens.
The holidays are here and that means it’s time for the Athena Cinema to announce its lineup of classic holiday films for the sixth annual Holiday Film Series. Beginning on Thursday, Nov. 30, the series offers free admission to holiday movies in exchange for food or cash donations for the local food pantry.
From Nov. 30 through Dec. 16, the Athena Cinema of Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts will partner with the Department of Real Estate Management, Community Engagement and Economic Development and Athens’ food pantries to bring back the traditional movie series. As part of the events, patrons will receive a complimentary snowflake cookie to enjoy during the movie.
The Athena Cinema will change the lineup this year by kicking off the event on the same night as the Athens Tree Lighting Celebration and Arrival of Santa. The first event will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 and will be a double feature of the original 1966 “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” paired with the 1974 stop motion animated special “The Year Without a Santa Claus.” All other scheduled screenings take place on Saturdays. The second event will feature “Elf” at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 2. On Dec. 9 the theater will show “Home Alone” at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with a special evening showing of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The final event will take place on Dec. 16 and will be a 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. screening of “Polar Express.”
“We look forward to this series year-round and are excited to see area families and children come out and celebrate the holidays Uptown,” said the Athena Cinema’s director, Alexandra Kamody.
To benefit area families in need, the price of admission to these screenings will be a non-perishable food item or cash donation per ticket. “Over the past six years, this initiative has resulted in 4,300 pounds of non-perishable food and over $700 in cash donations for local food pantries,” said E. David Averion, manager of Real Estate Operations at Ohio University.
Tickets will be available one week before each scheduled screening. Donations may be dropped off during regular Athena lobby hours. Ticket redemption will be given at the time of the donation. The Athena Cinema lobby is open Monday-Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 to 10 p.m.
The purpose of this initiative is to give back to the greater Athens community and families in need during the season. The Cinema also hopes to provide an affordable Uptown entertainment option and increase traffic to area businesses. Please come out and support our initiative, take advantage of local shopping/restaurants and enjoy a fun holiday event with your family.
The Athena Cinema Holiday Movie Schedule
Admission is a non-perishable food item or cash donation. A complimentary snowflake sugar cookie for all patrons.
Nov. 30: Double Feature: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Year Without A Santa Claus,” beginning at 7 p.m.
Dec. 2: “Elf,” show times 1 and 3 p.m.
Dec. 9: “Home Alone,” show times 1 and 3 p.m.; “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation,” show times 7 and 9 p.m.
Dec. 16: “The Polar Express,” show times 1 and 3 p.m.
Further information, and movie trailers can be found on the Athena Cinema website.