Craigdarroch Castle is starting a new Christmas tradition. This December, the Classics at the Castle movie series invites guests to enjoy some holiday favourites.
Toby Stubbs, the manager of operations at the castle, said it’s the first time Christmas tales have graced the screen at the historic site. In October, Halloween specials sold out, so the castle decided to bring the classics back again and the staff of 100 people chose their favourites.
“The kind of classics that came out of that — It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street — are a big part of everyone’s Christmas tradition, so I thought that was kind of cool that we embraced that,” Stubbs said. “Then they really wanted to do Nightmare Before Christmas.”
The Tim Burton animated film was also highly recommended in October and, although Stubbs was skeptical, the film has been popular among those who have already purchased their tickets.
READ MORE: Onscreen classics haunt Craigdarroch Castle this October
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) kicks celebrations off on Dec. 6, with George Bailey’s account of a life of selfless do-gooding and giving wings to angels.
Next is the stop-motion animation with a twist as Jack Skellington learns about Santa Claws in Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. Watch the spooky spectacle on Dec. 11.
White Christmas (1954) takes the Castle back to the Second World War as American soldiers rise to stardom on Broadway. Their crooning (featuring Bing Crosby’s vocals as the lead) helps them meet singing sisters Judy and Betty over the holidays, of course. What begins as a green holiday transforms into the title’s description as holiday cheer and love bloom. Watch the romantic musical on Dec. 13.
Finally, Miracle on 34th Street reminds all to believe. Catch the last classic screening of the year on Dec. 18.
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Local brews will add to the Christmas spirit with beverages from Twa Dogs Brewery. Entrance also includes a gingerbread cookie.
Tickets are $11 or $10 for members, and can be purchased at thecastle.ca. The waitlist for the Halloween screenings had more than 100 people on it, so Stubbs is expecting a similar turn out for the Christmas films and urges cinephiles to get their tickets early.
