The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) is getting into the Christmas spirit with Holidays at The JPT. From beloved holiday films to live music and collaborations with local businesses, this festive lineup offers something for everyone to enjoy during the most wonderful time of the year.
“At the JPT, we’re all about creating magical moments, and our Holidays at The JPT series is a true celebration of the season,” said Alex Whitney, General Manager of the JPT. “Whether you’re watching the hilarity of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, enjoying live music, or reliving the timeless joy of It’s A Wonderful Life, our theater transforms into a holiday haven for the community. We can’t wait to share this festive experience with our guests.”
National Lampoon Christmas Vacation (December 18 & 19)
The JPT’s National Lampoon Christmas Vacation holiday party event has become so popular that guests now have two opportunities to attend the special holiday screening. Tickets include a pre-film concert by David Tessier’s All Star Stars (both nights).
As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark’s employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs. All guests will receive complimentary Christmas cookies with admission. For both days, live music begins at 6:15 PM, to be followed by the film at 7:30 PM. For tickets and more information, click here.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (December 22 at 1:30 PM)
The Muppets’ rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale puts a unique twist on that fateful Christmas Eve, when Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes — and his heart — to the true meaning of Christmas. For tickets and more information, click here.
TURAS Celtic Christmas Concert (December 22 at 6:00 PM)
Turas are back at The JPT for an intimate yet rousing showcase of musical craft and charm. Featuring a mix of classic Irish ballads and holiday tunes such as Christmas Eve Reel, Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake, Silent Night, and Auld Lang Syne, and much more Celtic musical magic. Expertly played by locally based but internationally known musicians, this concert is a cheerfully cozy way for The JPT guests to get ready for Christmas. Two 45 minute sets of music starting at 6:00 PM, with a 15 minute intermission. Tickets are $22 or $20 for members. Doors open at 5:15 PM. For tickets and more information, click here.
It’s A Wonderful Life (December 23 at 7:30 PM)
After George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there. For more information, click here.
Polar Express (December 23, 4:30 PM)Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards the mysterious train that waits for him–The Polar Express. When the boy arrives at the North Pole, Santa Claus offers him any gift he desires. The boy asks only for a bell from the harness of Santa’s reindeer. But on the way home, the bell is lost. Christmas morning, the boy finds the bell under the Christmas tree, and when he shakes it, the bell makes the most beautiful sound he’s ever heard. His mother admires the bell, but she laments that it is broken … for, you see, only a true believer can hear the sound of the bell. For tickets and more information, click here.
