Winter Classics Movie Series Moves To Winter Village

TAMPA, FL – The show must go on, and Tampa Theatre will not let a small thing like renovations keep the venerable institution from showing holiday classics.

With the Tampa Theatre temporarily closed for restoration, its 2017 Holiday Classics Movie Series will take center stage at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park. Between Nov. 17 and Dec. 16, the Tampa Theatre will present seven old and new family-friendly holiday classics.

“Presenting spectacular cinema outdoors is no small endeavor, and it is through the generous support of several community sponsors that the Theatre is able to purchase the equipment necessary to provide a quality viewing experience for our presentations in the park,” the theater announced on its website.

There is no cost for admission into the Winter Village, which also includes an outdoor ice rink, a collection of shops and winter cafes. The Holiday Classics movies are free to attend as well.

Read More: 2017 Winter Village At Curtis Hixon Park: What To Know Before You Go

This year’s Holiday Classics Movie Series will include:

Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

White Christmas (1954, Not Rated, Musical Comedy)

Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Home Alone (1990, PG, Comedy)

Friday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947, Not Rated, Family Drama)

Saturday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

A Christmas Story (1983, PG, Comedy)

Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m.

The Polar Express (2004, G, Animated Adventure)

Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Elf (2003, PG, Comedy)

Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Not Rated, Drama)

Using historic photos from its opening night in 1926, Tampa Theatre is working to restore the movie palace back to its original state. Many of the theater’s main design elements – such as the red velvet main curtain, carpet and seats – only date back to the 1970s.

“I saw the value of putting nature to work and so have borrowed the color and design that are found in the flowers and the trees,” architect John Eberson wrote of his design for Tampa Theatre.

The theater isn’t relying solely on photos for the restoration. An original seat preserved in the theater’s collection was found to have an elaborately decorated end standards and glazed fabric upholstery meant to look like soft brown leather.

Also, the original theater didn’t have a concession stand. A simple counter designed to complement the lobby architecture was added in the 1930s. The lighted-canopy was added in the 1970s.

“Our responsibility is to preserve and protect this incredible landmark, and an important part of that work is to return the building to its original appearance wherever possible,” said John Bell, the president and CEO of the Tampa Theatre. “We are letting Eberson’s designs drive our decision-making because – let’s face it – he’s much smarter than any of us are when it comes to 1920s movie palace architecture.”

Funding for the outdoor theater equipment came from Bank of America, Mosaic, Mutual of Omaha Bank, Oxford Exchange, Publix Super Markets Charities, TECO, The Lightning Foundation and the University of Tampa, with additional support from Unlimited Printing. Funding for the Holiday Classics Movie Series in part comes from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

For more information about the 2017 Holiday Classics Movie Series or the Tampa Theatre restoration, visit www.tampatheatre.org.

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