Roll into the holidays with a whole month of movie magic under the stars!
Yes, the pandemic has unfortunately reached a crescendo just as we were getting into the holiday spirit. Meaning, reopenings have rolled back and we’re more or less operating under the same Safer-At-Home order as we were back in spring. Luckily, drive-ins are allowed to remain open and there’s a ton of pop-ups that have pivoted from the usual al fresco affairs on picnic blankets to a safer (and cozier) drive-in model.
Here are some of the best ones happening in L.A. this month:
Cinemauto
This Chinatown pop-up is a full-blown celebration of art, design, film, music and products. Here you get an all-encompassing cinema experience that gives marginalized communities a voice with a serving of the arts along with delicious takeout offerings from Little Jewel of New Orleans through the carhop service. On December 12 at 5 p.m. Portrait of a Lady on Fire will be showing along with music videos and shorts from a new generation of creators.
Location: 713 N. Hill St, Los Angeles CA 90012
Rooftop Cinema Club
The roaming pop-up has set landed on the Santa Monica Airport runway with a 52-foot screen and they’re redefining the holiday movie experience with a mix of the festive classics, family favorites and cult horrors. Tickets are selling out fast so plan ahead.
Location: 3233 Donald Douglas Loop S, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Hollywood Legion Post 43
Meet the first-ever drive-in located in the heart of Hollywood! The historic Legion Theater has taken its screenings outdoors with a 4K projection system and a backdrop of the Hollywood hills. You can catch Christopher Nolan’s new film, Tenet, for $65 per car which includes candy, popcorn and soda.
Location: 2035 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Street Food Cinema
Buckle up and prepare for a cinematic feast. Street Food Cinema is known for matching up the movie, food, and settings to the season. Whether it’s a classic horror film at the Million Dollar Theater replete ghouls and spooky treats or the Yuletide Cinemaland outside the heritage museum, you’re always in for a charming (and delicious) surprise. This year, they’ve adapted to a drive-in model and the food provisions follow the ever-changing health & safety restrictions. But you can expect the same magical experience.
Location: Various
Website
L.A. Arts Society Drive-In Cinema
Cinephiles, take note: The usual screenings of curated films have moved outdoors to Gardena Cinema theater’s open-air lot. It’s a lowkey affair showing excellent films with talent occasionally dropping in for talks. It’s also a steal at $25 per ticket which includes everyone in the vehicle.
Location: Gardena Cinema, 14948 Crenshaw Boulevard, Gardena, CA 90249
Hollywood Roosevelt Drive-In Theatre
This glamorous Hollywood landmark is bringing a small selection of feel-good movies to their parking lot this month. You can expect Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), A Christmas Story (1983) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) with delicious concessions available from an Airstream trailer.
Location: 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Cinespia’s Hollywood Forever Cemetery [SOLD OUT]
This magical outdoor event takes place in this stunning setting of the Hollywood Forever Cemetary and other historic venues around L.A. It features only the best of cinema along with pre-show DJs, but with only a few screenings happening you’ll need to act fast to get tickets.
Locations: Various.
Featured Image: Cinespia via Facebook