The Christmas season is finally here, and cinemas across Preston are celebrating with a host of holiday films for all audiences. But before you book tickets to the classics, there is a couple of big new releases out this week.
Zootropolis 2 is in theatres this weekend, bringing back the wonderful new Disney franchise about a world occupied by animals. Zootropolis took the world by storm, and now everyone’s favourite bunny and fox duo are back for more adventure.
Next up, Christy is a biopic starring Sydney Sweeney about Christy Martin, one of the most successful female boxers of all time, who paved the way for women’s boxing to become a more widely popular sport in the 1990s.
So, without further ado, this is all of the unique listings playing between Friday, the 28th of November, and Thursday, the 4th of December.
Christmas Karma
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Saturday
Saturday
Christmas Karma is new to cinemas this year, but it’s already got the makings of a Christmas classic. A Bollywood-inspired take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this British musical dramedy features incredible talent for an unforgettable story.
A Paw Patrol Christmas
Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Saturday, Sunday
All Week
Friday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
For the little ones, Ryder and his four-legged friends are coming to the big screen for a special Christmas-themed adventure.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
All Week
Wake Up Dead Man is new in theatres this week, but The Flower Bowl is the only one of Preston’s cinemas to pick the film up. This movie is actually a Netflix original, and the third in the popular Knives Out series starring Daniel Craig, which is due to hit the streaming platform on the 12th of December, but you can catch it early in The Flower Bowl now.
Blue Moon
All Week
Blue Moon is a biographical psycho drama starring Ethan Hawke as Lorenz Hart facing numerous challenges with alcoholism and his mental health set during the opening of Oklahoma!, a lyricist who contributed to the musical. Andrew Scott and Margaret Qualley also appear prominently in the film.
The Snowman and The Snowman and the Snowdog
All Week
A Christmas classic is back on the big screen at Odeon as The Snowman, and the sequel, The Snowman and the Snowdog return. Enchanting music, stunning visuals, and a magical tale all combine for the perfect film to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Primitive War
Friday
Primitive War is a brand new indie film that straddles between monster horror and dinosaur adventure. It’s ambitious and nonsensical, but it certainly delivers a fresh take on these genres.
The Holiday
Saturday, Sunday, Thursday
The popular holiday film from 2006 returns to The Arc this week to mark the Christmas season. The film features an incredible array of talent including Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black for a feel-good holiday romance.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Saturday, Sunday
Another Christmas classic from the unique visionary mind of Tim Burton’s imagination comes the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. Wonderful animation and enchanting music from Danny Elfman combine to create a spectacular holiday movie unlike any other.
Westlife – Royal Albert Hall (25th Anniversary Concert)
Saturday, Sunday
Saturday, Tuesday
Sunday
Saturday, Sunday
Westlife return to the Royal Albert Hall for a very special anniversary concert. This event screening will play out in all of the local cinemas, with a few unique showings as indicated above.
CBeebies Panto 2025: Cinderella
Saturday, Sunday
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday
One of the most joyous events around the Christmas season has to be the pantomimes, and this year, you can watch them in your local theatre with some cosy seats and snacks.
Night of the Zoopocalypse
Saturday, Sunday
Saturday, Sunday
A group of animals are the last hope on Earth as an apocalyptic event transforms everyone else into zombies. It’s an animated horror adventure that is just the right level of spooky for kids to enjoy.
National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step
Sunday, Monday
Saturday
National Theatre Live presents Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden in The Fifth Step. This is an event screening of a live stage performance featuring the very best of British talent.
RBO 2025-26 – The Royal Ballet: Cinderella
Sunday
Sunday
Both The Flower Bowl and Vue are continuing to host special event screenings of the Royal Ballet and Opera’s Cinderella this coming week. A classic fairytale adapted into a beautiful and enchanting performance by spectacular athletes.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2
Sunday, Tuesday
Odeon continues to celebrate The Twilight Saga with Breaking Dawn Part 2 this week. Bella and Edward must fight for their love against the gathering forces who oppose them.
I Swear
Monday
I Swear is a docudrama film about one of the earliest individuals diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and their struggles to fit in. It’s back in the Odeon this week for one night only.
The Polar Express
Monday
Starring Tom Hanks in a wide variety of roles, this animated Christmas movie features a distinct visual style of animated realism that occasionally crosses over into the Uncanny Valley.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
Tuesday
The Odeon’s Silver Cinema offering this week is A Big Bold Beautiful Journey starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. The film explores fantasy, romance, and sci-fi in a whirlwind adventure that is captivating from start to finish.
Die Hard
Wednesday
The age-old debate surrounding the idea of Die Hard as a Christmas movie is already back in full swing, and Odeon has clearly made their stance known by bringing it back this December. Watch Bruce Willis smash his way out of a hostage situation through impossible odds.
The Thing With Feathers
Wednesday
Benedict Cumberbatch stars in this heartbreaking British drama about a father and his two sons as they deal with the loss of their wife and mother. It’s confronting, but it’s also deeply moving and well worth a watch.
Elf
Wednesday
The Christmas classic from 2003 is back on the big screen at Vue. Will Ferrell stars in this outrageous film about a man who grew up among elves and now seeks to reunite with his human father in New York.
Merrily We Roll Along
Thursday
Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsey Mendez have been killing it in their Broadway performance of Merrily We Roll Along, and now fans in Preston can experience that magic as the Odeon brings the stage show to the big screen.
The Doors: When You’re Strange
Thursday
Johnny Depp narrates this musical documentary about the popular 1960s band The Doors with exclusive footage and musical performances from the band. Exclusively at Vue this week.
Subscribe: Get the latest headlines direct from Blog Preston – join our WhatsApp channel and sign up for our twice-a-week email newsletter.
Support local culture: Become a member for just £6 a month, or £60 a year, to help us champion Preston’s arts, culture, and events – and enjoy an ad-free experience while you’re at it.
More: Discover what’s on in Preston
More: Explore our event listings and plan your next outing
More: Read the latest Preston news and headlines
