A Cozy Week at the Playhouse
There’s a special kind of magic that happens in Randolph this time of year: lights downtown, neighbors waving across Main Street, and the warm glow spilling out from the doors of the historic Playhouse Movie Theatre. This December, that glow gets even brighter.
From December 19–24, the Randolph Playhouse is hosting a full week of free holiday movies, gifted to the community by generous local sponsors and paired with spotlights on community nonprofits doing essential work across Central Vermont. It’s the kind of good old-fashioned small-town cheer that feels exactly right for the season.
“The Playhouse is more than a building — it’s a gathering place,” says Theatre Manager Tom Bivins. “Local businesses stepping forward to gift free holiday screenings is the kind of small-town generosity that defines Randolph. It’s a gift of joy, connection, and cinematic cheer.”
All screenings are free, with donations encouraged for the nonprofit partner associated with each film. Doors open 45 minutes before showtime.
The Holiday Lineup
Love Actually Fri, DEC 19 at 7:30
Sponsor: LGBTQ+ Fund of Vermont; Benefiting: Randolph Senior Center
Elf: A Sing-Along! Sat, Dec 20 at 2:00
Sponsor: Valley Bowl; Benefiting: Randolph Special Olympics
A Christmas Story Sat, Dec 20 at 7:30
Sponsor: Gifford Health Care; Benefiting Randolph Food Shelf
White Christmas (Open Captions) Sun, Dec 21 at 2:00
Sponsor: ART, etc.; In collaboration with Hollywood, VT & On Goldfish Pond Creative; Benefiting: The Arts Bus
It’s a Wonderful Life Mon, Dec 22 at 7:30
Sponsor: Silloway Maple; Benefiting: Randolph Food Shelf
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Tue, Dec 23 at 7:30
Sponsor: Polestar: Benefiting: Randolph Food Shelf
The Polar Express Wed, Dec 23 at 2:00
Sponsor: Red Door Jewelry and Coin; Benefiting: Randolph Food Shelf
Where to Go
Randolph Playhouse Movie Theatre, 11 S. Main Street, Randolph. Doors open 45 minutes before each screening.
Why This Week Matters
This isn’t just a movie marathon, it’s a portrait of what makes Randolph special: local businesses uplifting their neighbors; nonprofits at the center of the season’s storytelling; a historic theatre that continues to evolve with its community; and a moment to gather, connect, and breathe a little easier during a busy time of year.
The Playhouse has been a cornerstone of Randolph culture for more than a century, and through partnerships with local organizations and companies, the Playhouse is a hub for accessible entertainment, storytelling, and seasonal joy.
So mark your calendars, pick your films and your holiday sweater, bring friends and family, and join us at the Playhouse for a week of celebration, connection, and classic holiday spirit. It’s everything we love about Randolph and the festive season, illuminated on the big screen.
P.S. Disclosure
In true small-town fashion, I wear a few hats around here including serving on the Playhouse board and program the monthly Hollywood, VT film series through my new consulting firm On Goldfish Pond Creative. Vermont multitasking at its finest.
P.P.S. Shameless Cinematic Plug for 2026 Sun, Feb 1
Save the date for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry (1955) filmed and premiered in Vermont starring Oscar winner Edmund Gwenn, John Forsythe, Mildred Natwick, Jerry Mathers and introducing Shirley MacLaine (her first-ever screen role!)
Watch Trailer: click here
