Free Holiday Movie Nights Hosted by Libraries and Parks
Catch free December showings like Elf and Home Alone — dates, times and what to bring for library and park nights.
Free holiday movie nights are scheduled at libraries and parks in several cities this December. Screenings include indoor library showings and outdoor park events, all listed as free to attend. Dates run from early December through Dec.
28. Titles are familiar holiday favorites, with evening showtimes after work and school.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
Library showings to check
Westerly Library & Wilcox Park lists Monday Night Holiday Movie screenings at 5:30 p.m. on the first three Mondays in December. The lineup is The Holdovers, then Love Actually, then White Christmas Monday Night Holiday Movie listing.
Anne Arundel County Public Library lists Riviera Beach Movie Night: Home Alone (PG, 1990) on Dec. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Community Meeting Room AB.
The same library listing also notes It's a Wonderful Life that day Riviera Beach events listing. Ocean City Free Public Library lists The Holiday for Movie Monday on Dec. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m.
The afternoon time suits families and daytime visitors.
Outdoor park screenings to check
St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation offers Holiday Movies in the Park with pre-movie activities at 6:30 p.m. and movies at 7 p.m.
Listed titles include Christmas with the Kranks on Dec. 5 and Nightmare Before Christmas on Dec. 12 Holidays in the Sunshine City events.
The City of Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation lists Elf (PG) free at Sullivan Park, 1633 Riverview Rd., on Dec. 18. Gates open at 6 p.m., the movie starts at 7 p.m., and popcorn is free Movies in the Park schedule.
The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation lists a free all-ages Holiday Lights & Cozy Movie Night on Dec. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. The site is Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St.
When to arrive and what to bring
Park showings use lawn-style seating. St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation and the City of Deerfield Beach describe 6 p.m.
gates, concessions or food trucks, and Santa photos before showtime. Library rooms have fixed seats and set start times. Arrive early for check-in, seating, and room directions.
- Bring blankets or low lawn chairs for grass seating.
- Arrive near gate time for parking, snacks, and a viewing spot.
- Bring warm layers for a 7 p.m. outdoor start.
Why showings need permission
Owning a DVD or digital file does not include the right to show it to a public group. The American Library Association explains that public showings outside face-to-face classroom use generally need written permission or an umbrella license, with fees likely. An umbrella license is a yearly permit that covers many titles for group showings.
It helps libraries and parks offer free nights without clearing each film one by one. Check the event listing on the day you plan to go for time or room changes.