Haven’t made it to a drive-in movie yet? Not to worry. December has plenty of holiday films showing at outdoor pop-up drive-ins around Los Angeles. Read on for the best places to catch a flick on the big screen with the family—all while staying socially distanced from others.
Come See: Drive-In
The Village at Westfield Topanga popular Come See movie series is back for a holiday edition, featuring holiday favorite films, including How the Grinch StoleChristmas on Dec. 4, ELF on Dec. 10 and A Muppet Christmas Carol on Dec. 11.
Mark your calendars! The first three Sundays in December (starting on Dec. 6), and the last Sat. of the month (Dec. 26), The Hollywood Roosevelt will be hosting a holiday series, showing films including ELF, A Christmas Story and Dr. Suess's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Tickets are available for VIP, Preferred and General Parking.
With double feature showings of classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, along with holiday favorites including The Polar Express and Home Alone, this pop-up drive in on the Sunset Strip has something for everyone during the month of December. Family-friendly movies start on Thurs. Dec. 3, and currently go through Thurs., Dec. 16. See the full schedule here.
Cost: $34 for 5:30p.m. showings; $62 for 8p.m. showings
The Roadium has revived its classic 1950s drive-in for a one-of-a-kind movie-going experience. While the December screening of Polar Express is already sold out, you can snag tickets now to see Happy Feet on Fri., Jan. 8.
Upcoming movies are still TBA for this pop-up, which now has two locations in Downtown LA and Glendale. Pre-packaged popcorn, snack and candy will be available for purchase.
Cost: from $28 per car (including a single person); from $8 for each additional person
951 South Flower St. Parking Lot Los Angeles
Glendale Sears Parking Lot 211 W. California Avenue St. Glendale Online: electricduskdrivein.com
Drive-In Movie Theaters
Looking to catch a new release, like Croods 2? These old-school drive-ins are also open for business.
To safely allow for social distancing, this drive-in is currently operating at 50 percent capacity with 9 feet of space between vehicles. Each car may only contain members of the same household who’ve already been in close contact with one another. Face masks are required when exiting your car to visit the bathroom and concession stand. The theater is also taking deep cleaning measures to ensure restrooms stay clean and roomy for patrons. All concession items are to-go only. Be sure to check the site for available movie times.
Cost: General admission tickets are $10 (ages 9 and up), $3.50 (ages 5-8) and kiddos under age 5 are free.
Located in nearby in Montclair, the Mission Tiki Drive-in Theatre presents a mix of current releases and recent classics, so there’s almost always something for everyone. To keep patrons safe during this time, the theatre requires vehicles to park at least 10 feet apart from each other, and patrons must practice social distancing at all times during their visit. Visitors must also wear face masks when stopping by the restroom and concession stand. Advanced tickets are not available, so be prepared to wait in a fairly long line of cars to purchase tickets in person the night of the show.
Cost: $10 for adults (age 10 and up), $1 for kids ages 5-9, children under 5 are free
Open nightly every day of the week, the historic Van Buren Drive-In Theatre in Riverside is a groovy way to catch some of the latest films. The purchase of adult and kids’ tickets allows you admission for two movies playing on the same screen during your visit, meaning you get to see two movies for half the price! The theatre recommends arriving one hour prior to the first show, or if you’re planning on seeing only the second or third shows, arrive 30 minutes ahead of time.
Cost: $10 for adults (age 10 and up), $1 for ages 5-9, children under 5 are free
Pacific Theatres Vineland Drive-In in the City of Industry is a family favorite, with films showing nightly. The snack bar is open, but you must wear a mask when out of your car. Check their site for the latest listings, which include new releases and older favorites.
Cost: $10 for ages 9 and up, $4 for ages 5-8, children under 5 are free