Saturday 14 November 2026
Christmas is coming early to Vue West End in Leicester Square, with a selection of beloved festive films returning to the big screen this winter. The Back on the Big Screen line-up includes Arthur Christmas, Home Alone, Elf, The Holiday, It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street. Several of these iconic stories are marking major anniversaries this year, from a 15th birthday to an 80th. Here are five reasons to swap the sofa for a cinema seat in the heart of the West End this festive season.
1. Three big anniversaries to celebrate
Three films in this year’s line-up are celebrating milestones. Arthur Christmas marks its 15th anniversary and flies back onto the big screen from 20 November, with the voices of James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie and Jim Broadbent telling the story of Santa’s youngest son Arthur and his top-secret mission to deliver one forgotten present before Christmas morning. Romantic comedy fans can celebrate 20 years of The Holiday from 4 December. And Frank Capra’s timeless classic It’s a Wonderful Life celebrates its 80th anniversary with a stunning 4K restoration from 11 December.
2. Home Alone and Elf for family laughs
Two festive comedies arrive together from 27 November. Home Alone follows eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who is accidentally left behind when his family jets off for Christmas and has to defend his home from two bumbling burglars with a series of ingenious traps. Elf stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who travels to New York City in search of his real father, spreading Christmas spirit (and chaos) along the way. Both make a perfect family outing in the run-up to the holidays.
3. An exclusive Buddy the Elf cup
Vue is adding an extra festive treat for fans of Elf. To coincide with its Back on the Big Screen screenings of the film, the cinema chain is offering exclusive Christmas-themed merchandise, headed by an exclusive premium cup inspired by Buddy the Elf. It is designed to bring an added touch of Christmas cheer to the big screen experience, and makes a fun souvenir of a night out in Leicester Square. If you are planning to see Elf with friends or family this year, it is well worth keeping an eye out for this limited festive extra at the cinema.
4. Classics right up to Christmas Day
The season builds to some true golden-age classics. It’s a Wonderful Life stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who, with the help of a guardian angel, discovers just how much his life has meant to those around him. Rounding off the line-up from 25 December is Miracle on 34th Street (1947), starring Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle alongside Maureen O’Hara and a young Natalie Wood. It follows a kindly department store Santa who claims to be the real Father Christmas, inspiring a little girl and those around her to rediscover the magic of believing.
5. Festive films as they were meant to be seen
Steve Rhind-Tutt, General Manager at Vue West End, said: “There’s something really special about watching your favourite Christmas films on the big screen, whether it’s a family tradition or a chance to rediscover a much-loved classic.” He added: “We’re delighted to be giving audiences the chance to experience these magical stories all over again, just as they were meant to be seen.” Vue is also suggesting the Vue Gift Card as a stocking filler, usable for tickets, snacks and drinks at any Vue in the UK, while Club Vue members earn a stamp per screening booked via the app, with ten stamps unlocking one free ticket.
Tickets and info
Vue West End, Leicester Square, London
Arthur Christmas (15th Anniversary) – from 20 November
Home Alone – from 27 November
Elf – from 27 November
The Holiday (20th Anniversary) – from 4 December
It’s a Wonderful Life (80th Anniversary – 4K Restoration) – from 11 December
Miracle on 34th Street – from 25 December
Book via the Club Vue app or at myvue.com