Here are the holiday films at local theaters, available to stream

With the cool weather in the Coastal Bend, all you need is a hot cup of cocoa and a blanket to keep you warmer while you snuggle up on your sofa to stream holiday movies.

But if you want to splurge and change your cocoa and blanket for popcorn and a soda, more holiday films — new and old — will be on the big screen at local theaters.

Check out these holiday films in theaters or on streaming platforms.

Rated R, 1 hour and 41 minutes

When a group of mercenaries attacks the estate of a wealthy family, Santa Claus must step in to save the day, and Christmas. The film premieres Thursday.

Starring: David Harbour, Beverly D'Angelo and John Leguizamo

Where to watch: AMC Corpus Christi 16, Century 16, Movies Inc. and Northshore 8

Not rated, 1 hour and 50 minutes

Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's world is shattered by tragedy one day. With a nation divided by the Civil War and his family torn apart, he puts down his pen due to his grief. But the sound of Christmas morning reignites the poet's lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith. Based on a true story, the film premieres Thursday.

Starring: Stephen Atherholt, Jonathan Blair and Rachel Day Hughes

Where to watch: AMC Corpus Christi 16, Century 16 and Northshore 8

"The Polar Express": On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. The screening is a Movie Party, which includes fun props and an immersive experience. The showing is on Saturday.

"The Holiday": Two women troubled with guy problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love. The screening is a Brunch Screening, which includes a special brunch menu. The showing is on Sunday.

"Gremlins": A young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on his small town. The screening is a Movie Party, which includes fun props and an immersive experience. The showing is on Monday, Dec. 5.

"Christmas in Connecticut": A food writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife must try to cover her deception when her boss and a returning war hero invite themselves to her home for a traditional family Christmas. The showing is on Saturday, Dec. 10.

"A Christmas Story": In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift. The screening is a Movie Party, which includes fun props and an immersive experience. The showing is on Monday, Dec. 12.

"White Christmas": A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont lodge of their former commanding general. The showing is on Christmas Day.

"Elf": Raised as an oversize elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas sprit. Showings are Friday through Thursday, Dec. 8.

"Christmas Bloody Christmas": It's Christmas Eve and Tori just wants to get drunk and party, but when a robotic Santa Claus at a nearby toy store goes haywire and begins a rampant killing spree through her small town, she's forced into a battle for survival. Showings are Thursday, Dec. 8, through Thursday, Dec. 15.

"The Polar Express": On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. Showings are Sunday, Dec. 11, and Wednesday, Dec. 14.

"It's a Wonderful Life": An angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Showings are Sunday, Dec. 18, and Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Disney+

HBO Max

Hulu

Netflix

Paramount+

Peacock

Prime Video

Shudder

More:From Boomers to Zoomers, here are 25 of the best Christmas TV episodes for every generation

More:Shop local: Here are 10 Coastal Bend mom and pop shops to visit for your holiday shopping

John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at [email protected] or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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