LAKEMOOR — Fortunately for area theater buffs, and before things grow altogether too hectic for him, Santa plans to check out the McHenry Outdoor Theater this weekend, Dec. 6-7, and next, Dec. 13-14.
“We are thrilled to be expecting visits from Santa the next two weekends this month,” said Scott Dehn, owner of the theater at 1510 N. Chapel Hill Road, east of downtown McHenry. “When he told us he could make it, we cheered. It turns out, even Santa enjoys some great holiday classics under the stars.”
Late season pricing is just $15 per carload, Dehn said. The box office opens at 5:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and movies start about 7 p.m.
“We hope to greet lots of visitors who will enjoy not only some terrific movies and perhaps some hot cocoa and other treats, but also the chance to visit with Santa, take some photos and create some great, lasting family memories,” Dehn said.
Showing this coming weekend (Dec. 6-7) will be “The Polar Express” followed by “Santa Claus: The Movie,” a 1985 film featuring Dudley Moore, John Lithgow and David Huddleston.
Friday, Dec. 6, should prove especially exciting as qualifiers for the Movies Make Memories family trip contest are invited to attend for free, with the winner to be named that night. Co-sponsors The Bremer Team – Keller Williams Success Realty, the McHenry Outdoor Theater and Worldwide Traveler are awarding the winning family an all-expenses-paid trip to Universal Studios Florida. Qualifiers must be present to win.
“We can’t wait to celebrate with all of the qualifiers, and to find out who will claim this amazing prize,” Dehn said. “I can’t thank our co-sponsors enough for this added late-season excitement.”
On the big screen Dec. 13-14, when Santa will return, will be Will Ferrell in “Elf,” followed by 2006’s “The Nativity Story.”
The theater’s final weekend of the 2024 season will be Dec. 20-21, when audiences will have the chance to catch “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” followed by Bill Murray in “Scrooged.”
Those looking for holiday gifts are encouraged to check out the Bremer Team Taphouse and Snack Bar, where all Outdoor merch is deeply discounted to wrap out the year, Dehn added.
For other information, visit goldenagecinemas.com, or find the McHenry Outdoor Theater on Facebook.