Ottawa’s independent cinemas are serving up cinematic magic this December, with holiday classics, cult favourites, and special events that streaming simply cannot replicate. The ByTowne Cinema and Mayfair Theatre have curated December lineups guaranteed to warm your heart, make you laugh, and maybe even make you debate whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie.
Whether you’re seeking nostalgia, romance, or edge-of-your-seat thrills, these beloved local theatres offer the perfect escape from holiday stress. Grab your popcorn, settle into those vintage seats, and experience movies the way they were meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by fellow film lovers.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s ByTowne Cinema and Mayfair Theatre are hosting special holiday screenings throughout late December 2025. Expect beloved classics like Love Actually, Home Alone, and It’s A Wonderful Life, plus cult picks like Die Hard. The Mayfair’s legendary slumber party events return with festive themes.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | December 16-31, 2025 |
| 📍 Venues | ByTowne Cinema & Mayfair Theatre |
| 🎟️ Tickets | bytowne.ca & mayfairtheatre.ca |
| ⏰ Showtimes | Varies by screening |
ByTowne Cinema Highlights
Art House Elegance Meets Holiday Warmth
The ByTowne Cinema on Rideau Street has been Ottawa’s home for thoughtful cinema since 1947. This December, the single-screen treasure continues its tradition of programming that balances crowd-pleasers with hidden gems.
The ByTowne’s intimate 700-seat auditorium features art deco touches and a commitment to presenting films as directors intended. When 35mm prints are available, they screen them—a rarity in the digital age that cinephiles treasure.
Featured ByTowne Screenings:
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It’s A Wonderful Life — Frank Capra’s timeless tale of George Bailey’s journey from despair to redemption. There’s no better place to experience this classic than surrounded by an audience who’ll share your tears.
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Sense and Sensibility — Ang Lee’s gorgeous Jane Austen adaptation starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Perfect for a refined holiday outing.
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Phantom Thread — Daniel Day-Lewis’s final performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s visually stunning drama set in 1950s London fashion.
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Fargo — The Coen Brothers’ darkly comic Minnesota winter tale. Canadian audiences particularly appreciate its snowy atmosphere and “you betcha” charm.
The ByTowne Experience
What makes the ByTowne special extends beyond its programming:
- Carefully curated concessions including local treats
- Knowledgeable staff passionate about film
- Pre-show atmospherics that set the mood
- Community of regular attendees who become friends
Mayfair Theatre Programming
Where Cult Classics Come Home for Christmas
The Mayfair Theatre on Bank Street has cultivated a devoted following by embracing the weird, wonderful, and nostalgic. December programming continues this tradition with holiday favourites served alongside gleefully unconventional choices.
The Mayfair’s personality shines through in everything from its eclectic lobby decorations to its enthusiastic social media presence. This is a theatre that genuinely loves movies—and wants you to love them too.
Featured Mayfair Screenings:
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Love Actually — The holiday romantic comedy returns as a slumber party event. Wear your pyjamas, bring a pillow, and prepare for audience participation during every romantic subplot.
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Die Hard — The debate ends here: Die Hard IS a Christmas movie. The Mayfair celebrates it properly with Bruce Willis, Nakatomi Plaza, and Alan Rickman’s unforgettable Hans Gruber.
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Home Alone — Kevin McCallister’s booby-trapped defense of his family home remains essential holiday viewing. The Wet Bandits never stood a chance.
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The Grinch — Dr. Seuss’s green grouch learns the true meaning of Christmas. Family-friendly and heartwarming.
Slumber Party Magic
The Mayfair’s slumber party screenings are legendary:
- Late-night start times (typically 11 PM)
- Pyjamas encouraged (costumes even better)
- Themed activities before the film
- Contest prizes for best-dressed attendees
- Enthusiastic crowd participation throughout
These events sell out quickly—booking in advance is essential.
Unconventional Holiday Picks
For those seeking something different, the Mayfair doesn’t disappoint:
- Eyes Wide Shut — Kubrick’s final film offers a decidedly adult alternative to traditional holiday fare
- Themed double features pairing holiday films with unexpected companions
- Late-night horror screenings for those who prefer terror to tinsel
Why See Films at Independent Cinemas?
The Experience Streaming Can’t Match
There’s something irreplaceable about watching movies in a theatre, and Ottawa’s independent cinemas amplify that magic:
Communal Joy: The collective gasps during tense moments, shared laughter at comedy beats, and simultaneous tears during emotional scenes create bonds between strangers. Holiday films especially benefit from this shared experience.
Superior Presentation: Both the ByTowne and Mayfair maintain their projection equipment meticulously. The image quality, sound design, and screen size deliver the full cinematic experience.
Curated Programming: Unlike multiplexes playing whatever’s newest, independent cinemas thoughtfully select films worth your time. Every screening is intentional.
Supporting Local: These theatres are Ottawa institutions. Your ticket purchase directly supports their continued operation and programming independence.
Practical Information
ByTowne Cinema
- Address: 325 Rideau Street, Ottawa
- Transit: Steps from Rideau Station on the Confederation Line
- Parking: Street parking and nearby lots available
- Website: bytowne.ca
- Tickets: Available online and at the box office
Mayfair Theatre
- Address: 1074 Bank Street, Ottawa (Old Ottawa South)
- Transit: Multiple bus routes serve Bank Street
- Parking: Street parking on Bank and side streets
- Website: mayfairtheatre.ca
- Tickets: Available online and at the door
Booking Tips
- Popular holiday screenings sell out—book in advance
- Slumber party events are particularly in-demand
- Both theatres offer student and senior discounts
- General admission seating means early arrival secures better seats
- Arrive 20-30 minutes early for weekend screenings
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I expect at a Mayfair slumber party screening? A: Arrive in comfortable clothes (pyjamas encouraged), bring a pillow or blanket if desired, and prepare for a late night. There’ll be pre-show activities, costume contests, and an enthusiastic audience that participates throughout the film.
Q: Are these screenings family-friendly? A: Home Alone and The Grinch are appropriate for all ages. Love Actually and Die Hard contain mature content suitable for teens and adults. Eyes Wide Shut is strictly adults-only.
Q: Can I buy concessions at these theatres? A: Both theatres have full concession stands with reasonably priced snacks. Supporting their concessions helps keep these independent venues operating.
Q: How do I find out about upcoming screenings? A: Follow both theatres on social media and sign up for their email newsletters. Programming is updated regularly, and special events are announced in advance.
Q: Is parking difficult near these theatres? A: Street parking is available near both venues, though weekend evenings can be busy. The ByTowne is easily accessible via LRT, and multiple bus routes serve the Mayfair.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s independent cinemas offer something no streaming service can replicate: the communal joy of experiencing beloved films on the big screen, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts who appreciate cinema’s magic.
Whether you choose the ByTowne’s refined elegance or the Mayfair’s gleeful embrace of cult classics, you’re supporting local institutions that have served Ottawa’s film community for decades. This December, skip the algorithm and let these passionate curators guide your holiday viewing.
The films are better, the popcorn is fresher, and the memories last forever.
Source: Apt613 - Ottawa independent cinema programming
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