December alternative screenings offer heartfelt documentaries, holiday classics

As the year winds down and the holiday season ramps up, Wichita’s movie scene is offering more than just the usual blockbusters. December brings a mix of festive favorites, poignant documentaries, and classic cinema — perfect for anyone looking to escape the cold or embrace a little nostalgia. From beloved comedies like “Christmas Vacation” to powerful true stories and restored Hollywood gems, here is a lineup that delivers both heart and holiday spirit (titles and showtimes are subject to change; check website for updates):

ORPHEUM THEATRE SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Mary Jane Teall Theatre, 225 W. Douglas, https://wichitaorpheum.com/

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) – The Orpheum Theatre, KFDI, Classic Rock 104.5 and T-95 present their annual screening of the hilarious Christmas classic following the misadventures of the Griswold family during the holidays. Note: Since the Orpheum is closed for restoration, this year’s event takes place at Century II’s Mary Jane Teall Theater. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 with food specials, themed drinks, games, and prizes. Costumes are encouraged. The film starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Tickets are $15.64 (includes taxes and fees).

Anniversary Film Series: “The Apartment” (1960) – Director Billy Wilder’s classic follows a Manhattan insurance clerk (Jack Lemmon) who tries to rise in his company by letting its executives use his apartment for trysts, but office politics and his own romantic hopes complicate matters. Showing at 7 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets are $12.26 (includes taxes and fees), $11.04 for students, seniors and military.

EMILY BONAVIA TALLGRASS FILM CENTER

120 E. First St. (Unit 113), https://tallgrassfilm.org/tallgrass-film-center/

Pridegrass Year Round: “How to Survive a Plague” – A documentary about two coalitions – ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) – whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Despite having no scientific training, these self-made activists infiltrated the pharmaceutical industry and helped identify promising new drugs, moving them from experimental trials to patients in record time. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. $12 plus fees. (A 2025 Wichita Pride button gets free admission. Pridegrass Year Round is made possible by Wichita Pride Inc. and Tallgrass supporter Sarah Snell.)

“The Nutcracker at Wethersfield” (2025) – Ballet dancers adapt a holiday favorite during COVID lockdowns, motivated by determination to keep performing through challenging times. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13. $8 plus fees.

Harmons and Hollywood presents: “The Man Who Came to Dinner” (1941) – An acerbic critic wreaks havoc when a hip injury forces him to move in with a Midwestern family indefinitely. 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. $8 plus fees.

Reverie Impact Cinema: “Carol” (2015) – An aspiring photographer (Rooney Mara) develops an intimate relationship with an older woman (Cate Blanchett) in 1950s New York. For December, Tallgrass’ nonprofit partner is Wichita Pride Inc. to celebrate Universal Human Rights Month. Wichita Pride’s mission is to organize events to celebrate and unite our diverse community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied people in the greater Wichita area. 7 p.m. Dec. 11. $12 plus fees.

“76 Days Adrift” (2024) – Steven Callahan gives a gripping first-hand account of his best-selling novel “Adrift: 76 Days Lost At Sea.” On the eve of Feb. 4, 1982, a whale collided with Callahan’s boat in the middle of the night. Within minutes, his small craft was flooded with a rush of water. He grabbed what he could, heaved his life raft into the ocean, and snatched his emergency kit. Without food or water, for an incredible 76 days, the inflatable raft was his home as he drifted across the entire Atlantic Ocean. This documentary, executive produced by Callahan, brings the story to life with found 8MM footage, original stills of the time of the voyage, and first-person re-creation. He takes us step-by-step through his harrowing and life-altering adventure. 7 p.m. Dec. 13. $12 plus fees.

Second of Silents with Kaylee Mansfield: “Ella Cinders” (1926) – Ella Cinders, oppressed and abused by her stepmother and stepsisters, wins a contest for a film role in Hollywood. When the contest turns out to be fraudulent, she determines to stay and achieve Hollywood stardom the hard way. 2 p.m. Dec. 14. $8 plus fees.

REGAL CINEMAS

Regal Warren East, 11611 E. 13th St., and Regal Warren West, 9150 W. 21st St. https://www.regmovies.com/promotions/holiday-classics

Regal Cinemas are presenting classic holiday movies throughout December. Check the website for showtimes, more titles and to buy tickets, which are $7.99 (plus fees).

• Dec. 5 – “Four Christmases”
• Dec. 6 – “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
• Dec. 7 – “The Grinch”
• Dec. 8 – $5 Mystery movie
• Dec. 9 – “Love Actually”
• Dec. 10 – “The Christmas Chronicles”
• Dec. 11 – “The Christmas Chronicles 2”
• Dec. 12 – “Arthur Christmas”
• Dec. 13 – “The Polar Express”
• Dec. 14 – “Elf”
• Dec. 15 – “Eight Crazy Nights”

Reach Rod Pocowatchit at rodrick@rawdzilla.com.