It’s officially two months and one day until Santa comes to town. We know, we know — it’s not even Halloween yet! But that doesn’t mean you can’t start dreaming about mistletoes and egg nog. And, in between planning shopping sprees and holiday parties and sit-down feasts, you may want to plan some wholesome family time, too.

Charleston Music Hall hosts three family-centric films this December, starting with Die Hard (it’s still about family, but you may want to keep it to adult family members because of, well, the bloodshed). 

When New York City cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters on Christmas Eve, the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists. One cop, twelve terrorists, and some Christmas music thrown in the mix. Holly jolly. The film will be shown Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. — rock band Silver Bells “shreds” at 6 p.m. 

Following the machine gun gore of Die Hard, round up the whole gang (grandmas and tots included this time) for a screening of the ultimate Christmas tearjerker, It’s a Wonderful Life on Wed. Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Frank Capra’s 1946 black and white flick follows George Bailey (James Stewart), a hopeless and frustrated businessman, who makes a wish that he had never been born. Bailey is visited by an angel who shows him what the world would look like if he had never existed. Even if you’ve seen the movie a million times, we’re guaranteeing you in a big theater setting, you will certainly shed a tear. Special jingle bells will be handed out to attendees upon entering the Music Hall, and, to really tug at your heart strings, a portion of proceeds will go to the Charleston Animal Society.

The final film in the CMH holiday series is the beloved modern classic, Elf.  It’s silly as hell, but also touching, and has some hilarious one-liners for kids and adults. Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Feeling he doesn’t fit in, he travels to the Big Apple — in full elf uniform — looking for his real father. Music Hall attendees are encouraged to wear an elf costume to the screening on Mon. Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. and to “spread holiday cheer by singing loud and clear.”

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