posted by Michael Zoldessy on November 28, 2011 at 10:55 am

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The historic Tivoli Theatre in downtown Downers Grove brings holiday cheer to movie fans during its Annual Holiday Film Festival. This yearly tradition at the Tivoli, 5021 Highland Avenue, offers movie-lovers the rare opportunity to see their holiday favorites on the big screen in a beautifully restored 1928 movie palace. Mark your calendars for the first film of the series, “Holiday Inn,” starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, on Sunday, December 11th at 7:00 and 9:30 PM.

This year’s line up has something for everyone. It features Christmas classics, comedies and dramas. Guests who arrive early are encouraged to participate in a sing-a-long accompanied by Tivoli’s Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ. Tickets are available at the Tivoli Theatre Box Office. For further details on the Tivoli Holiday Film Festival, please visit www.classiccinemas.com.

2011 Holiday Film Festival Showtimes

Sunday, Dec. 11 | 7:00, 9:30 p.m. | $5

“Holiday Inn” (1942)

Lovely Linda Mason has crooner Jim Hardy head over heels, but suave stepper Ted Hanover wants her for his new dance partner after femme fatale Lila Dixon gives him the brush. Jim’s supper club, Holiday Inn, is the setting for the chase by Hanover and manager Danny Reed. Starring: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Marjorie Reynolds

Monday, Dec. 12 | 7:00, 9:30 PM | $5

“Remember the Night” (1940)

Just before Christmas, Lee Leander is caught shoplifting. It is her third offense. She is prosecuted by John Sargent, who postpones her trial because it is hard to get a conviction during Christmastime. Sargent feels sorry for Leander and arranges for her bail, and ends up taking her home to his mother for Christmas. Surrounded by a loving family, (in stark contrast to Lee’s own family background) they fall in love. This creates a new problem: how do they handle the upcoming trial? Starring: Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray

Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 7:00, 9:30 PM | $5

“The Lemon Drop Kid” (1951)

When the Lemon Drop Kid accidentally steers Moose Moran’s girl away from a winning bet, he is forced to come up with $10,000 to repay the angry gangster. Fortunately it’s Christmas, a time when people can be persuaded to part with money for the right cause. Starring: Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell and Lloyd Nolan

Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 1:30, 4:00 PM – $4 | 7:00, 9:30 PM – $5

“White Christmas” (1954)

After leaving the Army after W.W.II, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, is the lodge owner. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General. Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen

Thursday, Dec. 15 | 7:00, 9:30 PM | $5

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989, rated PG-13)

It’s Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark’s continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon. Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid

Classic Cinemas, based in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a family-owned company operated by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson. Established in 1978, Classic Cinemas operates 13 theatres with 100 screens in the Chicagoland and northern Illinois area. For more information about Classic Cinemas, please visit www.classiccinemas.com.

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For further information about Classic Cinemas,

please contact Falk Associates at 847.675.2580 or

(Thanks to Norman Plant for providing the photo.)

Theaters in this post

• Tivoli Theatre