The Reader announces nine iconic festive films for it's Christmas Cinema

This December, The Reader has announced a new season of nine festive film screenings as Liverpool’s biggest open-air cinema returns to Calderstones Park.

A handpicked line-up of “unforgettable” movies will be hitting the screen under a cosy heated canopy in a pop-up Christmas Cinema between Friday 19 December and Wednesday 24 December.

The national Shared Reading charity’s outdoor cinema launched in July 2025 set against the backdrop of the stunning grade II listed Georgian Mansion House. All profits support The Reader’s charitable work transforming lives through literature in Liverpool and beyond.

Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital at The Reader said:

“Christmas is a traditional time to snuggle up with the people you love and watch a film, so after the success of our summer open-air cinema and spooky cinema, we’ve decided to create another season of unforgettable festive film magic. Our cosy, heated canopy will glow with fairy lights, and we’ll have gorgeous festive food and drinks and music. We hope this will be a new Christmas tradition for families, couples and friends!”

Mini-movies

Two short and sweet half-hour MINI-MOVIES for the littlest cinema lovers will be screened inside the cosy Mansion House Theatre Room. 2011’s hugely popular animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture book The Gruffalo’s Child (U), will be shown on Friday 19 December and Tuesday 23 December, 11.30am.

Stick Man (U), based on the much-loved festive book by the same author and illustrator, will be screened on Saturday 20 December and Wednesday 24 December, 11.30am.

Christmas Cinema

The first film to open the Christmas Cinema season in the Mansion House Garden under the cover of a cosy, heated canopy will be 1988’s Die Hard (15), 7.30pm, on Friday 19 December starring Bruce Willis as US cop John McClane on a mission to save a group taken hostage during a Christmas Eve party. Prepare for an edge of your seat, explosive festive adventure.

John Hughes’ 1990 Christmas comedy Home Alone (PG), will follow on Saturday 20 December, 3.30pm, and again on Sunday 21 December, 7.30pm. Macaulay Culkin plays eight-year-old Kevin who has to defend the family home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.

Quintessential 2003 British Christmas rom-com Love Actually (15), featuring an all-star ensemble cast is on Saturday 20 December, 7.30pm, and there’s heartwarming festive fun in Elf (PG), on Sunday 21 December, 3.30pm, and Tuesday 23 December, 7.30pm.

The season draws to a close with two family-friendly films: the puppet adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, The Muppet Christmas Carol (U), on Monday 22 December, 3.30pm, filled with laugh out loud one-liners and an iconic performance by Michael Caine and Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (PG), Tuesday 23 December, 3.30pm, starring Jim Carrey as the cynical green grump who learns how to love Christmas.

And for the grand finale on Christmas Eve, Frank Capra’s 1946 black-and-white classic It’s a Wonderful Life (U), Wednesday 24 December, 3.30pm, starring James Stewart, will leave you feeling fully topped up and toasty warm with the true spirit of Christmas.

The Reader’s new open-air cinema has been made possible thanks to a grant by social investor Livv Investment, part of the Prescot-based Livv Housing Group.

Tickets, Treats & Seats

Arrive early and soak up the Christmassy atmosphere with in the lawned, festoon lit landscaped garden music, food and drinks under a cosy heated canopy.

Gates will open:

11am for 11.30am screenings
2.30pm for 3.30pm screenings
6.30pm for 7.30pm screenings

Calderstones Members will be able to save 10% and receive priority booking from today, Thursday 16 October. General sale will open from Monday 20 October. Tickets cost £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for under 16s.

Pre-orders will be taken for Hot Dogs (VE available) £8 and Nachos, (VE available) £8. Treat yourself to a bottle of fizz for £25 or a bucket of Peroni beers (six bottles) for £20. Book a deckchair for £5 or bring your own.

The brand-new festive film season is part of the charity’s seasonal Christmas programming which includes the annual family-friendly Christmas Story Trail (29 November – 31 December) – based on Mr Santa by Jarvis – to Brunch with Mrs Claus, festive wreath-making and A Bronte Christmas Afternoon.