Many head to the movies after the presents are opened Christmas Day

With all the presents unwrapped, and sleigh rides out of the question, many people headed to the movies to celebrate Christmas. For some families, heading to the theater on Christmas Day has become a tradition.

Marc Conklin said, “This is our third year down here and we decided to start a new family tradition by going to the movies on Christmas.”

With six new movies opening, and at least one with a holiday theme, some people used the theater as a change of scenery when the celebration ended. “My family, we already watched them on the internet. They’re in Ohio. So we’ve all shared and it’s just the two of us and so we needed to get out of the house,” Elaine Howard said.

Those that do not celebrate Christmas said there’s one big reason they turn to the big screen for entertainment each December. “Because nothing else is open,” said Whitney Turner.

For some, seeing a good flick is one present that just won’t fit under the tree. “I love the movies. Spending Christmas seeing a movie that you like, I think that’s wonderful,” Emma Marks said.

With rain drops replacing snowflakes, some movie goers said the dreary day added to the experience. “Good movie weather you know, because the sun’s not shining, something to do inside, stay warm,” Conklin said.

Movie theaters stay open on Christmas so they can work the holiday crowds into the opening weekend numbers. Theater owners expect large crowds to run through the New Year.