‘Tis the season at Harbor Theater, and our Community Partners are sponsoring two free Christmas films for all area families. Both these movies are fun for adults and children alike, full of joyful spirits.

On Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m., the United Methodist churches of East Boothbay and Southport invite everyone to join them for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (2024; 1 hour, 39 minutes). Admission to the movie is free, and everyone receives free popcorn and sodas!

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins ("The Chosen") and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark and Darin McDaniel

“One of the best holiday movies in a long time, an intelligent and thoughtful film about the true meaning of Christmas and how easy it is for anyone — even true believers — to get caught up in the superficial trappings and lose sight of why it’s important.” – William Bibbiani, TheWrap

On Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m., the Towns of Southport, Boothbay Harbor and Boothbay are sponsors for the holiday classic “Elf” (2003, PG; 1 hour, 37 minutes). Admission to the film is free, along with a free large popcorn per family.

Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

“Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Peter Dinklage, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, and, most surprisingly, James Caan nailing their supporting turns. Sometimes at Christmas, you just want to laugh.” – Kevin Fallon, The Daily Beast

Harbor Theater is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that receives fully 50% of its operating funds from the support of community individuals, businesses, and organizations. The theater is at 185 Townsend Ave. in Boothbay Harbor. For more information, visit boothbaycinema.org.