It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Library of Congress, and if you’ve never visited the beautiful Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., now really is the most wonderful time of the year! Join us on Thursday, December 21 and Thursday, December 28 as we continue to celebrate the 2023 National Film Registry.
The Christmas tree is aglow in the Grand Hall, the gift shop is full of wonderful presents to put under your tree, and you can keep those spirits bright by enjoying free movie screenings of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Home Alone” in the beautiful Coolidge Auditorium.
Thursday, December 21 -The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Coolidge Auditorium 6:30p-8:30p
Added to the National Film Registry in 2023, the king of dark whimsy, Tim Burton won over an even larger (and decidedly younger) crowd with this delightful stop-motion animated offering. Jack Skellington, whose giant pumpkin head rests precariously on top of his rail-thin body, is the king of Halloween Town; one year he dreams of bringing a little Christmas magic to his humble hamlet. Conceived and produced by Burton (with direction by Henry Selick), “The Nightmare Before Christmas” features creative set design to construct an imaginary world, songs by Danny Elfman and the voice talents of Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Ken Page, Paul Reubens and Glenn Shadix.
Thursday, December 28 -Home Alone (1990)
Coolidge Auditorium 6:30p-8:30p
Added to the National Film Registry in 2023, the young and deeply expressive Macaulay Culkin became a superstar thanks to this 1990 mega-hit that has become embedded into American culture as a holiday classic. Left home alone at Christmas time, a plucky youngster uses his creativity and wit to stave off two bumbling burglars. Written by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus, the cast also includes Daniel Stern, Joe Pesci, John Heard, Roberts Blossom and Catherine O’Hara. Composer John Williams contributes a memorable score, including the classic “Somewhere in My Memory.”
January 2024 -National Film Registry Screenings
Packard Theater in Culpeper, Virginia 7:00p-9:00p
In January 2024, the Packard Theater at the Library of Congress in Culpeper, Virginia will feature a month of free screenings dedicated to the National Film Registry. Complete details and times are found here.
The 2023 National Film Registry
www.loc.gov/film