Amy & I continued our 4-year Christmas tradition of watching White Christmas at the Music Box Theatre as part of their annual Christmas Show.
Music Box Theatre in Chicago
It's a fun time where they not only show the movie, but also have a visit from Santa, group caroling, and all-around Chicago holiday fun. (For those interested, recap posts from our Christmas show visits in 2008 and 2009.)
Steve & Amy in blurry, cameraphone self-portrait at event
The Music Box has been putting on a double billing of White Christmas/It's A Wonderful Life for 27 years and it seems to be getting more and more popular.
Live organ music!
When we first started attending, it was easy to buy walk-up tickets. Now we have to order ahead of time. Still, it's a quality event!
Vintage State Street Christmas photo
Another classic Chicago winter photo
We typically attend only the White Christmas part of the double-feature, as it's one of our favorite Christmas films. But before the movie starts, photos of vintage Chicago Christmases are projected on the screen, courtesy of the Chicago History Museum.
Then things progress into a Christmas carol sing-a-long led by a few members of the Chicago Chamber Choir and a live organist. Here's a video Amy shot of everyone singing "Jingle Bells":
Sing about Marshall Field's!
No Macy's in this song
Eventually Santa shows up in person and helps lead the songs as well, including a Chicago-specific version of "White Christmas", which had folks cheering when references to Marshall Field's came upon the screen.
It's Suzy Snowflake!
Before the feature starts, short films often are shown, such as local staples Suzy Snowflake or Hardrock, Coco, & Joe.
This is what we were waiting for!
Watching White Christmas with an active audience is a blast, because there is clapping, ringing of bells, boos & cheers, laughs, and a great interactive experience.
Let's hear it for Row L!
Having a full theater really improves the experience, and despite how many times we watch that film during the holiday season, nothing quite matches up to the experience we get at the Music Box. It's why we return year after year!
