Don't Miss These Great Seasonal Movies

"Mystery Science Theater 3000" alumni have a venture called "Rifftrax" that broadcasts live, outrageously funny commentary of awful movies to theaters. On Dec. 4 at AMC Lennox, catch their take on the 1959 cult classic "Santa Claus," which was filmed in Mexico and dubbed in English to truly bad effect. amctheatres.com

There is no more storied ballet company in the world than Russia's Bolshoi Ballet. See the company perform "The Nutcracker" on the big screen Dec. 21 at the AMC theaters at Lennox or Easton. amctheatres.com

The ensemble romantic dramedy "Love Actually" is destined to be a holiday classic, even though it's not strictly about Christmas. Bittersweet love stories tangle and twist, culminating at holiday time in London. Also, Hugh Grant dances to The Pointer Sisters. See it Dec. 10 at the Studio Movie Grill Arena Grand. studiomoviegrill.com

Bill Murray is at his smug, smartass best in "Scrooged," the 1988 take on "A Christmas Carol." In a dead-on nod to modern cynicism, Murray's character is portrayed not as a miserly bean counter like Ebenezer Scrooge, but as a television executive. Head to the Gateway Film Center on Dec. 14 and see for yourself. gatewayfilmcenter.com

For a kid of the '80s, "A Christmas Story" is as iconic as "The Goonies" and "The Princess Bride." Now that you're older, enjoy a satisfying beer tasting with your ritual annual viewing at Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse on Dec. 4. studio35.com