On display Winter 2025: a vintage poster exhibit of Christmas posters from local collector John Esford.

If you are ever at a loss to start a conversation in a social environment, just pose the provocative question; “Is the movie Die Hard a Christmas movie?”. Some cinema lovers will engage in a passionate debate that Die Hard is indeed a Christmas movie because it occurs on Christmas Eve, incorporates Christmas themes and music, and events take place at a Christmas party. However, others will argue Die Hard does not fit the classic definition of a Christmas movie due to the violent content and Christmas is just a backdrop for the action.

Welcome to the Classic vs Contested Christmas movie poster exhibit!

On the East lobby wall a sample of classic Christmas movie posters are presented for a nostalgic Christmas experience. And on the West lobby wall a selection of controversial and contested Christmas movie posters are provided to generate good-natured dialogue over the holiday.

What qualifies a movie to be a classic Christmas movie? Is a film considered a Christmas movie if it checks off a specific number of characters, plot, setting or themes on the Christmas movie genre good list? Does the movie have to boast numerous traditional merry elements and holiday themes like; Santa Claus, a decorated Christmas tree, gift-giving, family gatherings, a turkey dinner, and all of the classic Christmas trimmings?

Please join in on the fun and continue the debate.
You are encouraged to place your thoughts in the comment box in The Screening Room's upper lobby.

Yippie-Ki-Yay & God bless us everyone!
John Esford
Film Aficionado (December 2025, Kingston ON)

IS IT A CHRISTMAS MOVIE? - FULL EXHIBIT WRITEUPS (pdf)