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Catch the 1947 holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street at the historic Avalon Theatre on Catalina Island. It’s an island-evening pick: ferry over, take the boardwalk, and settle in for a 1h36m screening that pairs film history with harbor views.
Catch the 1947 holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street at the historic Avalon Theatre on Catalina Island. It’s an island-evening pick: ferry over, take the boardwalk, and settle in for a 1h36m screening that pairs film history with harbor views.
Book with The Avalon Theatre
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Operated by The Avalon Theatre · Avalon, California
On the waterfront of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, the Avalon Theatre at 1 Casino Way screens a piece of holiday history: Miracle on 34th Street (1947). The film’s straightforward premise — a department-store Santa who insists he is the real Kris Kringle — unfolds into a courtroom story that asks a town, and anyone watching, to decide what it means to believe. This showing pairs the movie’s small-town moral warmth with the island’s salty air and a harbor-front theatre room that still feels like a communal living room for locals and visitors alike.
The experience begins long before the lights dim. Avalon’s compact main street and waterfront set the scene: ferry boats arrive, visitors climb the tiled walkways, and the Casino and lower harbor anchor the view. Inside the Avalon Theatre — meeting point: The Avalon Theatre - 1 Casino Way, Avalon CA — the screening is a single admission event that runs 1 hour 36 minutes and presents Twentieth Century Fox’s classic uncut. Admission tiers include general, child, senior, and discounts for Avalon residents, making it accessible for families and theater fans.
Key features: the film’s courtroom sequence, the department store set pieces, and the film’s unadorned 1940s production style. Unique natural context: Catalina’s granite shoreline and blue-water harbor sit outside the doors, so you can pair a matinee with a harbor stroll, whale-watching trip, or visit to nearby botanical gardens. The Avalon Theatre’s accessibility services include wheelchair access and assistive listening devices, and house rules note no photography during the feature and no outside food or drink.
Why this is a standout outing: few places let you watch a beloved midcentury film in a tight-knit island community with a real harbor view. The screening acts as both a cultural touchstone and a low-key evening plan after a day of hiking interior trails or paddling around the Isthmus. For visitors, this is a way to connect with local rhythm — arrive by ferry, explore the boardwalk, take in the movie, then linger for a nightcap by the water.
Practical notes: run time is 1h 36m; tickets are nonrefundable; under-18s need an adult chaperone 21 or older. Photography during the feature is prohibited, and the theatre reserves the right to remove disruptive patrons. Bring layers for the island breeze and plan your ferry times — Avalon’s compact charm makes this a perfect single-evening cultural stop.
Tickets are priced to suit island budgets: General Admission $16.50; Child (2–11) $14.50; Senior (65+) $14.50; Avalon Resident $12.50. Note the theatre’s cancellation policy: No Refunds or Exchanges. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early to claim seats and use assistive listening if needed. Adult chaperones must carry photo ID and remain with minors. Expect a respectful, community-centered audience. Afterward, walk the pier under the starlight.
The feature runs 1 hour 36 minutes.
No Refunds or Exchanges per the theatre’s cancellation policy.
Yes. The Avalon Theatre offers wheelchair access and assistive listening devices.
Yes, but under-18s must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at least 21 years old.
No. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited during the feature presentation.
Arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in, claim seats, and access any assistive devices.
The Avalon Theatre is a historic movie palace located in Avalon, California on Santa Catalina Island. The theatre programs classic and contemporary film screenings, special events, live scores, and expert discussions that celebrate cinema and local history. Housed in the Avalon Casino complex, the venue hosts curated showings such as 3D screenings of Universal Monsters, centennial presentations of The Phantom of the Opera, modern blockbusters like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and community-oriented documentary screenings. The Avalon Theatre presents unique cinematic experiences with attention to film history and presentation quality. Guests can attend screenings that include rare archival footage and live musical accompaniment; the Phantom of the Opera event features live music from Michael Mortilla and commentary from Academy executive Randy Haberkamp. The 3D Screening includes a world premiere score, rare 3-D photos, and expert discussions. Other programmed titles have included Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Hollywood's Magical Island, and Frankenstein, demonstrating a range from genre classics to local history. Located in downtown Avalon, the theatre is accessible to visitors arriving by ferry or private boat and serves island residents and tourists. Programming emphasizes preservation, education, and entertainment, partnering with historians, musicians, and film professionals when possible. The Avalon Theatre maintains a reputation as a cultural hub on Catalina Island, offering memorable film events in a historic setting. Visitors should check event listings and ticketing information for specific screening dates, times, and special presentations. Concessions, local exhibits, and accessible seating improve visitor experience during screenings.
Book with The Avalon Theatre