How long is the film?

The runtime is 1 hour 37 minutes; expect roughly that time plus trailers and credits.

Are refunds or exchanges available?

No—The Avalon Theatre enforces a strict no-refunds and no-exchanges policy.

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

No—outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theater.

Are minors admitted alone?

Under-18 patrons must be accompanied by an adult chaperone aged 21 or older; one chaperone may accompany up to five minors.

Can I take photos during the movie?

No—photography and videography are strictly prohibited during the feature presentation.

Elf (2003) at The Avalon Theatre — Holiday Screening in Avalon, CA | City Tour | Sightseeing Tour

Q: Is the theater accessible?

Yes—The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers assistive listening devices.

There’s a particular kind of communal hush that settles over The Avalon Theatre at 1 Casino Way in Avalon, California when the lights go down. The town's single-screen house keeps holiday movie traditions alive with screenings of Elf (2003), a warm-hearted fish-out-of-water comedy about a man raised as an elf who journeys to New York City to find his father. The theatre’s exterior marquee lights cut a classic line against the island evening; step inside and you find an intimate auditorium where wood and plaster framing, a raised stage, and a wide projection screen pull focus. The experience is simple: one hour and thirty-seven minutes of family-friendly storytelling, rated PG, presented as an original feature presentation with no photography or videography allowed during the show. This is a place to put your device away and enjoy the room — the patrons, the laugh lines, the collective exhale. What makes this screening special is how it ties a seasonal film to a tight-knit coastal community. The Avalon Theatre sits steps from the waterfront in a small city where local rhythms shape recreational plans for visitors. You can make an evening of it: arrive early, stroll Casino Way beneath the marquee, take your seat, and leave after the credits with a head full of holiday scenes. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers assistive listening devices, so it’s welcoming to a broad audience. Practical details are straightforward: general admission runs at a modest price, with reduced rates for children and seniors; Avalon residents receive a specific discount. The box office operates on a strict no-refunds policy, and theater rules require adult chaperones (age 21+) for patrons under 18, with limits on how many minors a single chaperone may accompany. Outside food and drink aren’t permitted, and the theater reserves the right to remove disruptive guests. Plan logistics around ferry schedules: shows often book quickly during holiday weekends, so reserve tickets through the venue's booking link or buy early at the box office. Arrive 20–30 minutes before curtain to claim accessible seating or to settle children; the lobby provides a pre-show gathering space where locals exchange recommendations. Note that photography is prohibited during the feature; respectful silence preserves the shared experience and helps maintain the theater's quiet, family-friendly reputation and charm. For travelers, The Avalon Theatre is more than a screening room: it’s an evening anchor that showcases how film and place can amplify one another. After the show, the harbor-side streets invite low-key exploration and conversation—an ideal follow-up to the cozy theater environment. Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or seeking a quiet cultural stop on a coastal weekend, a screening here offers a theatre-first local experience that’s both accessible and unmistakably community-minded.

About The Avalon Theatre

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.