Experience Subterranean Cinema at Grand Caverns: An Underground Movie Adventure in Virginia
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors with average mobility; walking inside on stable cave floors is gentle but may require standing periods
Overview
Discover the magic of Grand Caverns' Subterranean Cinema — an underground movie screening of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation in stunning Cathedral Hall. Experience classic holiday cheer inside one of America's oldest and most beautiful caves.
Subterranean Cinema: The Nightmare Before Christmas
$15 • Seating 45 minutes before showtime
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Rates
$15 per ticket
About
Join us inside Grand Caverns for Subterranean Cinema!
Immerse yourself in the heart of Grand Caverns for an underground movie experience. Seating begins 45 minutes before showtime. Chairs will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own small comfy camp chair (please no lounge chairs, loveseat camp chairs, large camp chairs due to limited space) and a blanket. The cave is always a cool 58* so dress warmly and maybe bring a blanket! The movie will be shown in Cathedral Hall, which is a 10 minute walk deep into the cave. This is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues as the terrain is uneven with multiple stairs.
Concessions are not permitted to protect the health of the cave
24 hour cancellation policy - no refunds or exchanges within 24 hours of showtime. Ages 3 and up only!
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures inside Grand Caverns stay cool year-round around the mid-50s°F, so bring a warm jacket for comfort during the movie screening.
Arrive early
Space is limited for seating in Cathedral Hall; arriving early ensures the best spot for viewing the movie.
Use provided seating
Bring minimal personal gear; seating is provided but limited, so pack light for ease of movement inside the cave.
No flash photography
Respect the cave environment by avoiding flash photos during the screening to preserve natural formations and fellow viewers’ experience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Gray bats that inhabit the cave system
- Occasional cave salamanders found in moist areas
History
Grand Caverns was discovered in 1804 and is the oldest show cave in the United States, with guided tours showcasing its geological and cultural history.
Conservation
The cave is carefully managed to minimize human impact, including restricted access and no food or drink policies to preserve delicate formations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Grottoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm jacket
Keeps you comfortable in the cave’s cool, constant temperature during the movie.
fall specific
Comfortable shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the cave floor and climbing short stairs.
Flashlight or headlamp
Useful for navigating darker areas outside of the main hall before and after the screening.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated before or after the show; water fountains may be available outside the cave.