Are movies part of your holiday traditions? Do you take time to enjoy a favorite flick during the busy December weeks? We hope you’ll join us at the Paramount Theatre for December movies.

By the way, we showed 1992’s “A Muppet Christmas Carol” on Dec. 5. Let us know your favorite holiday movies at info@austinareaarts.org. We’ll consider them for 2019.

What happens when a human is raised among elves? That question is answered with songs, laughter and plenty of syrup in the 2003 film, “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf. Buddy was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa’s sack and ended up at the North Pole.

Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Hobbs, on Santa’s naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can including a budding romance with department store elf Jovie (Zooey Deschanel). When Walter’s relationship with Buddy interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities. Come see Elf on the big screen at 3 and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the Paramount.

It’s Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989). But things never run smoothly for Clark (Chevy Chase), his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and their two kids, Audrey (Juliette Lewis) and Rusty (Johnny Galecki). Clark’s continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests including Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) who brings a rattletrap RV that is overflowing with “holiday cheer.”

Clark manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon. It is funny, silly and guaranteed to lift your spirits. This movie will play at 3 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the Paramount. The film is rated PG-13 so may not be appropriate for all the members of your family.

Finally, get out of the house and enjoy “The Music Man” (1962) at 3 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 at the Paramount. Set in the early 20th-century American Midwest, this musical follows con man Harold Hill (Robert Preston) travelling from town to town pretending to be a professor of music who solves all the respective towns’ youth problems by forming boys’ marching bands.

He takes money from the townsfolk to buy instruments, music, instructional materials, and uniforms for their sons. However, in reality he has no degree and knows nothing about music, and after all the materials arrive and are distributed, he plans to abscond with all the money.

Now in River City (purportedly based on Mason City, Iowa), Hill tries to woo local music teacher Marian Paroo (Shirley Jones) to increase his credibility. I dare you not to sing along with classic songs including “76 Trombones,” “Ya Got Trouble” and “Til There Was You.”

Wednesday movies at the Paramount are $5. No advance tickets. Purchase tickets at concessions 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Schedule subject to change. Want to come to a show but you have special needs? Please contact us to discuss mobility, sensory and other accommodations.

We want you to participate. Contact Laura Helle at director@austinareaarts.org.

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Coming soon at the Paramount Theatre

• Matchbox Children’s Theatre presents “Charlie Brown Christmas,” Dec. 7-8-9

• Lorie Line Holiday Extravaganza, Dec. 10

• $5 Movie: “Elf” (2003) 3 and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12

• SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin and the Riverland Choir, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 16.

• $5 Movie: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989), 3 and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 26

• $5 Movie: The Music Man (1962) on Wed Dec. 26 at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

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Coming soon at the ArtWorks Center

•A Collection of 3 Ornaments with Katie Stromlund: 6 p.m., Dec. 19

•ABCs of Christmas: “Artwork, Beverages & Carols” with Riverland Choir, 6:30 p.m., Dec. 20