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The Lerner Loves You: It’s a Wonderful Life
Sunday, December 21, 2025 @ 3:00 pm
FREE POPCORN FOR THE FIRST 300 GUESTS
(Limit of 1 Box per Person)
A 1946 beloved Christmas fantasy drama about George Bailey, a man who, frustrated with life, is shown by a guardian angel what life would have been like for his community if he had never been born.
Run Time: 130 minutes
Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi
Released: 1946
This is a free event. No tickets are required for entry.
We’re proud to partner with The Salvation Army – Elkhart, IN, who will be in the lobby collecting donations to support our local community. Guests are encouraged to give if they’re able—digital giving options will be available.
Following the film, keep the holiday spirit going with a special visit from Santa in the Diana Lawson Grand Lobby. Families are invited to stop by for photos and festive fun after the show.
About The Lerner Loves You Series:
The historic Lerner Theatre, a beloved centerpiece and cultural treasure of Downtown Elkhart, is thrilled to announce the finale of the beloved community series “The Lerner Loves You,” a free series designed to thank the community for its continued support and connection throughout the last 100 years. The series, made possible by the Elkhart County CVB, offers a heartfelt love note from The Lerner to the people it serves, and promises to showcase a number of upcoming events in film, live music, entertainment, and more in gratitude for the Elkhart community.
“The Lerner Loves You” pays homage to The Lerner’s many years as a movie theatre known as “The ELCO.” The series has offered audiences the chance to enjoy films on the Lerner’s grand screen free of charge. The final film will be shown in the Lerner Theatre’s auditorium, inviting guests to experience the magic of cinema in a setting like no other. Seating is first-come, first-served.
“Elkhart County CVB is proud to have been part of this milestone year for the Lerner,” said Jon Hunsberger, Executive Director of the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s truly been an honor for us to sponsor the movie series as part of the Lerner 100th Celebration year. There’s no better way to wrap up this special milestone – and the year – than by enjoying a beloved classic together in such a treasured community space.”
“The Lerner Theatre has given generations of families unforgettable memories—from live performances to movies that bring us together,” said Mayor Rod Roberson, City of Elkhart. “As we close out the Lerner 100 celebrations with a holiday classic film, we’re reminded that The Lerner has always been a place where all are welcome to share in the magic of the moment. It’s more than a theatre—it’s part of who we are as a community.”
SPONSORED BY THE ELKHART COUNTY CVB
Related Events
Use this website to purchase tickets to Lerner events. We cannot guarantee tickets purchased through third parties. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at (574) 293-4469.
To reserve wheelchair seating, contact the Box Office at (574) 293-4469.
Doors open 1 (one) hour before event.
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Please call the Box Office at (574) 293-4469.
Patron bags exceeding 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches (14” x 14” x 6″) are not permitted inside The Lerner. The term “bags” includes, without limitation, backpacks, briefcases, luggage, duffel bags, musical instrument cases, purses, boxes, packages and carry-alls.
All bags are subject to search at the discretion of management and/or security personnel. Exceptions are made for bags used to carry medical equipment and diaper bags for customers with small children.
Guests with prohibited items will be turned away from the entrances to return items to their vehicles or to dispose of them.
No storage or “check in area” will be provided for prohibited items. Lerner management reserves the right to deny any item it deems to be a safety hazard.