The Christmas and New Year bank holiday weekends see the highest number of cinema-goers in London each year, according to data from the BFI’s Weekend Box Office.
Over the past five years, box office revenue trends across the key bank holidays showed the public spent more time and money at the cinema at the end of the year.
On average, the August bank holiday see’s the lowest number of cinema goers, regardless of the fact that just as many films are released during the summer period, including a range of studio blockbusters.
BFI member Genevieve Lewis said: “When the weather is good, you feel guilty spending time inside, which is why I enjoy going to the cinema more during the cold months.
“I also feel like the big summer blockbusters, whilst they might appeal to many, have never interested me much and I definitely prefer the film choices available at the cinema during the beginning and end of the year.”
As many people are off work or school around the festive period and spending time with loved ones, going to the cinema is often seen as a popular and enjoyable way to come together and enjoy some entertainment.
Many studios release major films during the Christmas and New Year period, capitalising on the large audience available during this time.
The end of the year is a crucial time in the film industry calendar, as it coincides with the lead-up to awards season, including the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs, where release timing can significantly influence a film’s eligibility.
A BFI spokesperson said: “Traditionally the busiest Bank Holiday at BFI IMAX is probably Boxing Day.
“Sometimes there is a big new film opening, and it is of course a day when a lot of people want to go out after Christmas Day and spend time with friends and family.
“This trading period is also often dominated by films with wide family appeal, recent examples being The Lion King and the latest Avatar film.
“Away from families, how busy we are at BFI Southbank will often be down to the programme.
“We welcome a lot of filmmakers and actors to talk about their work in person, so those events are popular regardless of the day or time of year.”
In recent years, this strategy has taken on greater significance as the film industry continues to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
After prolonged cinema closures, delayed productions, and a sharp shift toward streaming platforms, the theatrical experience has had to rebuild its place in the entertainment landscape.
Big holiday releases now play a vital role in drawing audiences back to cinemas, re-establishing moviegoing as a social and cultural activity.
For many, the tradition of seeing a film over the festive break represents not just entertainment, but a return to normalcy, as data showed throughout the lock-down closures, many cinemas like BFI Southbank remained open during the 2020 and 2021 Christmas and New Year period.
As tradition, timing, and film culture align, the end-of-year holidays continue to play a pivotal role in bringing audiences back to the big screen.
Image credits: Elicia Valentine Jones
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