GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Movie theaters across the state of Michigan are back open after months of being shut down due to the coronavirus.
Celebration Cinemas and AMC re-opened most of their theaters in West Michigan Monday, with things inside looking a bit different because of safety precautions in place.
"This is a season where families love to gather around story, and movie traditions have played a big part of that historically,” said Emily Loeks, director of community affairs for Celebration.
“Wonder Woman 1984,” “News of the World,” “Promising Young Woman” and “Monster Hunter” open on Christmas Day.
In addition to the new releases, Celebration will be showing several classic holiday films for the week of Christmas, including "The Polar Express" and "The Muppet Christmas Carol".
Seating will be limited inside the theaters, with plenty of space allotted between households. Customers are encouraged to buy their tickets beforehand online, to help alleviate any lines or congestion in the lobby area.
Celebration is taking part in the Cinema Safe Program, which designates health and safety protocols for movie theaters across the country.
Masks are required at all times inside the movie theaters.
“We’ve all had about 8 months of watching a lot of movies at home, and I’ve done it myself, but with my cell phone out and doing laundry and hanging out with my kids at the same time," Loeks told FOX 17 Monday afternoon.
"But there’s something completely different about being immersed in a movie.”
Unfortunately you won't be able to buy concessions to eat while watching your movie.
“That's similar to any other restaurant or indoor-eating place for now, and we hope that's temporary,” Loeks said.
“But for now, you can grab popcorn - even our gigantic party bag - and take it to-go out the door for you, for all the fun afterwards, movie conversations, and everything else you’re doing over the holidays.”
Celebration is also renting out theaters for private group screenings or events.
