“It’s a Wonderful Life” returns to theaters for its 80th anniversary
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is returning to theaters in 4K this December for its 80th anniversary. Fans can also bring a little Bedford Falls home with commemorative ornaments, including a light-up Hallmark movie marquee featuring the original 1946 poster.
Eighty years after audiences first met George Bailey, there’s still a town where you can mail a Christmas card with a Bedford Falls postmark. That’s one of the ways fans are marking the anniversary of Frank Capra’s Christmas classic, whether they’re planning a December movie night or a trip to Seneca Falls, New York.
Where to see “It’s a Wonderful Life” in theaters
Fathom Entertainment is bringing the 1946 film back to participating theaters in 4K as part of its Big Screen Classics series. The anniversary presentation includes an exclusive introduction from film historian Leonard Maltin.
Fathom shows screenings on Dec. 12 and Dec. 18–25, 2026, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. AMC Theatres, Cinemark and Regal list the rerelease, with dates and showtimes varying by location.
- Cinemark has showings listed on Dec. 18 only
- AMC Theatres has showings listed on Dec. 18 only
- Regal Cinemas has showings Dec. 18 – 20 as select locations
“It’s a Wonderful Life” 80th anniversary ornaments
Hallmark’s $27.99 Keepsake ornament puts the original 1946 poster inside a miniature “Now Showing” movie marquee. The marquee lights up when connected to Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord, sold separately.
The Jimmy Stewart Museum has a new $21.99 brass ornament that shows George Bailey in front of the Bedford Falls sign. It’s the seventh ornament in the museum’s series.
Courtesy of Jimmy Stewart Museum
The “It’s a Wonderful Life” Museum in Seneca Falls also offers a $25 anniversary ornament.
Visit the “real Bedford Falls” in Seneca Falls, New York
Seneca Falls calls itself the “real Bedford Falls.” The New York town is often cited as a possible inspiration for the fictional setting, though the connection remains unconfirmed.
Its annual “It’s a Wonderful Life” Festival runs Dec. 9–13, 2026, with film screenings, a special 80th anniversary Bedford Falls postmark and a closing ceremony when bells ring across town. See the festival schedule.
Photo by Jeff DePaoli
At last year’s festival, Attractions Magazine’s Jeff DePaoli mailed Christmas cards with the Bedford Falls postmark, stopped by the film’s museum and watched the holiday parade make its way down Fall Street.
Read his firsthand account of visiting the “real Bedford Falls.”
Whether you head to the theater, hang a little movie marquee on your tree or mail a Christmas card from the “real Bedford Falls,” listen for a bell to ring.
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