SALA Turns Three, Expands Holiday Films and Community Programming

SALA celebrated its third anniversary at the end of November and unveiled a packed December calendar that will bring dozens of screenings and community events to Los Alamos County. New films will open in early and mid December, including Wicked: For Good and Zootopia 2 with showings from December 5 through December 7. Family and franchise releases such as Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 will play December 5 through December 14, and a cluster of holiday blockbusters including The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and David are scheduled December 19 through December 28.

Weekend programming emphasizes seasonal tradition, with classics screened Saturdays at 6 30 p.m. A Christmas Story ran on December 6, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was scheduled for December 13, White Christmas for December 20, and Scrooge for December 27. Regular series will continue throughout the month with Date Night, PJ’s and Movies, Parallel Cinema, Teen Movie Nights and National Theatre Live features. The venue is also promoting rentals, escape rooms and membership perks alongside standard ticketing options.

The center is hosting several one off community events that aim to connect local business and civic groups. A Business Scholar Luncheon focusing on holiday business networking took place on December 10. On December 11 SALA presented a Mississippi Speed Record screening followed by a question and answer session. December 11 also featured a gathering tied to 100 Plus Men Who Care. These events reflect an effort to use the arts venue as a hub for economic and civic activity during a high traffic season.

For residents the schedule is more than entertainment, it touches social and public health priorities. Holiday programming provides social connection and mental health benefits but also concentrates indoor gatherings at a time when respiratory illnesses circulate. Community leaders and attendees will need to balance access to cultural life with attention to public health guidance from county health officials, and consider equity in who can afford or access memberships and tickets.

SALA outlined membership benefits and ticketing details with the announcement. The December lineup positions the venue as a cultural anchor for Los Alamos County during the holidays while prompting local conversations about inclusive access and safe community gathering.