The 2024 Movies with the Mayor series is going out with a jolly and heartwarming showing of the 1992 film “The Muppet Christmas Carol.”

The feature presentation is at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Rosa Heart Theatre, 900 Lakeshore Dr.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter called “The Muppet Christmas Carol” an “absolute classic” and “hands down one of the best versions” of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

“This is certainly based off my personal opinions, but when we announced this title in one of our staff meetings with our department heads, their faces lit up with excitement.”

The holidays are a prime time to gather with loved ones, and school breaks are a prime time to go see movies, he said.

“Opening up Rosa Hart Theatre for a free, holiday-themed feature presentation allows us to bring access to this cherished pastime to all families,” he explained. “This is a great way to get the entire family out for an afternoon and evening of fun.”

The city is partnering with Children’s Miracle Network to bring the Cookies, Cocoa and More experience to guests an hour before the movie starts.

At 4 p.m., a hot cocoa bar “with all the fixings” will be set up. While families are sipping on their hot beverages, they can enjoy a performance from the AM Barbe High School String Orchestra. Santa and a few of his elves will even make a trip down from the North Pole to get in on the holiday action.

There will be a reading nook, a coloring station and a selfie station set up for guests.

Hunter encouraged movie-goers to take a ride on “Chuck the Train” before or after the film to view the holiday lights on the Event Center grounds.

Those who love Movies with the Mayor can gear up for a new line-up of free movie viewings in 2025, he noted. Plans for the first quarter event calendar are being finalized.

“We have some really great things in store to kick off the new year.”

All minors in attendance must be accompanied by an adult.