
Time
Tue, December 22, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmPricing
$5 student ticket, $10 general admission/adult ticket
Location
One Christmas Eve, a curious baby crawls into Santa’s bag of toys and accidentally travels all the way to the North Pole. Raised by elves, Buddy (Will Ferrell) grows up believing he belongs among Santa’s helpers. But as he gets older, one thing becomes clear. Buddy isn’t an elf.
Determined to discover where he truly belongs, Buddy leaves the North Pole and heads to New York City in search of his biological father (James Caan). There, he meets a family he never knew he had, including a new mother (Mary Steenburgen) and a younger brother who has lost his belief in Santa Claus.
Armed with endless Christmas spirit, Buddy sets out to connect with his family and spread holiday cheer across the city. Along the way, he discovers that fitting in isn’t always as important as being yourself.
Filled with hilarious moments, heartfelt family fun, and plenty of Christmas magic, Elf has become a modern holiday favorite. Gather your family and friends and experience Buddy’s unforgettable adventure on the big screen at Gorton!
Gorton Center houses the beautiful John and Nancy Hughes Theater featuring professional sound, light, video, and digital cinema technology. The 309-seat theater is a wonderful space to watch a film - we offer a wide variety - ranging from classics from the past to newer releases, documentary films and festivals, kids and family movies, and we screen John Hughes movies several times a year.
Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.
At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.
Gorton offers financial assistance and flexible payment options to individuals who may be unable to afford standard program fees. This support ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate in meaningful learning and cultural enrichment experiences. Applications are reviewed based on demonstrated financial need.
Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.
There is no refund given for unused film or event tickets.

Laura Demmer, Director of Development
Ann Kiesling, Development Associate
847-234-6060
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