NOSTALGIA: Belton Residents Miss Historic Theatre’s Beloved Holiday Themes

It saddens me, and many other residents across Central Texas, that the Beltonian Theatre has closed down. If you’re not familiar with the Beltonian Theatre, it’s a historic venue that was built over 100 years ago in downtown Belton and holds countless memories for so many people.

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Christmas Classic Void: Beltonian Theatre's Holiday Screenings Are Sorely Missed

Whether you wanted to watch classic films or your favorite holiday movies, this was the place to go — located at 219 E. Central Avenue. The Beltonian Theatre was especially beloved for its annual Christmas events, when the theater would play classic holiday favorites like Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, Elf, and The Polar Express. The community was invited to come dressed in their favorite holiday pajamas, enjoy the movies, and sometimes even sip on hot cocoa and cookies. How could you not love a place that embodied the Christmas spirit so perfectly?

Before Christmas: Belton Residents Recall Nostalgic Beltonian Theatre Programs

Almost five years ago, it was announced that the theater would be closing, and ever since then, something has felt missing here in Central Texas — as if Christmas will never quite be the same. There are certain traditions and customs that we Texans, especially here in Central Texas, hold dear, and the Beltonian Theatre was one of them. Finding the Christmas spirit this year will be a little harder, knowing that not only is a piece of Belton’s history gone, but a little bit of its Christmas magic has gone with it.