The Nightmare Before Christmas

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The Nightmare Before Christmas

With 1993’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Burton created an enduring multi-seasonal hit that catered to an unusual confluence of interests: the mainstream demand for high-quality, family-friendly holiday fare and the less sunny-spirited weirdos among us. The story follows Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, as he learns about the neighboring Christmas Town and begins to covet Christmas for his own. Plenty gets lost in translation between Jack’s spooky, downbeat nature and the cozy glow of Christmas, resulting in thrills, chills, and a Santa-snatching escapade that culminates in a fairly frightening showdown with the evil Oogie Boogie. Oh, and because it’s a Disney movie, Jack finds true love with Sally, a similarly lonely Halloween heart, and there are lots of memorable songs along the way. For a kooky twist on Christmas, you really can’t do much better, and this N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences screening comes frontloaded with activities. Everybody scream! —Allison Hussey