MADISON – For its premiere in Madison, “Cars Under The Stars: A Christmas Movie Event” will offer families and individuals a fun evening of viewing with a Christmas double feature on Dec. 12.

The City of Madison Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the evening for watching movies under the stars at Madison City Schools Stadium at 211 Celtic Drive. Gates will open at 4 p.m.

“The Grinch,” a movie version of Dr. Seuss’ comical but touching holiday tribute, will start at 5 p.m. Then at 7 p.m., the laughs will gear up with Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo in the hilarious “Christmas Vacation.”

Food vendors will attend to offer concessions during the movies.

“The social-distance-friendly event is an alternative holiday opportunity for families of the Madison community to still enjoy the Christmas season eve amid the pandemic,” according to a city press release.

Admission is free to the event, but organizers ask that moviegoers bring a canned food item for a local food bank. Families or individuals who plan to attend should pre-register at the city website, madisonal.gov. Click the “Community” dropdown list, and then click the “Special Events” option. Scroll down and click the “pre-register” link for the movies. Only one person in the household needs to register for the event.

Sponsors will play an important role in this special event and will allow the city to offer excellent programming at little or no cost to Madison residents. “A sponsorship provides unique and rewarding opportunities for local businesses to partner with us to hold community events like this one throughout the year,” the release stated.

“Don’t miss this valuable chance to reach out to a new clientele in Madison and surrounding areas across North Alabama. Together, we can enhance the well-being of our community,” the release stated.

For a sponsorship application, visit madisonal.gov and follow the preceding steps to open the page.