7 Ways to See the Holiday Blockbusters for Less

7 Ways to See the Holiday Blockbusters for Less

While we think of dinner as the main event on Thanksgiving, many families have made it a holiday tradition to head to the local multiplex to take in the latest hit.

In fact, polling firm CivicScience found movies are big business on Thanksgiving with about one in three people planning to spend at least part of their day in front of the big screen. Unfortunately, those people will be greeted by record-high ticket prices. According to data from the National Association of Theater Owners, the average price of a ticket in 2013 is $8.38.

To keep your costs down, use one of these ways to get discount tickets and reduced-price concessions.

Join your favorite theater's loyalty club

If you attend movies on even a semi-regular basis, you should definitely sign up for the loyalty program at your favorite theater. Almost all the major theater chains offer a program and most, but not all, are free.

• Celebration Cinema Big Screen Movie Club
• Goodrich Quality Theaters Frequent Movie Goer Club
• Regal Crown Club
• AMC Stubs (one of the few that has a membership fee)

The details vary, but typically you earn points that can be redeemed for free concession items and movie tickets. Some programs give you automatic concession upgrades and invites to special events just for being a member.

Go to a second run theater

Some people have to see the blockbusters on their opening weekends. However, if you can stand to wait a month or so, you can see that same movie for half the price or even less. Second-run theaters get their copies of the movies after they have been out for a while and show them at a deep discount. To find a theater near you, try an online search for “˜second run theater' and the name of the nearest major city.

See the matinee

But you won't have to wait for your must-see movie to arrive at the second-run theater if you are willing to go to a matinee showing. Again, prices can be up to nearly half of what you would pay for the evening showings. Some theater chains also have twilight pricing for movies playing around the dinner hour, and those tickets can be even cheaper still.

Buy discount or bulk gift cards

For families that are regulars at the movie theater, buying in bulk may be one way to save money. For example, the Cinemark Supersavers program lets you buy packages of 50 adult admissions for $7.50 each. The chain also offers a concession Supersaver option in which you get a junior popcorn and drink for $6.00.

Another way to get discount tickets is to buy gift cards through online websites such as Cardpool.com. These are sites where individuals sell unwanted gift cards at a discount. On Cardpool, you can get 10 percent off Fandango, 15 percent off AMC, 18 percent of Regal and 20 percent off Cinemark gift cards. However, be aware availability will vary.

Look for dinner and a movie combos

If your date night includes both dinner and a movie, look for combo deals offered by some theaters. For example, NCG Cinemas will give you a dinner and a movie package for $39. That deal includes a $25 gift card to a restaurant and two tickets making your per ticket cost $7. Celebration Cinema partners with a number of restaurants such a Red Robin, Applebee's and Texas Roadhouse to offer deals that include dinner for two and two movie tickets. Prices vary depending on the restaurant.

Redeem rewards program points

Cheap or free movie tickets may be as close as your rewards credit card. Some offer movie gift cards as part of their rewards catalog. Even seemingly unrelated rewards programs can offer movie tickets. For example, gas station Speedway has Fandango gift cards as a redemption option.

Find a free screening

Finally, nothing is better than free. If you have kids, many theaters run free or dollar family movies early on weekend mornings throughout the year. For more adult fare, look for a free screening of new movies. You can search for them at www.gofobo.com/main/local_screenings but if you don't live near a major city, you may find you are out of luck.

What is your favorite way to save money at the movie theater? Share with us in the comments or on our Facebook page.