Can there be a better time of year to see Frank Capra's Yuletide classic It&'s a Wonderful Life than Christmas? If, like me, you think not, then you'll be pleased to know that Edinburgh's Filmhouse is screening the movie as one of a series of Christmas classics over the festive period. One of the most popular films ever made, It's a Wonderful Life is a heart-warming testimony to the enduring value of community that always brings a tear to the eyes. James Stewart gives an unforgettable performance as the dreamer who sacrifices all for his fellow man. Speaking personally, the film always does what only really good art can do; it makes me re-evaluate my own life.

There are lots of other festive treats in store at the Filmhouse. Christmas Eve sees a special screening of a Raymond Briggs trilogy, The Snowman, Father Christmas and The Bear. Over the next couple of weeks there are also showings of the iconic movie White Christmas, famous for the poster showing Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen in matching Santa hats. You can also catch Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz over Christmas.

Even outside Christmas, the Edinburgh Filmhouse is a great place for an evening out, although a slight downside is that it's on the edge of one of the city's less salubrious areas. That shouldn't bother the average cinema-goer though. It's got a great bar/cafe area that serves good-quality, reasonably priced food and drink from lunchtime into the evening and it attracts an arty but low-key crowd of customers. It typically shows fabulous art house movies that don't always reach mainstream cinemas.

At the end of December the Filmhouse is screening another of its Alastair Sim retrospectives, following the success of an earlier programme in August. Sim, who became an actor after studying at Edinburgh University, was a local lad, born here in Edinburgh and still has a strong fan base in the city. An Inspector Calls, The Happiest Days of Your Life, Laughter in Paradise and School for Scoundrels are among the Sim movies showing at the Filmhouse this month.

If you have a young family, you might also be interested to know the Filmhouse runs a regular screening called Weans' World. Fantasia 2000 is running over Christmas and New Year as part of the programme.

You can book tickets in advance on-line or by phone on 0131 228 2688 from 12 noon to 9pm daily. Programme info is available on 0131 228 2689.

Edinburgh Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh

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