Tampa Theatre teases presents with free screening of 'Elf'

After 90 years on Santa's "nice list," Tampa Theatre is getting shiny new presents and sharing them with moviegoers.

One catch: The gifts come with a tag reading "do not open until Dec. 14."

That's when the historic movie palace will present a free screening of Will Ferrell's holiday classic Elf, plus details of what's inside the gift box.

Tampa Theatre's media release about the event included a subtle clue, with the headline: "You're going to want to sit down for this," and photographs of Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, crammed into a classroom desk and sitting on Bob Newhart's Santa Claus lap.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with hot cocoa and cookies in the lobby, followed by announcements and the movie at 7.

Guests are asked to visit tampatheatre.org/events/elf and click "buy tickets" to print their free admission vouchers to guarantee entry.