If you’ve lived around the St. Croix Valley for more than a minute, you know that the CEC Hudson 12 Theatre is basically a local landmark. It sits right there off Ward Avenue, a beacon for anyone who just wants to escape into a dark room with a massive tub of popcorn. Honestly, with all the talk about streaming and "the death of cinema," you’d think places like this would be ghost towns. But walk into the Hudson 12 on a Friday night when a Marvel flick or a Pixar sequel drops, and you’ll see that the vibe is very much alive.
It’s local. It’s convenient.
Most people head here because it beats driving across the bridge into the Cities. Dealing with 94 traffic just to see a movie? No thanks. The CEC Hudson 12 Theatre offers that middle-ground sweet spot where you get the big-screen tech without the chaotic urban headache. Owned by Cinema Entertainment Corporation (CEC), which is headquartered right in St. Cloud, Minnesota, this place has a distinctly Midwestern feel. It doesn’t feel like a cold, corporate AMC mega-plex. It feels like Hudson.
What’s Actually Inside the CEC Hudson 12 Theatre?
Let’s talk about the actual experience because that's what matters. People usually ask two things: Are the seats comfortable and is the popcorn good? To answer the first, yes, they’ve leaned into the luxury lounger trend. Most of the auditoriums now feature those powered recliners that let you kick back until you’re practically napping. It’s a game-changer. If you’re still going to theaters with those old-school rocking chairs that make your back ache after twenty minutes, you’re doing it wrong.
The theater is a 12-screen layout. It's big enough to catch the blockbusters but small enough that you aren't walking a mile to find your screen.
The screens themselves? They use Christie Digital projection. For the tech nerds out there, that means the brightness levels and color accuracy are actually on point. You aren't getting that weird, dim "bulb-saving" projection you sometimes find at budget theaters. They also feature Dolby Digital Cinema sound. When an explosion happens on screen, you’re going to feel it in your chest. That’s the whole point of going to the movies, right?
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The Snack Situation
We have to talk about the concessions. It’s expensive—everyone knows that. It’s how theaters stay in business. But the CEC Hudson 12 Theatre does the basics well. Their popcorn is consistently salty and buttery, and they don't skimp on the toppings. They also have the standard lineup of ICEEs, which, let’s be real, is a mandatory purchase if you’re under the age of 15 (or just a kid at heart).
They’ve also dipped their toes into expanded food options. You can get more than just Raisinets. They have hot foods like pretzels and nachos that actually taste like food. It’s not a full-service "dine-in" theater where waiters interrupt your movie every five minutes, which I actually prefer. I’m there to watch a movie, not have a three-course steak dinner in the dark.
Timing Your Visit to Save Some Cash
Look, going to the movies isn't cheap anymore. If you take a family of four and hit the concession stand, you’re looking at a bill that feels like a car payment. But there are ways to play the system at the Hudson 12.
- The Early Bird Special: If you can swing a matinee, do it. The prices are significantly lower before 5:00 PM.
- Discount Tuesdays: This is the big one. Most CEC locations, including Hudson, run a Tuesday special. You get a massive discount on tickets and usually some sort of deal on a popcorn and soda combo. It gets crowded, though. If you hate people, Tuesday is your nightmare. If you love a bargain, it’s your paradise.
- The Rewards Program: It’s worth signing up for the CEC rewards if you go more than three times a year. You earn points for every dollar spent, and eventually, you get free stuff. It’s a slow burn, but it pays off.
The Competition and Why Hudson Holds Up
There are other options. You could go to Woodbury. You could stay home and watch Netflix. But Hudson 12 keeps its grip on the community because of the "third place" factor. It’s a place that isn't work and isn't home.
In the winter, when Wisconsin turns into a frozen tundra, this theater is a lifeline. There isn't much to do in Hudson when it's -10 degrees outside besides bowling or hitting the bars downtown. The theater provides that essential social outlet. It’s where high schoolers go on first dates, where parents take their kids to burn off energy on a Saturday afternoon, and where seniors go for the early screenings.
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The staff is usually local kids. Sometimes the service is a little slow because they’re learning the ropes, but they’re generally friendly and helpful. It’s that small-town service level that you just don’t get at the massive chains in Minneapolis or St. Paul.
Is the CEC Hudson 12 Theatre Accessible?
Accessibility is something people often overlook until they need it. The Hudson 12 is fully ADA compliant. They offer assistive listening devices for those who are hard of hearing, and they have closed-captioning equipment available upon request. For those with mobility issues, the theaters are designed with specific seating areas that don't require climbing a dozen stairs. It’s worth calling ahead if you have very specific needs, but generally, they’ve got it covered.
The Reality of Movie-Going in 2026
Let's be honest about the state of cinema. We’re in an era where movies hit streaming services sometimes just weeks after their theatrical debut. Why bother going to the CEC Hudson 12 Theatre?
It’s about the focus. At home, you’re checking your phone. You’re pausing to let the dog out. You’re thinking about the laundry. In that theater, you’re locked in. The Hudson 12 provides that immersive vacuum. When the lights go down and that "feature presentation" graphic hits the screen, there’s a psychological shift. You’re actually paying attention.
Plus, some movies are just built for this. If you’re watching a massive sci-fi epic or a high-tension horror movie on your iPad, you’re losing 70% of the intended experience. The scale matters.
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Practical Tips for Your Next Visit
If you're planning a trip to Ward Avenue soon, keep these things in mind.
First, buy your tickets online. The CEC website and their app are actually decent. There is nothing worse than driving all the way there for a premiere only to find out it's sold out or you're stuck in the very front row breaking your neck to see the screen. Reserving your seats ahead of time is the only way to live.
Second, arrive 15 minutes early. Not for the trailers—though some people love those—but because the parking lot can get weirdly tight during peak hours. If there's a festival or an event nearby in Hudson, traffic on the main veins can back up. Give yourself a buffer.
Third, check the rating. It sounds obvious, but Hudson is a family-oriented town. The PG and PG-13 movies sell out way faster than the R-rated ones. If you’re bringing a group for a kids' movie, you absolutely need to plan ahead.
Lastly, don't sleep on the gift cards. If you’re a local, buying the bulk gift cards during the holidays often comes with "bonus" vouchers for free popcorn or sodas. It’s a simple way to shave 20% off your entertainment budget for the year.
The CEC Hudson 12 Theatre isn't trying to be the most futuristic cinema on the planet. It’s trying to be a reliable, comfortable, and high-quality place for the community to gather. It succeeds because it stays in its lane and delivers exactly what it promises: a great movie, a comfortable chair, and the best popcorn in town.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the current showtimes: Visit the official CEC Theatres website to see what’s playing today. Schedules usually update on Tuesday evenings for the upcoming week.
- Download the CEC App: Use it to book reserved seating in advance so you don't end up in the "neck-strain" front row.
- Plan a Tuesday trip: If you want to save money, mark your calendar for the next Tuesday to take advantage of the discounted ticket prices and concession deals.
- Join the Rewards Club: Sign up for the "CEC Rewards" program before your next purchase to start accumulating points toward free tickets and snacks.