If you’ve lived in Westchester for more than a minute, you know the vibe of the Cross County Center. It’s that sprawling, open-air energy where you’re dodging shoppers one second and looking for a decent parking spot the next. But let’s be real. The real anchor of that whole North Yonkers ecosystem isn’t the Shake Shack or the Zara; it’s the movie theater Cross County locals have flocked to for years—the Showcase Cinema de Lux.
Going to the movies shouldn't be complicated. Yet, somehow, it always is. You're checking showtimes, wondering if the "XPlus" screen is actually worth the extra five bucks, or trying to remember if they still do those discounted Tuesdays. Honestly, the theater has changed a lot since the massive renovations a few years back. It’s not just a place to catch a flick anymore; it’s become this weirdly high-end experience dropped right in the middle of a classic 1950s-era shopping mall.
The Reality of the Showcase Cinema de Lux Experience
Most people just call it the Cross County movie theater. Officially, it’s the Showcase Cinema de Lux Cross County, owned by National Amusements. This distinction matters because Showcase brings a specific set of amenities that you won't find at a smaller indie house or a run-down multiplex.
We’re talking about power recliners. Every single seat in the house is a fully motorized recliner. It’s a game-changer. Remember when you had to elbow your neighbor for an armrest or deal with a spring poking your lower back? That’s gone. Now, the biggest risk is actually falling asleep during a slow second act because the chairs are basically couches.
Why the XPlus Laser Projection Actually Matters
You'll see the "XPlus" branding everywhere on the ticket kiosk. Is it a gimmick? Sort of, but mostly no. XPlus is Showcase’s premium large format (PLF) offering. It features a massive screen, but the real draw is the Dolby Atmos sound system and the laser projection.
Standard digital projection can sometimes look a bit "muddy" or dim, especially during dark scenes in horror movies or moody dramas. Laser projection hits different. The colors are incredibly vibrant, and the blacks are actually black, not just dark gray. If you’re seeing a visual spectacle—think Dune, Avatar, or the latest Marvel entry—the extra few dollars for XPlus at the movie theater Cross County is usually a justified spend. The sound also literally moves around the room. You’ll hear a helicopter fly from the back-left corner to the front-right. It’s immersive. It’s loud. It makes your popcorn bucket vibrate.
Navigating the Cross County Chaos
Parking is the bane of everyone's existence in Yonkers.
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Seriously. If you’re heading to a 7:00 PM showing on a Friday night, do not—I repeat, do not—roll up at 6:50 PM. The Cross County Center is an open-air mall, meaning you’re competing for spots with people buying socks at Macy's and diners hitting the Cheesecake Factory.
The theater is located on the north side of the mall. Pro tip: try the parking garage near the Hyatt Place hotel or the oversized lot behind the theater building itself. Walking a few extra yards is better than circling the main ring road for twenty minutes while the trailers are already playing.
The Food Situation (Beyond the Popcorn)
Look, we all love movie theater popcorn. There's something about that yellow coconut oil and the "butter" that shouldn't be delicious but absolutely is. But this theater has a full bar and a more expanded menu than the theaters of our childhood.
They have the Studio Grill. You can actually get real food—think burgers, fries, and wings—and take them into the theater. It’s convenient, though it can get pricey. A family of four can easily spend $100 on snacks and drinks before even touching the ticket price. If you're looking to save a bit, eat at the food court or one of the surrounding restaurants like Olive Garden or Texas de Brazil before your show. Just don't be that person trying to sneak a full rack of ribs into the theater in your jacket.
Pricing, Discounts, and the Starpass Hack
Let’s talk money. Movie tickets aren't cheap. A prime-time adult ticket at the movie theater Cross County can push $18 to $20 depending on the format.
However, there are ways to beat the system. Showcase has a loyalty program called Starpass. It’s free to join. You earn points for every dollar spent, and they frequently send out offers for $5 rewards. More importantly, they have "Bargain Tuesdays." This isn't a secret, but it's often overlooked. Prices drop significantly on Tuesdays for most movies. If you're a senior or a student, always bring your ID. The discounts aren't massive, but they cover the cost of a soda.
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- Check the Starpass App: Always book through the app to skip the long kiosk lines.
- Early Bird Showings: The first showing of any movie of the day is usually the cheapest.
- The Subscription Model: Showcase offers "Showcase Subscribe," which is a monthly membership. If you go to the movies more than twice a month, it pays for itself. If you're a casual viewer, skip it.
Accessibility and Cleanliness: An Honest Review
One thing people often overlook is how accessible a theater is. The Cross County location is generally great for this. Since it's a newer build/renovation, the theaters have dedicated wheelchair spaces that aren't just shoved in the very front row. The elevators are functional, and the hallways are wide.
Cleanliness is a bit of a mixed bag. On a Tuesday morning, the place is pristine. On a Saturday night after a blockbuster opening? It can get a little "lived in." The staff works hard, but when you have thousands of people dropping popcorn and soda, the floors get sticky. It’s the nature of the beast. If you want the cleanest experience, aim for the first showing of the day.
The Crowd Vibe
Yonkers is a melting pot, and the theater reflects that. It’s a loud, energetic environment. If you want a silent, "Alamo Drafthouse" style experience where people are kicked out for whispering, this might not be your spot. People react to the movies here. They laugh loud, they gasp, and yeah, sometimes they talk. For some, that’s the magic of the cinema. For others, it’s a distraction. Go in with the right expectations.
Why This Theater Beats the Competition
You have other options. There's the Ridge Hill cinema just up the road, and there are theaters in New Rochelle or White Plains. Why choose the movie theater Cross County?
Accessibility is the big one. It’s right off the Cross County Parkway and the Thruway (I-87). You don't have to navigate the confusing "uphill" layout of Ridge Hill or deal with the cramped parking garages of downtown White Plains. It’s a "one-stop shop." You can get your groceries at Stop & Shop, buy a new pair of sneakers, and see a 3-hour epic all in the same square mile.
Surprising Details Most People Miss
Did you know this theater hosts more than just movies? They occasionally do "Showcase Events," which include screenings of Metropolitan Opera performances, live-streamed concerts, and even classic movie anniversaries.
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They also have a pretty robust corporate events program. You can actually rent out a theater for a private screening or a meeting. It sounds fancy, but for a birthday party, it's actually somewhat comparable to renting out a bowling alley or a play space, especially if you have a large group.
What Most People Get Wrong About Cinema de Lux
The biggest misconception is that the "de Lux" part means it's an elitist, "black-tie" kind of place. It’s not. It’s a neighborhood theater that happens to have very nice chairs. You’ll see people in pajamas and people on first dates.
Another mistake? Thinking you have to buy tickets at the window. The movie theater Cross County uses reserved seating. This means if you show up five minutes before the movie starts without a reservation, you’re probably going to be stuck in the very front row, crane-necking it for two hours. Always, always book your seats in advance online. You can see exactly where you'll be sitting, and you can take your time picking the perfect middle-row, center-screen spot.
Practical Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to head out this weekend, here is the move. Check the weather first. Because Cross County is an outdoor mall, walking from your car to the theater involves being outside. If it's pouring rain, bring an umbrella; there isn't a covered walkway from most parking areas.
- Download the Showcase app before you leave the house. Create a Starpass account to start racking up points.
- Target the "XPlus" screens for anything with big special effects. It's worth the $3-$5 surcharge for the sound alone.
- Arrive 20 minutes early. This gives you time to find parking, hit the restroom, and grab snacks without feeling rushed.
- Validate nothing. Unlike some city theaters, parking at Cross County is free. You don't need to get a ticket stamped.
- Check for "Sensory Friendly" screenings if you're bringing someone with light or sound sensitivities. They offer these on specific Saturday mornings where the lights stay up a bit and the sound is turned down.
The movie theater Cross County is a staple of Westchester entertainment for a reason. It’s reliable. It’s comfortable. It’s easy to get to. While the price of a night out continues to climb, the experience of a massive screen and a vibrating sound system still beats your living room couch and a 55-inch TV every single time.
Before you head out, verify the current showtimes on the official Showcase website, as third-party sites sometimes lag on updates for mid-week schedule changes. If you’re going for a major holiday release, booking 48 hours in advance is the only way to guarantee a seat that isn't in the "nosebleed" front section.