Santa Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket Lights Up Theaters for The Nightmare Before Christmas Re-Release
AMC, Cinemark and other chains are rolling out an 85 ounce light up Jack head in a Santa hat, and collectors already know how fast these buckets can disappear.
Jack Skellington is heading back to the big screen with a brand new Santa look. The Nightmare Before Christmas is returning to theaters in a limited run, and AMC, Cinemark and other major chains are celebrating with a Santa Jack popcorn bucket that glows.
The bucket is shaped like Jack's whole head, with a red and white Santa hat on top. Lift the hat and you find a hollow space for popcorn right inside that grinning skull. It is available while supplies last, so if you want one for your shelf, you will want to move fast.
What the Santa Jack Bucket Looks Like
This is a licensed figural bucket that holds 85 ounces of popcorn. Jack's face is the star here, and it lights up with a white glow. A switch turns the LED on, so you can dim the room and let Jack do the talking.
The hat does double duty as the lid. It lifts off so you can reach the popcorn, then settles back on top like Jack is ready to deliver presents to Halloween Town.
Where to Get It and What Comes With It
Cinemark is showing the 1993 Tim Burton film starting October 16, and the bucket is part of that push. At Cinemark, the bucket comes with an XL popcorn and a free same day refill. That deal is at select locations while supplies last.
Cinemark has not posted a dollar price for its version yet. Other sellers have been more specific. Marcus Theatres lists the same bucket at $35.99, and Swan Drive-In has it at $35.95.
AMC is selling the bucket too, filled with popcorn. AMC's website lists it at $36.99. The chain is also offering an exclusive double sided blanket called Simply Meant to Be. One side shows Sally's patchwork, and the other shows Jack's pinstripes, so it is a nice pick for fans of the couple.
Regal is also showing the film on select dates in October. Showtimes vary by location, so check your local listings before you plan a night out.
Part of a Spooky Season Lineup
The Nightmare Before Christmas is just one piece of Cinemark's spooky season slate. The chain is also bringing back Night of the Living Dead, Scream and Halloween, among others. If you like your October movie nights a little creepy, there is plenty to pick from.
Why Theaters Love a Figural Bucket
Novelty popcorn buckets have turned into serious business for theaters. AMC's novelty vessels grew from almost nothing in 2019 to nearly $80 million globally in 2025. That is a lot of popcorn holders shaped like movie icons.
The popular ones also move quickly on the resale market. The Dune: Part Two sandworm bucket sold for about $25 with popcorn, then hit eBay listings over $800 within days. An unopened R2-D2 sipper from 2019 turned up on eBay for $2,222.22.
So far, Santa Jack has not followed that path. As of early October, there is no resale market for it yet. Whether that changes once the film is back on screens is anyone's guess, but collectors will be watching.
Should You Grab One?
If you love Jack, this one checks a lot of boxes. It has a Santa hat, an 85 ounce popcorn capacity and a light up face, and it comes tied to a rare chance to see the film on a theater screen again.
Prices look to land in the mid $30s at the places that have listed them. Cinemark's number is still to come, so the bundle with XL popcorn and a free refill is worth a look if one of its theaters is near you. Will you be picking up a Santa Jack of your own? Let us know on social media.
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