The Showcase Cinema de Lux Cross County, often referred to by locals as the Cross County Cinemax, is the premier movie-going destination located within the Cross County Center in Yonkers, New York. To enjoy the best experience, visitors should book reserved seating in advance through the official Showcase Cinemas website or mobile app, utilize the free parking garages at the north end of the mall, and arrive at least 20 minutes early to navigate the concessions and find their theater.
The cinematic landscape has evolved significantly, and the Showcase Cinema de Lux at Cross County Center remains a flagship location for National Amusements. Whether you are looking for the latest Hollywood blockbuster in a premium large format or a comfortable afternoon out with the family, this theater provides a blend of high-end technology and convenience. As of 2026, the facility continues to serve as a central entertainment hub for Westchester County and the northern Bronx, offering a modern alternative to traditional multiplexes.
The Evolution of Cinema at Cross County Center
The Cross County Center is one of the oldest open-air shopping centers in the United States, and its theater has undergone several transformations to keep pace with audience expectations. Originally operating under different branding, the "Cinemax" moniker often persists in local parlance, though it is officially the Showcase Cinema de Lux Cross County.
The transition to the "Cinema de Lux" brand brought with it a shift from standard movie-watching to an "experience-based" model. This involved a complete overhaul of the interior, replacing traditional seating with power-operated recliners and upgrading projection systems to high-contrast laser technology. In 2026, the theater stands as a testament to the survival of physical cinema, focusing on sensory immersion that home streaming services cannot replicate.
Understanding the layout and the branding is the first step for any visitor. The theater is situated on the north side of the sprawling Cross County complex, near major retailers like Macy’s and Target. This strategic placement makes it a primary choice for "dinner and a movie" outings, as it is surrounded by a variety of high-quality dining options.
Premium Viewing Formats: XPlus and Laser Projection
One of the primary reasons audiences choose the Cross County location over smaller local theaters is the availability of XPlus Premium Large Format (PLF) screens. XPlus is Showcase Cinemas' proprietary response to IMAX, designed to offer an oversized screen and a superior sensory environment.
The XPlus Experience
The XPlus auditoriums at Cross County feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screens that utilize dual 4K laser projection. Laser projection is a significant upgrade over traditional xenon bulb projectors because it provides a much higher level of brightness and a wider color gamut. In 2026, this ensures that even the darkest scenes in high-action films are rendered with crystal clarity, avoiding the "muddy" look that can plague aging digital theaters.
Immersive Audio with Dolby Atmos
The XPlus screens are paired with Dolby Atmos sound systems. Unlike traditional surround sound, which moves audio across channels (left, right, back), Dolby Atmos treats sound as individual "objects" that can be moved in a three-dimensional space, including overhead. At the Cross County theater, this means the roar of a jet or the whisper of wind feels like it is moving through the room, creating a bubble of sound that envelops the viewer.
Standard Digital Screens
While the PLF screens get most of the attention, the standard auditoriums have also been upgraded. Every screen at the Cross County Cinemax now utilizes digital projection, ensuring a consistent level of quality regardless of which movie you are seeing. The maintenance of these systems is a priority, with regular calibrations to ensure the 2026 standards for brightness and contrast are met.
Seating and Comfort: The Lux Level Standard
The "de Lux" branding isn't just about the screen; it is heavily focused on the physical comfort of the patron. The Cross County location was among the first in the region to move toward a 100% recliner model.
Power Back Recliners
Every seat in the theater is a fully motorized recliner. These seats allow guests to adjust the footrest and backrest independently to find the optimal viewing angle. The seats are upholstered in a high-grade synthetic leather that is cleaned between every showing. Because these recliners take up more physical space than traditional theater seats, the overall capacity of each auditorium is lower, which creates a more intimate and less crowded feeling.
Reserved Seating Logistics
With the move to recliners, reserved seating became mandatory. When you purchase a ticket for the Cross County Cinemax, you are selecting a specific seat in a specific row.
- Optimal Viewing: For XPlus screens, rows E through H are generally considered the "sweet spot" for perfect eye-level alignment with the center of the screen.
- Accessibility: There are designated spaces for wheelchairs in every auditorium, usually located in the middle or back rows to ensure a clear view without neck strain. Companion seating is always located immediately adjacent to these spots.
Ticketing and the Starpass Loyalty Program
In 2026, the ticketing process is almost entirely digital. While there are kiosks available in the lobby, most patrons utilize the mobile ecosystem to secure their spots.
Pricing Tiers
Ticket prices at Cross County vary based on the time of day, the format of the movie, and the age of the patron. Matinee showings (typically before 4:00 PM) offer a significant discount compared to evening "Prime Time" tickets.
| Ticket Type | Standard Screen (Digital) | XPlus Premium Format |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Evening) | $16.50 - $18.00 | $21.00 - $23.00 |
| Child (Under 12) | $13.00 - $14.50 | $17.50 - $19.00 |
| Senior (60+) | $13.50 - $15.00 | $18.00 - $19.50 |
| Bargain Tuesday | $10.00 - $12.00 | $15.00 - $17.00 |
Note: Prices are estimates for 2026 and may fluctuate based on seasonal blockbusters or special events.
The Starpass Program
For frequent visitors, the Starpass loyalty program is an essential tool. It is a free-to-join program that allows members to earn points on every dollar spent at the box office and the concession stand.
- Rewards: For every 750 points earned, members receive a $5 reward that can be used for tickets or food.
- Benefits: Starpass members often get access to exclusive advanced screenings and reduced service fees when booking through the Showcase website.
- Bargain Tuesdays: This is a major draw for the Cross County location. On Tuesdays, Starpass members can see movies at a significantly reduced rate, often nearly 40% off the standard adult ticket price.
Concessions and In-Theater Dining
The dining experience at the Cross County Cinemax has expanded beyond the standard popcorn and soda. The theater features a "Studio Grill" or expanded concession menu designed to cater to a more sophisticated palate.
Traditional vs. Gourmet Options
While you can still get the classic large tub of popcorn (with real butter available upon request), the theater also offers:
- Artisanal Pizzas: Thin-crust pizzas made to order.
- Chicken Sliders and Wings: High-protein snacks that are easier to eat in a dark theater than a full meal.
- Gourmet Fries: Often topped with truffle oil or garlic parmesan.
The Bar de Lux
One of the defining features of the Cross County location is the Bar de Lux. This is a full-service bar located in the lobby area where patrons can purchase beer, wine, and cocktails.
- Policy: Alcoholic beverages purchased at the Bar de Lux are allowed inside the auditoriums, provided they are in the designated plastic containers.
- Age Verification: Strict ID checks are in place, and there is usually a limit on the number of drinks a single patron can purchase to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all moviegoers.
Navigation and Parking Logistics
The Cross County Center is a massive outdoor mall, and finding the theater can be confusing for first-time visitors or those arriving during high-traffic periods.
Where to Park
The Showcase Cinema de Lux is located at the northern end of the mall. The best place to park is the North Parking Garage.
- Garage Levels: Try to park on the 2nd or 3rd level of the north garage for the shortest walk to the theater entrance.
- Surface Lots: There is surface parking directly in front of the theater, but these spots fill up extremely quickly on weekends and during the holiday season.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: The mall has several EV charging stations located near the Macy's wing, which is a 5-minute walk from the cinema.
Public Transportation
For those traveling from the Bronx or other parts of Yonkers, several Bee-Line bus routes serve the Cross County Center directly. The Bus 20, 21, and 26 routes are the most frequent. If you are coming from Manhattan, the Metro-North Harlem Line to the Fleetwood station is the closest rail option, followed by a short rideshare or bus trip to the mall.
Planning Your Visit: A Step-by-Step Guide
To ensure a seamless experience at the Cross County Cinemax in 2026, follow these recommended steps:
- Check Showtimes Early: Popular releases often sell out their XPlus screenings several days in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday night slots.
- Download the App: Use the Showcase Cinemas mobile app to purchase tickets. This generates a QR code that you can scan at the entrance, bypassing the need to wait at the box office or kiosks.
- Coordinate Dining: If you plan to eat at one of the mall's restaurants (like The Cheesecake Factory or Texas de Brazil), allow at least 90 minutes before your movie starts. On weekends, wait times for these restaurants can exceed an hour.
- Arrive Early for Concessions: The line for popcorn and the Bar de Lux can be long during peak hours. Arriving 20-30 minutes before the "Showtime" (which includes 15-20 minutes of trailers) is advisable.
- Adjust Your Seat: Once in the theater, locate the buttons on the inside of your armrest to adjust your recliner. Note that some seats also include a USB charging port for your phone.
Safety and Technical Support
The theater employs a dedicated staff to manage both technical issues and guest safety. If you experience an issue with the projection (e.g., the image is out of focus) or sound (e.g., the volume is too low), it is best to notify a floor manager immediately.
In 2026, the theater utilizes an automated monitoring system for its projectors, but manual intervention is sometimes required for unique film formats. The facility is also equipped with comprehensive security, including visible mall security patrols and internal theater staff, to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between XPlus and a regular screen at Cross County?
XPlus is a premium large-format screen that is significantly larger than standard screens. It features dual laser projection for a brighter, sharper image and a Dolby Atmos sound system that provides 360-degree immersive audio. Standard screens use high-quality digital projection but lack the massive scale and advanced audio placement of XPlus.
Can I bring outside food into the Cross County Cinemax?
Officially, Showcase Cinema de Lux policies prohibit the entry of outside food or beverages. The theater offers a wide variety of concessions, including hot food and alcoholic beverages, which are designed to be the primary dining options for guests. Security or staff may ask you to dispose of outside items before entering the auditorium.
Are there any discounts for students or military personnel?
Yes, Showcase Cinemas generally offers discounted ticket rates for students and active-duty military personnel. These tickets usually require a valid ID to be presented at the box office or when your mobile ticket is scanned. It is often most cost-effective for these groups to visit on Bargain Tuesdays for the lowest possible rates.
Is the theater accessible for those with hearing or vision impairments?
Absolutely. The Cross County location provides assistive listening devices and closed-captioning equipment upon request at the box office. For certain screenings, descriptive video services (DVS) are available, providing a narrated description of the movie's visual elements for patrons who are blind or have low vision.
How do I refund or exchange a ticket?
If you purchased your ticket through the Showcase website or app, you can typically request a refund up to one hour before the scheduled showtime. If you purchased through a third-party site like Fandango, you must process the refund through their specific platform. Note that service fees are often non-refundable.
Does the theater offer private rentals?
Yes, in 2026, the Cross County Cinemax offers private theater rentals for corporate events, birthday parties, or private screenings. These must be booked several weeks in advance through the Showcase Cinemas corporate events portal. Pricing varies based on the day of the week and the film being screened.
Final Recommendation for Visitors
The Showcase Cinema de Lux Cross County remains the gold standard for moviegoing in the Yonkers area due to its commitment to high-end technology and guest comfort. To maximize your visit, prioritize XPlus screenings for visual-heavy blockbusters and always join the Starpass program to take advantage of significant savings on Bargain Tuesdays. By parking in the North Garage and booking your reserved seats at least 24 hours in advance, you can avoid the common stressors associated with this popular Westchester destination.
