- Christmas
- 17th Dec 2025
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HLN’s ultimate Christmas TV and streaming guide 2025
The best festive specials, new series, films and cosy watches to curl up on the sofa with this December.
December’s TV line-up is delivering big. From feel-good comedies and family favourites to prestige dramas, long-awaited finales and star-studded movies, there’s plenty to keep you company over the holidays.
Here’s everything worth watching, and when to catch it.
Festive TV specials and new series
Tinsel Town – Sky – out now
When Brad Mac, a self-absorbed Hollywood star known for the now-axed franchise Killing Time, runs out of work, his agent ships him to the UK for a “theatre gig”.
The catch? It’s panto. Suddenly he’s the world’s least willing Buttons in Cinderella in this cosy British comedy starring Rebel Wilson, Derek Jacobi, Katherine Ryan, Danny Dyer and Jason Manford.
The War Between the Land and the Sea – BBC, iPlayer, Disney+ – out now
With no Doctor Who Christmas special this year, fans can look forward to this spin-off instead. When ancient species the Sea Devils rise from the deep, UNIT must spring into action to stop a global conflict as humanity faces an existential threat. The cast includes Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Russell Tovey, Jemma Redgrave and Alexander Devrient.
Man vs Baby – Netflix – out now
Move over Mr Bean. Comedy legend Rowan Atkinson returns as Trevor Bingley in Man Vs. Baby. After housesitting in a high-tech mansion (and being terrorised by a bee) Bingley now unwittingly ends up in a luxurious London penthouse… and this time, he’s got a baby to look after. What could go wrong? (Everything).
The End of an Era & The Eras Tour (Final Show) – Disney+ – out now
Christmas is coming early for Swifties everywhere with not one but two brand new Taylor Swift treats. The first is the documentary series The End of an Era and the film of the final ever show from The Eras Tour. The concert from Vancouver in Canada will feature the updated show with songs from The Tortured Poets Department. It’s never been a better time to be a fan.
The Scarecrow’s Wedding – BBC One – Christmas Day
The latest adaptation of writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s fantastic picture books is one for all the family. Previous adventures include Room on the Broom, The Gruffalo and, last years, Tiddler. We follow two devoted scarecrows Betty O’Barley (Jessie Buckley) and Harry O’Hay (Domhnall Gleeson). They are preparing for their wedding day when trouble arrives in the form of the smooth-talking Reginald Rake (Rob Brydon). Narrated by Sophie Okonedo. This looks like it could be another festive hit.
Call the Midwife: Christmas Special (Part 1) – BBC One – Christmas Day & New Year’s Day
For a series that’s been going for decades, Call the Midwife is still just as popular as it’s ever been. The nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House return once again in this ambitious two-part Christmas special serving up double the drama, with the crew split across two different continents: London and Hong Kong. When the Poplar nuns hear of a tragedy at their sister nunnery in Hong Kong, they quicky scramble a rescue mission and some of the regulars head off while the younger midwives are left to handle the festive wave of babies.
Emily in Paris (Season 5) – Netflix – 18th December
Emily in Paris stars Lily Collins as marketing executive Emily Cooper, who moves from Chicago in America to Paris, where she lends her expertise to a marketing firm. The series is one of Netflix’s most popular original series. In season 5, Emily swaps out France and embarks on some Italian adventures. Cue more fashion, more drama and a lot more mopeds.
Dear Father Christmas – Channel 4 – Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
This charming little Christmas film sees BAFTA-winning Am I Being Unreasonable? Star Lenny Rush joined by a host of other famous faces. This special follows Chris (Rush) a 16-year-old boy who still believes in Santa, despite his dad (James Buckley) pointing out that he’s too old for all that nonsense. Chris decides to prove him wrong and enlists his cousin Holly to help him show the world that Father Christmas actually exists. Stephen Fry, Greg Davies, Asim Chaudhry and SAS: Who Dares Wins instructor Jason Fox round out the all-star cast. The film celebrates the magic of Christmas and the bond between father and son.
Stranger Things 5 – Netflix – From 25 Dec (Finale: 31 Dec)
Stranger Things returns for what promises to be an epic final season. Season 4 left us with a massive cliffhanger as the hellish Upside-Down landscape began to spill into the town of Hawkins. The threat of the villainous Vecna still looms large, despite the team almost defeating him. Season 5 will ramp the stakes up even further with 80’s icon Linda Hamilton star of The Terminator movies joining the cast. This is undoubtedly the Netflix event of the year! Stranger Things returns on Christmas Day with a fresh new batch of episodes with the season finale airing New Years Eve and it will have a theatrical release for fans who want to experience it on the big screen on 1st January.
The Night Manager – BBC One – New Year’s Day
Nearly a decade after season one, the acclaimed John le Carré adaptation finally returns. Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), now living under a new identity, is drawn back into the shadows when he spots a familiar mercenary. What follows pulls him into a conspiracy involving arms dealing, political destabilisation and a dangerous new figure, Teddy Dis Santos (Diego Calva). Olivia Colman and Hugh Laurie return for what promises to be the first unmissable drama of 2026.
New Christmas films on streaming
Troll 2 – Netflix
Following the huge success of Troll (2022), this sequel unleashes another ancient troll — possibly even more dangerous — onto Norway’s landscape.
As chaos spreads and a national crisis unfolds, our heroes once again race to save their homeland from destruction.
My Secret Santa – Netflix
Alexandra Breckenridge (Virgin River) stars as a single mum who disguises herself as a man to secure a job as a Santa at a luxury ski resort so her daughter can attend an expensive snowboarding camp. Things get complicated when she starts falling for her boss – a classic festive romcom twist.
Oh. What. Fun. – Prime Video
A dysfunctional family Christmas spirals into chaos when Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer) finally snaps after years of unappreciated holiday labour.
Co-starring Denis Leary, Eva Longoria and Jason Schwartzman, this is Love Actually – but sharper, messier and far more unhinged.
Jay Kelly – Netflix
George Clooney and Adam Sandler star as an actor and his manager travelling through Europe while reflecting on life, legacy and everything in between. Directed by Noah Baumbach, with Laura Dern and Billy Crudup also starring, this comedy-drama promises heart and humour.
Goodbye June – Netflix – Christmas Eve (also in cinemas)
Kate Winslet makes her directorial debut in this emotional British Christmas drama.
When June – a mother of four – becomes seriously ill, her fractured family grapples with grief, humour and the messiness of real life. Starring Toni Collette, Helen Mirren, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough and Stephen Merchant. If you’re in the mood for a Christmas Eve cry… this is the one.
Chris Kingston
Entertainment Writer
Chris is Laura's brother and the font of all knowledge when it comes to anything related to TV, film and books. He provides our popular round-ups on what to watch at the cinema, the TV not to miss, and new cultural releases.
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