Christmas night is the perfect time to relax together after a day of celebration. Finding a show that everyone can enjoy, from grandparents to kids, can be a challenge. This list offers a mix of festive TV series and specials airing on December 25th, 2025, that promise to keep the holiday spirit going long after the last gift is opened.
Amandaland: A Festive Special for the Grown-Ups
For families with older kids and adults looking for smart comedy, BBC One has a perfect option. The Christmas special of Amandaland airs at 9:15 PM on Christmas night.
This show is a spin-off from the popular series Motherland, created by Sharon Horgan. It follows Amanda, a recently divorced mother played by Lucy Punch, as she navigates a new life in a different neighborhood. The festive special features Dame Joanna Lumley as Amandaโs mother, adding to the intergenerational humor. The entire series is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer, so you can start the story before the new episode airs.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade: A Morning Tradition
A long-standing tradition for many families is watching the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. This year marks the event’s 40th anniversary, and it will air on ABC at 10:00 AM ET/PT.
The special is filled with spectacular floats featuring characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse and performances from well-known artists. This yearโs lineup includes Elton John performing โTiny Dancer,โ John Legend singing โLast Christmas,โ and a group performance by Pentatonix. Itโs a bright and musical way to start Christmas Day.
Classic Animated Specials: Timeless Holiday Stories
No Christmas TV lineup is complete without the beloved animated specials that have aired for decades. Several networks are offering these classics on Christmas Day itself, perfect for viewers of all ages.
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): The live-action film starring Jim Carrey will air on Freeform during its “25 Days of Christmas” event.
- Frosty the Snowman & Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Check local listings, as these classic specials often have multiple airings throughout the season, including on Christmas Day.
- A Charlie Brown Christmas: While available anytime on Apple TV+, the platform makes this special free for everyone to stream on select days in December, offering easy access for a family viewing session.
A critic described another family-friendly series, A Man on the Inside, as a โfantastically relatable production for all agesโ.
Cozy Series for a Quiet Night In
If your family prefers to binge a whole series together, several feel-good shows are available for streaming. These offer heart and humor without high-stress drama, ideal for a cozy night.
- A Man on the Inside (Netflix): This gentle comedy stars Ted Danson as a recent widower who goes undercover in a retirement home. Its 30-minute episodes and relatable story about family and connection make it easy viewing.
- Leonard and Hungry Paul (BBC iPlayer): This series is a quiet, kind-hearted look at friendship and life. It features Jamie-Lee OโDonnell (Derry Girls) and focuses on two gentle men navigating their early thirties. Itโs a calming and positive show that celebrates simple joys.
- Colin from Accounts (BBC iPlayer): An Australian romantic comedy about two people brought together after accidentally injuring a dog. The lead actors are a couple in real life, which adds to their on-screen chemistry. A cute dog in a wheelchair provides plenty of charm.
It’s a Wonderful Life: The Ultimate Christmas Eve Classic
While not a series, no Christmas viewing guide is complete without mentioning the most iconic film of the season. Itโs a Wonderful Life has its annual network airing on Christmas Eve, December 24th, at 8:00 PM on NBC.
Many families consider watching this story of George Bailey and guardian angel Clarence a sacred tradition. As one fan notes, the film reminds us that โeach manโs life touches so many other livesโ. Itโs a powerful way to reflect on the meaning of the holiday before Christmas Day begins.
A Christmas Story Marathon: 24 Hours of Laughter
For families that love tradition with a side of humor, the 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story is a major event. Both TBS and TNT will run the marathon, starting at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM on Christmas Eve, respectively, and running all the way through Christmas Day.
The filmโs tale of young Ralphie Parker and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun is packed with memorable moments. Having it on in the background throughout the day provides constant, familiar laughs.
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