11 Of Our Top Picks To Watch On TV This Christmas Eve
Perhaps you’ve got war stories about having to hit the high street for IRL Christmas shopping after that last minute delivery failed you. Maybe you’re feeling smug and want to kick back after accomplishing all your pressie and cooking prep. Or you could simply want to herald the beginning of Christmas TV season without any rotters.
We’ve pulled together eleven of the best things on telly this Christmas Eve to get you in the festive spirit. And with everything from ghost stories to Christmas classics, there’s more than enough to keep you going.
What to watch this Christmas Eve
Meet Me In St Louis
Tell me more: What better place to kick things off than the film that gave us Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas?
Pure wholesome Christmas joy, Judy Garland’s 1944 classic is essential festive viewing whether you’re a repeat viewer or yet to be inducted into the Smith family’s adventures like fancying the boy next door and not picking up a tuxedo in time for the ball (we’ve all been there).
When’s it on? 1.25pm on BBC One
Sister Act
Tell me more: Whoopi Goldberg masquerading as a nun to avoid mobsters and getting up to high jinks. Do we need to go on?
This 1990s classic is the perfect lunchtime punch of serotonin and nostalgia to get you in the mood for Christmas and start pondering whether you should join a choir in 2026.
When’s it on? 1.35pm on Channel 4
Paddington
Tell me more: To be perfectly honest, Paddington 2 and Hugh Grant’s turn as a dastardly villain is the perfect film. Its predecessor is a classic as well, though.
There’s nothing that seems to get the British public as patriotic as that little bear and his marmalade sarnies, and in this movie he has a taxidermist in hot pursuit, with a cast including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters and Nicole Kidman.
When’s it on? 5.30pm on BBC One
Home Alone
Tell me more: It’s not Christmas without a child maiming a home invader after being left to fend for himself by his parents.
Annoy your loved ones by quoting along to one of the most iconic movies of the season, or seek solace and order yourself a lovely cheese pizza just for me.
When’s it on? 5.30pm on Channel 4
Love Actually
Tell me more: You can tell a lot about someone from which Love Actually storyline is their favourite. Keira Knightley’s Waitrose advert with Joe Wilkinson might have revived the love for her character Juliet, but what about justice for Sarah and office hottie Karl? Is there any redemption for Harry (Alan Rickman)?
Time to fight your case.
When’s it on? 9.10pm on ITV1
Two Doors Down
Tell me more: Scottish sitcom Two Doors Down is back for a Christmas special. This time a premature Christmas tree from Eric and Beth (Alex Norton and Arabella Weir) spells commotion on the Glasgow street, promising “surprises, laughter, and the kind of neighbourly chaos that only Latimer Crescent can provide.”
When’s it on? 10pm on BBC One
A Ghost Story For Christmas: The Room In The Tower
Tell me more: It’s tradition to get your timbers shivered by a Christmas ghost story. This year, League Of Gentlemen star Mark Gatiss has adapted EF Benson’s chilling tale, The Room in the Tower. Starring Tobias Menzies and Joanna Lumley, this year’s story tells the tale of a man whose recurring nightmare becomes a reality when he’s invited to spend the night in the house of an acquaintance. Naturally, all isn’t as it seems…
When’s it on? 10pm on BBC Two
Finding Father Christmas
Tell me more: If you thought you’d never catch the man who introduced us to “bus wankers” warming hearts with Christmas cheer, more fool you. James Buckley, best known as Jay from The Inbetweeners, stars as the father of a teenage boy (Lenny Rush) who is set to prove him wrong and show that Santa Claus does exist.
When’s it on? 7.30pm on Channel 4
All Creatures Great & Small
Tell me more: Siegfried (Samuel West) and Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) are basically the Ross and Rachel of post-war veterinary-based dramas. All Creatures Great & Small continues to tease a possible union between the pair in its Christmas special, which also features a Nativity play, a mischievous goat, a darts competition and coveted turkeys. Snuggle up with your furry friend (or human) and enjoy.
When’s it on? 9pm on 5
The Last Leg Of Christmas
Tell me more: Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker have invited Harry Hill and Alison Hammond along for a Christmas edition of the show which is bound to be beautifully chaotic. Rick Astley is also joining the line-up because it’s Christmas and why the hell not?
When’s it on? 10pm on Channel 4
Goodbye June
Tell me more: Fancy an emotional purge before you go again on Christmas Day? Kate Winslet’s directorial debut is up to the job as the movie follows dying matriarch June (Helen Mirren) as she finds power in mending family bickering from her hospital bed. Pass us a sherry and a tissue.
When’s it on? Netflix
Merry Christmas!