A selection of the films being shown on TV this festive season

As we approach Christmas, the lucky few will be looking ahead to enjoying some time of work to unwind and destress in that precious downtime surrounding the festivities of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

So, while you’re curled up with something warm on the sofa this festive season, might we suggest you check out some of the movies airing on TV across the season?

Whether you’re in the mood for fun-filled family adventure, rip-roaring comedy or something a bit more serious there’s plenty to enjoy – plus, of course, some old festive faves and new offerings that just might be future classics.

Here are our top picks of the movies to watch in the days ahead…

Nativity!

The first proper day of your holiday calls for something proper Christmassy, and when it comes to festive British movies, they don’t come much bigger than Nativity!.

Over the years, the star-studded comedy has become a cult favourite, with big laughs that are very relatable to anyone who’s ever been involved in a school Christmas show (plus, look out for a cameo from the man of the moment, Alan Carr, in a rare acting role).

When’s it on? Monday 22 December at 2.20pm on BBC One

Mrs Doubtfire

With the whole family gathered together under one roof, it feels like an opportune moment to revisit some of the all-time greats, a category Mrs Doubtfire definitely falls under.

Boasting one of Robin Williams’ best ever performances, the family comedy is not only hysterically funny (we defy you not to smile while Mrs Doubtfire is doing the hoovering, while Sally Field’s “the whole time!” has become a go-to quote for a reason), but also packs an emotional punch that makes it the ideal cosy watch.

When’s it on? Monday 22 December at 6.35pm on ITV2

Happiest Season

But while Christmas is so often about revisiting the classics we love, how about a more modern offering you’ve probably not had the opportunity to see before.

Happiest Season is making its UK telly debut in 2025, featuring Kristen Bell and Mackenzie Davis as a young couple grappling with the usual dysfunctional family Christmas – the added detail being that one of them hasn’t actually come out to her mum and dad yet.

When’s it on? Monday 22 December at 9pm on Film4

Violent Night

Another holiday movie with a twist, as the name suggests, Violent Night is an action-packed comedy about a very different kind of Santa Claus who has to step in to fight for a family being held hostage over the festive season.

Led by David Harbour (whose ears may well have been burning for the last few months of 2025), production on a sequel recently entered production, ahead of its release towards the end of next year, so this is your chance to check out the first movie for yourself.

When’s it on? Monday 22 December at 10pm on Channel 4

Bridget Jones’s Diary

Not strictly a Christmas film, but as the year draws to a close, it always feels like the perfect time to check in with Bridget Jones and her diary, and while we absolutely loved film number four earlier this year, there’s no arguing that the laugh-a-minute original is still the best.

Once you’ve enjoyed all of Bridget’s iconic and hilarious antics (and cried into your tub of Heroes over that perfect ending), stay tuned, because BBC Three is showing the first three Bridget Jones films in the series back-to-back. Hey, what’s Christmas for?

When’s it on? Monday 22 December at 10.10pm on BBC Three

Oppenheimer

Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer

Something Christopher Nolan has now become synonymous with is the epic scale of his movies, and Oppenheimer is potentially the biggest and most ambitious thing he’s ever put his name on.

If you never got the chance to see Oppenheimer when it came out in 2023, now’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about and why it so deserved those seven Oscars (just maybe keep your phone out of reach for the full cinematic experience), and if you’re already a Nolan devotee, why not check out his most recent epic before

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