From festive classics to must-watch sports and long-awaited premieres, Boston’s Christmas Day TV lineup offers something for every kind of viewer. Whether you’re starting the morning with animation or settling in for prime-time drama, here’s what to watch on December 25.
Favourites for the early morning include the classic Rankin/Bass Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer which airs on NBC at 11:30 am ET. Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” continue the festive classics into the afternoon, with Home Alone airing at 12:30pm, The Santa Clause at 2:30pm and the 2018 animated version of The Grinch at 4:30pm. If you feel loyal to the beloved version with Jim Carrey, no fear, NBC will be showing it at 8:00pm.
What classic films are airing on Christmas Day?
Non festive classics airing on December 25th include The Wizard of Oz at 9:30am on AMC, Little Women at the same time on TCM and The Andy Griffith Show at 8:00pm on MeTV. For those seeking something more traditional or reflective as the holiday begins, television schedules also make space for quieter moments — from 11:30pm until 1:00am on Christmas Eve, viewers can tune into Mass led by Pope Leo on NBC, offering a more contemplative way to mark the occasion.
How to watch NFL Christmas Gameday
This year’s Christmas Day lineup is packed with football, with three NFL games scheduled throughout the day — a major holiday viewing draw — Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders at 1:00pm, streaming on Netflix, Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions at 4:30pm, also streaming on Netflix, and Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs at 8:15pm available on Amazon Prime Video.
And, of course, the greatly anticipated Stranger Things Volume 2 at 8:00pm on Netflix — the penultimate release of the final season.
And if, after a full day of festive TV, football and family time, you’re ready to step out of the confines of your living room and experience something a little more immersive, a Christmas concert on Boxing Day offers the perfect excuse to do just that. Simons Theatre is hosting a Christmas Special concert featuring festive favorites like The Nutcracker and more, an easy way to swap screen time for real-world entertainment, and to enjoy a change of pace with loved ones once the wrapping paper has been cleared away.