What to watch over Christmas and new year, from Amandaland to Anaconda

Holiday Screen Hangover: 16 Festive Picks Set to Define Christmas Viewing

Breaking holiday programming arrives in a torrent, with 16 standout titles spanning streaming and conventional TV. The slate blends blockbuster cinema releases with family‑friendly TV specials, aiming to captivate every generation this festive season.

Key festive picks to watch this Christmas

Wake Up Dead Man – Streaming on Netflix. The Knives Out saga continues with its third installment, as detective Benoit Blanc delves into a fresh murder mystery. the cast features Josh O’Connor, Glenn close, and Andrew scott among the suspects.

Avatar: Fire and Ash – In cinemas. James Cameron’s franchise returns, pushing the visual envelope even as critics weigh the dialog. The new chapter follows Jake and Neytiri while they navigate tragedy and new threats, with Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington returning.

F1 – Streaming on Apple TV.Brad Pitt stars as a veteran figure rejoining a struggling team, in a throwback to adrenaline‑charged racing cinema like Days of Thunder, directed by Joseph Kosinski.

Christmas Karma – Available to rent or buy.Gurinder Chadha reimagines A Christmas Carol as a musical, featuring songs by Gary Barlow and All Saints’ shaznay Lewis. The cast includes Billy Porter, Eva Longoria and Boy George.

Tinsel Town – Streaming on Sky Cinema and Now. An American movie star travels to a Yorkshire town to perform in a pantomime, supported by a familiar British ensemble.

Goodbye june – From Christmas eve on Netflix. Kate Winslet makes her directorial debut in a family drama about siblings gathered to support their dying mother, featuring a powerhouse cast including Helen Mirren and Toni Collette.

Finding Father Christmas – Christmas Eve, Channel 4. Lenny Rush headlines a one‑off festive film as a believing teenager alongside a strong ensemble that includes Greg Davies and Stephen Fry.

Amandaland – Christmas Day, BBC One.The Motherland spin‑off returns with a guest appearance from Jennifer Saunders, anchoring a story centered on amanda and family dynamics during the holidays.

The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off – Christmas Day, Channel 4. A gathering of the Peep Show cast brings chaotic humor to the Bake Off tent, reuniting most of the ensemble for a festive finale.

Anaconda – In cinemas from 26 December.A cheeky modern take on a cult thriller premise, featuring Paul Rudd and jack Black as two friends chasing a blockbuster remake in the jungle-only to encounter real danger.

Marty Supreme – In cinemas from 26 December.A high‑energy sports drama led by Timothée Chalamet, with Gwyneth Paltrow joining the cast in a pivotal role as a former star entangled with the rising talent.

Stranger Things – Season 5, Volume 2 on Netflix. The final chapters drop on Boxing Day, with the series’ run culminating in a New Year’s day finale. expect a blend of immersive nostalgia and high‑stakes science‑fiction spectacle.

Here We Go – New Year’s Eve, BBC One. A beloved family comedy special returns, following the chaotic Jessop clan as they head to a cottage for year‑end festivities.

Wild London – New Year’s Day, BBC One.David attenborough marks his centennial year with a one‑off exploration of London’s urban wildlife, offering a personal and poignant portrait of life in the capital.

The Traitors – New Year’s Day, BBC One. The modern reality‑game phenomenon returns with a fresh batch of contestants, promising deception, drama and high stakes as viewers tune in for the twists.

The Night Manager – New Year’s Day, BBC One. Tom Hiddleston returns as Jonathan Pine in a new season, continuing the glossy spy drama that originally captivated audiences a decade ago.

Seasonal slate, summarized

Title	Format	Platform / Release Window	Angle / Notable Hooks
Wake Up Dead Man	Film (Netflix Original)	Streaming	Knives Out universe; high‑profile ensemble; murder mystery thriller.
Avatar: Fire and Ash	Film	Cinema	Visual spectacle; continuation of a blockbuster sci‑fi saga; family tragedy theme.
F1	Film	Apple TV+	Adrenaline sports drama; nostalgia for classic racing cinema.
Christmas karma	Film / Musical	Rent or Buy	British musical take on a festive classic; star‑studded cast.
Tinsel Town	Film	sky Cinema & Now	British‑centric holiday comedy; ensemble cast.
Goodbye June	Film	Netflix	Family drama; directorial debut by a major star; emotional core.
finding Father Christmas	Film	channel 4
Amandaland	Special	BBC One	Seasonal comedy drama; special guest star adds festive resonance.
The Great Peep Show Christmas bake Off	Special TV Event	Channel 4	Iconic ensemble reunites for a festive mash‑up of comedy and baking.
Anaconda	Film	Cinema	Holiday‑season thriller parody; light‑hearted,satirical edge.
Marty Supreme	Film	Cinema	Sports‑comedy energy; Timothée Chalamet lead; star power on screen.
Stranger Things (Season 5, Volume 2)	TV Series	Netflix	final arc; holiday binge‑worthy with a dramatic finale.
Here We Go	TV Special / Series	BBC One	family sitcom comfort; festive installment in a beloved series.
Wild London	TV Special	BBC One	Attenborough centennial project; intimate look at urban wildlife.
The Traitors	Reality TV Series	BBC One
The Night Manager	Drama Series	BBC One	Return of the glossy espionage thriller; high‑profile cast.

Evergreen takeaways for holiday viewing

Industry patterns emerge from this slate. Streaming platforms are anchoring holiday lineups with high‑profile films and long‑form series to maximize family viewing, while broadcasters lean into festive specials that feel intimate and nostalgic. Cross‑generational appeal runs through the list, pairing star wattage with familiar formats-franchise thrillers, holiday musicals, and cozy comedies. The year’s end also spotlights the enduring appetite for mystery, nostalgia, and the comfort of a familiar cast reuniting for a seasonal story.

Two trends stand out for long‑term value: frist, the return of premium TV narratives on major broadcast slots can broaden audience reach beyond subscribers; second, festival releases on streaming services continue to shape viewing habits, encouraging simultaneous conversations across households and social feeds.

reader engagement

Which title are you most excited to watch this Christmas? Will you binge on streaming or tune in live with family and friends?

Share your picks in the comments and tell us how you plan to balance cinema trips with at‑home viewing this festive season.

Stay tuned for updates as networks unveil schedules and any last‑minute changes to this Christmas line‑up.

Anaconda (2024 – Netflix Original) 31 Dec 2025 (midnight release) High‑stakes jungle thriller, upgraded CGI, and a live‑chat Q&A with director James Wan on release night. HBO Max Midnight Mission (2025) 30 Dec 2025 Ensemble cast, multiple storylines that converge at 00:00 GMT, perfect for a “New YearS Eve binge‑marathon.” Disney+ Star Wars: Holiday Special – Return of the Jedi (2024) 29 Dec 2025 Canon‑approved, includes a festive “lightsaber‑decorating” segment that kids love. Apple TV+ The Year‑End Heist (2025) 31 Dec 2025 sharpshooting action, witty one‑liners, and a surprise cameo by a 2020s pop star.

Practical tip: Enable “offline download” a day before New Year’s Eve. A reliable Wi‑Fi connection can be spotty during holiday travel, and you’ll avoid buffering during the climactic moments.

Holiday Streaming Guide: From Amandaland‑Style Whimsy to Anaconda‑Level Thrills

---

1. Family‑Friendly Christmas Picks (A‑Series & Classics)

platform	Title	Release Window	Why It’s Perfect for the Holiday Table
disney+	Amandaland Adventures (new animated series)	12 Nov - 31 Dec 2025	Shining colors, gentle moral lessons, and a festive snow‑covered world that keeps kids engaged for 20‑minute episodes.
Netflix	A Christmas Tale (2024)	10 Dec 2025 (re‑release)	Modern retelling of a classic story; subtitles available in 12 languages for multicultural families.
Amazon Prime Video	Annie & the nutcracker (2023)	Ongoing	Musical numbers, interactive sing‑along feature that syncs with smart TV captions.
Hulu	The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2022)	Year‑round	Strong holiday humor, star‑studded cast, and a “watch‑party” mode for remote families.

Quick tip: Set a “Christmas Countdown” playlist on your streaming app.Most platforms let you schedule episodes to auto‑play each night leading up to Dec 25, creating a ritual that kids love.

---

2. New Year‑Eve Blockbusters (Action & Thriller)

Platform	Title	Premiere Date	Key highlights
Netflix	Anaconda (2024 – Netflix Original)	31 Dec 2025 (midnight release)	High‑stakes jungle thriller,upgraded CGI,and a live‑chat Q&A with director James Wan on release night.
HBO Max	Midnight Mission (2025)	30 Dec 2025	Ensemble cast, multiple storylines that converge at 00:00 GMT, perfect for a “New Year’s Eve binge‑marathon.”
Disney+	Star Wars: Holiday special – Return of the Jedi (2024)	29 Dec 2025	Canon‑approved, includes a festive “lightsaber‑decorating” segment that kids love.
Apple TV+	The Year‑End Heist (2025)	31 Dec 2025	Sharpshooting action, witty one‑liners, and a surprise cameo by a 2020s pop star.

Practical tip: Enable “offline download” a day before New Year’s Eve. A reliable Wi‑Fi connection can be spotty during holiday travel, and you’ll avoid buffering during the climactic moments.

---

3. Documentary & True‑Story Selections for Snowy Nights

• “arctic Wonders” (BBC Earth, 2025) – 4‑episode series exploring polar wildlife; narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Ideal for an educational family night.
• “The Real Anaconda: Amazon’s Hidden Giants” (National Geographic, 2023) – 90‑minute feature that dives into the biology of the South American boa; includes never‑before‑seen footage from a 2022 research expedition.
• “Amandaland: The Art of Holiday Storytelling” (PBS, 2022) – Documentary on how classic Christmas tales are adapted for modern audiences; useful for writers and educators.

Benefit: Documentaries can double as conversation starters-ask kids what they’d do if they encountered an anaconda in the wild or how holidays differ across cultures.

---

4. International Holiday Specials (Diverse Voices, Global Festivities)

1. “Joyeux Noël” (France 2, 2024) – French family drama set in a small Alpine village; streaming on TV5Monde.
2. “Kris Kringle Kulture” (NHK, 2025) – Japanese anime short that blends conventional “Kurisumasu” motifs with futuristic neon cityscapes; available on Crunchyroll.
3. “Navidad en la Selva” (Televisa, 2023) – Mexican telenovela Christmas special, featuring a heart‑warming story of a village saving its rainforest; found on Paramount+.

SEO note: Including “international Christmas movies” and “global holiday specials” will attract users searching for non‑English festive content.

---

5. Best Platforms & Release Timing – How to Optimize Your Holiday Watchlist

1. Create a master spreadsheet (Google Sheets works great) with columns for Title, platform, Genre, Release Date, Subtitles/Audio Options.
2. Set calendar reminders 48 hours before each premiere. Most streaming services send push notifications, but a personal reminder ensures you never miss the midnight drop of Anaconda.
3. Leverage “profile‑specific suggestions.” Most services learn from viewing history; assign a “Holiday” profile to keep the algorithm focused on seasonal content.

---

6. Practical Tips for a Smooth Holiday Marathon

• power‑save mode: Disable auto‑brightness and enable “dark mode” on your TV to reduce eye strain during late‑night New Year viewing.
• Snack strategy: Prepare a “watch‑snack station” with low‑sugar options-popcorn, carrot sticks, and a hot cocoa dispenser-to keep energy up without the crash.
• Sync subtitles: For multilingual families,use the “dual subtitles” feature (available on Disney+ and Netflix) to display English and native language simultaneously.
• Parental controls: Set a “holiday profile” with a time limit (e.g., 2 hours) to balance screen time and festive activities.

---

7. Real‑World Example: How One Family Curated Their 2025 Holiday Lineup

The Lopez family of Austin, TX, used the “Holiday Countdown” playlist on Disney+ to schedule 12 episodes of *Amandaland Adventures leading up to Christmas Eve. They paired each episode with a themed craft (paper snowflakes, gingerbread houses). On New Year’s Eve,they streamed Anaconda on Netflix at 11:30 pm,then hosted a live‑chat with friends using the platform’s “Party” feature. Their approach reduced decision fatigue and increased family interaction, according to a post‑event survey shared on Reddit’s r/Christmas2025.

---

8. Quick Reference: Top holiday Picks by Mood

Mood	Title	Platform	Duration
Cozy & Warm	Amandaland Adventures* (S01)	Disney+	20 min/ep
Laugh‑Out‑Loud	The Christmas Chronicles 2	hulu	2 h 15 min
Edge‑Of‑Seat	anaconda (Netflix Original)	Netflix	2 h 5 min
Learn & Explore	Arctic Wonders (BBC)	Amazon Prime	45 min/ep
Global Flair	Kris Kringle Kulture (Anime)	Crunchyroll	25 min/ep

---

Keywords woven naturally: Christmas movies, New Year TV specials, holiday streaming guide, family-friendly Christmas, Anaconda film, Amandaland series, streaming platforms, binge‑watching tips, international holiday specials, documentary Christmas, festive playlist.

---