Christmas Day is just around the corner – and that means that there will be some great TV over the festive season
Though many are devastated that Elf won’t be shown on any stations this year, there is still a host of films and Christmas specials on offer.
This year, you can expect to cry, laugh and be merry – all before the pudding comes out.
Friday, 23rd December
To kick off Christmas with a bang, the now festive classic film Love Actually is back on our screens.
The film stars Irish actor Liam Neeson with actress Keira Knightley and others in a heart-warming film about all kinds of love.
The film airs on RTE2 Friday the 23rd of December at 9.25pm.
On 3e, a Christmas favourite will be showing – the Santa Claus.
An impulsive elf walks out on Father Christmas during the hectic preparations for the festive season, and heads for New York determined to make a name for himself.
Catch the magical movie on 3e at 5.10pm
Saturday, Christmas Eve
If you’re looking to have a sing song on Christmas Eve, RTE 2 will be showing Pitch Perfect.
The musical movie stars Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson is the hilarious film about an all girls a cappella girl group who fight their way to the top.
Watch it on RTE2 from 6.20pm to help lift your spirits this festive season.
For those who love Irish comedy, the Bridget and Eamon special will be on RTE2.
The hilarious episode takes place on St. Stephen’s Day and Eamon’s mother has called over to make her daughter-in-law’s life even more miserable.
The episode airs at 10.05pm on Christmas Eve.
Sunday, Christmas Day
If you’re looking for a film that all the family can enjoy, and you haven’t become sick of it yet, Frozen will be shown on RTE 1 this festive season.
The Disney hit about one girl’s search for her sister has won a multitude of awards and is the ninth highest grossing film of all time.
On Christmas day from 6.35pm, the whole family can sit down and enjoy the heart-warming story of sisterly love.
One of the world’s favourite all-time films has to be The Wizard Of Oz.
Judy Garland stars as Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas who finds herself in a new world – and her house has landed on a witch.
Tap your heels three times and watch the classic film at 3.05pm on TV3.
For Brendan O’Carroll’s fans, there is a Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas special on December 25th.
The doting mother-of-six is determined to have a safe and peaceful Christmas at home this year.
However, with Mark and Betty arguing about the reappearance of his first love Bubbles, carol singers haunting her every waking hour and Buster installing a new Christmas tree with a very unusual safety feature, how will she manage?
Catch it on RTE 1 from 10.35pm.
As it is every Christmas Day, Doctor Who will be airing it’s Christmas special.
The eccentric twelfth doctor is played by Peter Capaldi and the new episode, titled Doctor Mysterio, will show the doctor as he pals up with a superhero to take down the bad guy and save the day.
If you’re a Whovian, make sure you’re in front of the TV watching BBC 1 at 5.45pm on Christmas day.
Monday December 26th
After indulging on Christmas day, there’s nothing more suitable than Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory
The late Gene Wilder stars as Willy Wonka, an eccentric confectionery king announces that five children will be given a tour of his wondrous factory – and of course, loads of things go wrong.
Watch it on 3e from 11.30am and make a cheeky turkey sandwich.
For those looking for a chuckle on St. Stephen’s Day, Irish comedian Brendan Grace will be telling a few jokes.
The gas man has an impressive comedy career and even starred in one of the nation’s favourite shows, Father Ted.
Watch his live performance on TV3 at 6pm.
Around the festive season, Disney fans are treated especially well with quality TV, and this year is no different.
Animated favourite Brave follows a young Scottish princess, Merida, who grows up wanting to live her own life and be independent – but her family want her to marry.
Watch the family friendly film on BBC 1 from 2.20pm.
Tuesday December 27th
Nothing beats a classic film during the festive season – and Disney’s The Sword In The Stone is one that many grew up watching.
The animated adventure follows King Arthur’s first childhood encounter with the absent-minded magician Merlin in a forest and the hilarious happenings that occur.
Watch it on RTE 2 at 9am before hitting the sales.
If you loved the O’Donovan brothers interviews in the summer, RTE 1 have the perfect thing for you.
The broadcaster have filmed a one-hour documentary, Pull Like A Dog, following Olympic rowers Gary and Paul O’Donovan as they return to their parish of Lisheen and Skibbereen rowing club in the aftermath of their success.
Catch the gas brothers on RTE 1 from 9.30pm on December 27th.
Wednesday December 28th
Jennifer Lopez will be gracing you with her presence this year – as a maid.
The hilarious film Maid In Manhattan follows a chambermaid at an exclusive hotel daringly tries on a designer dress belonging to a guest – and is spotted by a wealthy politician, who mistakes her for a socialite and invites her on a date.
Watch it from 3.35pm on TV3 for a few giggles.
If a chick flick like Maid In Manhattan, maybe a Wes Anderson film might be your thing.
Fantastic Mr. Fox follows rebellious fox decides it is time to grow up and change his chicken-stealing ways for the sake of his wife and children – but three mean farmers stand in his way.
Watch it on TG4 from 4.55pm.
Thursday 29th December
Gogglebox Ireland has become one of the most talked about shows since it launched earlier this year – and on the 29th of December, fans can relive it all.
Gogglebox Ireland: A Year Of Great Telly looks back on the best moments over the first season and is sure to provide a few giggles.
Watch it on TV3 from 9pm.
The hilarious film from the creators of Wallace And Gromit, Chicken Run, is one that all the family can sit down and enjoy this festive season.
When smooth talking red rooster Rocky apparently flies into a chicken farm, the chickens see him as an opportunity to escape their evil owners.
Watch Chicken Run from 10.50am on BBC One.
Sunday January 1st
Amy Huberman has had an amazing year from launching a jewellery collection with Newbridge and starring in two huge RTE shows.
The actress stars as solicitor Tara in Striking Out and follows her story after she finds her fiancé in bed with another woman on her hen night.
Watch it on RTE 2 from 9.30pm.
As it has been for many years, Sherlock returns to BBC with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role.
Not much is known about the first episode of season four but it is called The Six Thatchers.
Watch it on BBC One at 8.30pm.
