Christmas 2024: What to Watch To Keep The Whole Family Happy This Season Hero Image

Christmas is here and it’s time to embrace some much-earned sofa time in front of the TV.

It also means you need to prepare for a lot of fights with your siblings, Secret Santas and family members for control of the remote.

But don’t worry, here at Sky we’ve got you covered, and made sure there’s something for everyone – from the kids through to the budding darts star in your life.

Read on for some of the best Christmas-themed shows available to watch on Sky this festive period…

Bad Tidings

Coming soon to Sky Cinema

In the week before Christmas, home security expert Neil (Lee Mack) has had it up to his chimney with neighbour, Scott (Chris McCausland).

But their neighbourly squabbles get the better of them when Scott, who is blind, is nominated to become the head of the Neighbourhood Watch, infuriating Neil who questions his suitability.

As a row kicks off, the pair manage to cause such trouble that they blow the power for the entire street on Christmas eve – nice one, lads.

But trouble is on the horizon as the street decide to celebrate their Christmas elsewhere, leaving their homes ripe for the picking of The Brennans – a dastardly family of thieves.

Now Neil and Scott have to work together to save Christmas and the homes for everyone.

Read more about Bad Tidingshere.

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland

Available on Sky Cinema from December 13

Based on Carys Bexington’s bestselling book this all-star Sky Original animation is fun for all the family.

Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones, Last Christmas), Gerard Butler (300, London Has Fallen) and Simone Ashley (10 Lives, Bridgerton) provide the voices for this heartwarming tale about St Nick, who receives a delayed letter on Christmas Eve.

After receiving the note from the Queen Of Hearts, St Nick and his dedicated team of reindeer set off to Wonderland where they’re greeted by the mean and miserable monarch who hates all things Christmas… especially presents!

Can St Nick, aided by Alice, the Mad Hatter and March Hare, show the Queen the true meaning of Christmas and save the day before it’s too late?

Miracles

Available now on Sky Max

Steven Frayne, fresh from saying goodbye to the name Dynamo, is bringing some magic to the Christmas period with new Sky Original series, Miracles.

Returning to his street magic roots, Steven will be seen heading off around the country, delivering some mind-blowing moments to crowds and unearthing everyday heroes.

In this epic 90-minute special, Miracles will see Steven push himself to the limits with an astonishing climax as he prepares to take the ultimate risk with a death-defying stunt.

Vowing the “miracle to end all miracles”, Miracles will be filled with inspiration and wonder as he defies logic to bring his must-watch act to the world.

Read more about Miracles here.

Never Mind The Xmas Buzzcocks

Coming soon to Sky Max

After a whirlwind series with Sophie Willan as guest captain, Daisy May Cooper is back in spectacular fashion just in time for Christmas.

She will be joined by host Greg Davies and regular faces Noel Fielding and Jamali Maddix for a festive special of the long-standing pop music quiz.

Joining them for the jolly holidays is stand-up comedian Chris Ramsey, singer Elle Henderson and Capital Radio host Jordan North for a night of fun and frivolity as they take a look at the ghosts of Christmas songs past.

Expect some really bizarre costumes to get into the spirit of things.

Read more about Never Mind The Buzzcocks here.

Game of Throws: Inside Darts

Available now on Sky Max

While for many Christmas is a time for family movies, presents and dinners, for others it marks a far more auspicious event: the start of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

In this inside look at the players and families who make the game one of the must-watch moments of the year, Game of Throws promises the adrenaline rush of those on the stage through to the thousands who flock to watch them.

Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and darts wunderkind Luke "The Nuke" Littler all take part in the documentary, as well as their families supporting them to achieve their dreams.

Darts is one of the most popular sports on TV, yet little is known about the players themselves. This series charts what it's really like to be a darts player in today's world: the ups and downs, the humour, the camaraderie, as well as the sacrifices they make to win the biggest prize in the game.

Read more about Game of Throws: Inside Darts here.

Rob & Romesh Vs Darts

Available on Sky Max

It seems darts fever has reached Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, who are taking on the sport in the latest Vs special.

Following his debut at the World Darts Championship, the pair are joined by Luke Littler to learn the ropes.

Not only will the boys learn what it takes to come within touching distance of the crown, they'll need to sharpen up their own skills for a special head-to-head challenge the PDC have arranged, in front of a sold-out Alexandra Palace at this year’s World Championship.

Read more about Rob & Romesh Vs… here.

The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth

Available from December 15 on Sky Arts

Delve into the surprising history of one of Britain’s most beloved annual Christmas pastimes – the good old English Panto (Oh No It Isn’t… Oh Yes It Is!)

For many, a trip to the pantomime is the first experience of live theatre and sparks a lifelong love-affair with the magic of performance.

Gyles Brandreth, a self-declared panto-aficionado, delves into the tradition’s surprising origins of this uniquely British art-form, immersing himself into the delights of the genre and the creation of its most notable moments.

He’ll be joined on his merry way by pantomime experts including Julian Clary and Gary Wilmot, celebrating the panto in all its vibrant, joyful glory.

Becoming Madonna

If you want to get away from the Christmas content, then strike a pose… there’s nothing to it.

Becoming Madonna follows the meteoric rise of the Queen Of Pop – starting from her life as a child in Michigan through to selling-out stadiums across the world.

With interviews from family and friends, including the star’s brother, Christopher Ciccone, who died in October this year, Becoming Madonna provides insight into her fight to be taken seriously as a musician at a time when it was far more male dominated.

Through her fiery conflicts with the conservative establishment in the 80s and 90s, the film powerfully evokes a time where traditional views on sexuality and gender roles were being audaciously challenged and Madonna was always at the vanguard.

Wonka

Available December 6 on Sky Cinema

In this musical family adventure, Timothée Chalamet stars as Willy Wonka, a young and sprightly wannabe chocolatier on his way to breaking into the industry.

With a dream of launching his own chocolate shop, Wonka quickly draws interest with his magical creations, but it catches the attention of the Chocolate Cartel, who consider him a threat to their businesses.

Wonka isn’t going to give up on his dreams anytime soon though, and together with his newfound friends, he kickstarts a plan to bring chocolate to the masses.

But with dangers at every turn, and an Oompa Loompa on a vengeance mission, this adventure is sure to be a wild ride.

Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet

Available to watch from December 9 on Sky Arts

Ahead of the world premiere of their production of The Nutcracker, Sky Arts goes behind the curtain to join the English National Ballet.

Having performed a version of the Christmas ballet every year since it was founded, this year sees the Company take a fresh approach, and the pressure is on to wow audiences more than ever before.

Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet showcases what it takes to re-invent a globally renowned classic, seen through the eyes of all those involved – from choreographer and director to the dancers on stage.