Christmas, they say, comes once a year, but “once” now lasts for days and weeks and months, as Friday’s inflatable Frankenstein’s monster becomes Monday’s inflatable snowman. The yuletide is now upon us, even before Thanksgiving, its autumnal opening act, has served its first pumpkin pie.
For someone growing up in Southern California, the season was largely understood through television, and old movies on television, where snow fell and sleighs slid and no one was walking around in shorts on Dec. 25. Back in the three-network, four-network and even five-network days, one could see all the specials and special episodes and still lead a relatively normal life. But in this time of many platforms (and with ever-more recycled content swelling the pot), one can go snow-blind. And so, to help you make your way through this blizzard, we are here, dependable as Santa, with the gift of a holiday guide.
The only guide you need for holiday entertainment.
A caveat: I have watched only a couple of this year’s new programs, which are largely unavailable to see as of this writing. (Trailers were helpful.) In some cases, networks have provided only a vague indication of what’s in store. But years of experience tell me that there’s a good chance that what’s listed here will provide reliable entertainment, depending on your age, level of Grinchiness or how far you’ve gotten into the eggnog. Enjoy!
Musical events to match the season
Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and BeBe Winans performing in the “CMA Country Christmas” special filmed in Nashville earlier this year; it will air Dec. 2 on ABC.
(John Russell / CMA)
‘The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular’ (ABC, Dec. 1)
Disney, which owns its own television network, always sets itself a place — or two —at this cross-promotional table, celebrating its 10th anniversary. New musical performances by host Derek Hough and other acts, including Aloe Blacc, Good Charlotte, Gwen Stefani and Trisha Yearwood, arrive from Florida’s Walt Disney World, Hawaii’s Aulani Resort & Spa and our own little Disneyland. For more of the same, and more, see “40th Anniversary Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” below.
‘CMA Country Christmas’ (ABC, Dec. 2)
Filmed at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the 16th annual edition of this special is hosted by Christian music superstar Lauren Daigle and hitmaker Jordan Davis, with appearances from Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and the ever-present BeBe Winans.
‘Christmas in Rockefeller Center’ and ‘Christmas in Nashville’ (NBC, Dec. 3)
Reba McEntire heads to New York to host a two-hour special, highlighted by the lighting of a really big tree in the network’s own backyard. Next we head to Music City, where you might have expected to find McEntire; who we will find is so far a mystery.
‘A Motown Christmas’ (NBC, Dec. 9)
Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey are your hosts. Expect something old, something new(er).
‘iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025’ (ABC, Dec. 17)
Something for the youngsters, as Ed Sullivan used to say. While the tour performers are known, the artists featured in the special are yet to be announced as of this writing. You will know some of them, all of them, or none of them.
‘40th Anniversary Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ (ABC, Dec. 25)
More or less live from (as above) Disney outposts in Orlando, Anaheim and Hawaii, the fun starts at 5 a.m. Pacific time (though at 10 a.m. on the East Coast, so I’m not sure how that works exactly). There will be stars, and if John Stamos isn’t among them, I’ll eat my Mouseketeer ears.
Cultural performances that enlighten
The Public Theater’s performance of “Twelfth Night,” which starred Junior Nyong’o, Lupita Nyong’o and Peter Dinklage, is available to stream on PBS.org and the PBS app.
(Joseph Sinnott)
‘Great Performances: Twelfth Night’ (Now streaming on PBS.org and PBS app)
Shakespeare’s cross-dressing comedy of sexual confusion and mistaken identity (named for and originally performed on the last of the 12 days of Christmas), was filmed at an August performance at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater as part of the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare festival. Cleverly cast brother and sister Lupita Nyong’o and Junior Nyong’o play castaway twins Viola and Sebastian, with Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sandra Oh and Daphne Rubin-Vega among other well-known actors rounding out the cast.
‘Great Performances: The Nutcracker’ (PBS, PBS.org and PBS app, Dec. 16)
Even those with scant interest in classical music or dance will be osmotically familiar with Tchaikovsky’s 1892 Christmas ballet, with its hit-filled score and Sugarplum Fairy. This one is performed by the English National Ballet against an Edwardian backdrop (Act I) and a Candyland (Act II) full of exotic flavor.
Family friendly viewing
In “A Paw Patrol Christmas,” on CBS and Paramount+ Nov. 28, the rescue dogs have to save Christmas.
(CBS)
‘A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice’ (Nickelodeon, Nov. 21)
This feature-length special is spun from the long-running, highly hectic cartoon. Lincoln Loud, a boy with 10 sisters, spins the world upside down when he hacks into Santa’s Naughty/Nice lists, turning good bad and bad good. (Santa does not escape this transformation.) Something must be done, and will.
‘A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas’ (Prime Video and YouTube, Nov. 27)
Christmas spirit is low, Santa is depressed and cartoon versions of characters from the famous pizza place decide to buck him up by throwing a surprise party, as a dark-hearted elf taking fashion cues from Orlando Bloom’s Legolas gets in the way. Reportedly a back-door pilot for a full-service cartoon series — there is an audience for this.
‘A Paw Patrol Christmas’ (CBS and Paramount+, Nov. 28)
In this “save Christmas” special of the kid-popular series, computer-animated puppies in knit sweaters step in when a cold sidelines a sick Santa, threatening the delivery of presents and the true meaning of Christmas.
I’m a fan of this witty IP, unusually original to the small screen, featuring elves Wayne (Dave Foley) and Lanny (Derek Richardson), whose job it is to advance Santa’s household appearances. In this third edition, a sort of short-story omnibus relating post-Christmas work disasters, we get good slapstick, a Busby Berkeley homage, spa parody, office comedy and a succession of coffee mugs bearing the legends “It’s Nog or Never,” “Nice List or Bust!” and “Fa La La La Latte.” (This show I’ve seen.)
Should you care to see how the Duchess of Sussex of Montecito, Calif., gets set for Christmas, Meghan Markle’s inviting you in for a bit of cooking, crafting, hall-decking and who knows what, with “simple how-tos to follow at home.”
‘The First Snow of Fraggle Rock’ (Apple TV, Dec. 5)
The puppet gang still tended by the reliable Jim Henson Co. return for the holidays. When only a single snowflake arrives at Fraggle Rock — they live underground, so, you know, not that surprising — Gobo, having trouble finishing his annual holiday song, heads up into the world of humans, where he meets YouTube powerhouse Lele Pons. Meanwhile, there’s a new baby at the Gorgs’ house.
Streaming holiday films for (almost) everyone
Alexandra Breckenridge as Santa Claus in “My Secret Santa,” streaming Dec. 3 on Netflix.
(Diyah Pera / Netflix)
‘A Merry Little Ex-Mas’ (Netflix, now streaming)
Alicia Silverstone is a divorced architect about to sell her house who decides to throw one last holiday party. Her ex-husband (Oliver Hudson) arrives packing new girlfriend Jameela Jamil, which would make anyone jealous. Melissa Joan Hart is in it, too, always a recommendation.
‘A Very Jonas Christmas Movie’ (Disney+, now streaming)
I can’t name a single Jonas Brothers song, but I can heartily recommend this trains-planes-and-automobile story, which finds the trio supernaturally hindered from getting home from Europe for Christmas. (Santa may be involved.) This is the other show I’ve seen.
‘Champagne Problems’ (Netflix, Nov. 19)
Minka Kelly plays a hotshot executive — shorthand for misguided, unfulfilled — out to acquire a French Champagne vineyard. Stopping over in Paris before heading out into the countryside — shorthand for life as it should be lived — she has a magical night with handsome Frenchman Henri (Tom Wozniczka), who, wouldn’t you know, turns out to be the son of the man (Thibault de Montalembert, from “Call My Agent”) whose company she’s out to buy.
‘Jingle Bell Heist’ (Netflix, Nov. 26)
Love and larceny combine as Olivia Holt, “a sharp-witted retail worker,” and Connor Swindells, “a down-on-his-luck repairman,” independently plan to rob the same London department store on Christmas Eve. (Strangely enough, this is how I met my wife.) The presence of Peter Serafinowicz and Lucy Punch is icing on the gingerbread.
‘The Merchants of Joy’ (Prime Video, Dec. 1)
This documentary outlier follows five families (like, you know, the Mafia, but nicer) who fight for dominance and survival in the New York City Christmas tree trade. The title does not appear to be ironic.
‘Oh. What. Fun.’ (Prime Video, Dec. 3)
Michelle Pfeiffer plays a type A supermom (last name Clauster, for the Santa vibe) who, having been accidentally abandoned by her family (for the “Home Alone” vibe) closes up shop, hits the road and lets the rest of them mishandle Christmas themselves. The not-to-be-sneezed-at cast includes Denis Leary, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Dominic Sessa, Danielle Brooks, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu and America’s sweetheart, Jason Schwartzman. It also comes with a new Gwen Stefani song, “Shake the Snow Globe.”
‘My Secret Santa’ (Netflix, Dec. 3)
In order to score her daughter half-price snowboard lessons, single mom Taylor (Alexandra Breckenridge) disguises herself as an old man in order to play Santa at a ski resort, like you do. Ryan Eggold is the handsome hotel manager who, as you might expect, complicates matters.
‘Merv’ (Prime Video, Dec. 10)
When Anna (Zooey Deschanel, out of her “Elf” costume) and Russ (Charlie Cox) split up, it sends their adorable terrier into a depression. (Also, it’s Christmas.) When all three leave the snowy north for Florida sun, it’s anyone’s guess what’ll happen.
The island’s microclimate means daytime highs hover around 19C in January, making it a great winter sun destination, and those seeking winter sun can find cheap flights if they visit in January
Sandy Praia da Calheta is a popular beach for visitors(Image: Getty)
Budget airline easyJet has launched a Black Friday sale, offering dozens of routes at bargain prices. For those seeking a winter sun getaway, one particular destination is likely to pique your interest, with flights in January starting from just £15.99 each way.
Madeira, situated just north of the Canary Islands, is gaining popularity during the winter months due to its microclimate that provides mild weather. January is an especially pleasant time to visit, with daytime temperatures averaging around 19C. The month of January 2025 was particularly warm, with historical data indicating temperatures soared up to 23C.
Often referred to as ‘Europe’s Hawaii’, Madeira shares similar volcanic terrain and lush greenery with the islands. Like Hawaii, the Portuguese island of Madeira also boasts some breathtaking beaches to discover.
Many of Madeira’s beaches are pebble or black sand, a result of its volcanic nature, so don’t forget to pack your flip flops. However, there are some manmade sandy beaches such as Praia da Calheta, a popular spot with crystal clear seas and piers that create tranquil swimming zones, reports the Express.
If you’re looking to swim and unwind by the sea, another option is to visit the stunning Complexo Balnear do Lido – a lido complex in Funchal. Made up of two seawater pools that overlook the ocean, you can either take a dip or simply grab a sun lounger and bask in the weather.
Madeira is a top choice for hiking enthusiasts, particularly during the winter months when the trails are less crowded and the weather is pleasantly mild.
One of the favourite hikes is along the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço at the easternmost point of the island. This trek spans just under four miles in total, taking roughly 2.5 hours to complete on some uneven paths.
But stick with it and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of both the north and south sides of Madeira.
The trail at Pico do Arieiro takes you to one of the island’s highest points, standing at an altitude of 1,818 metres. There’s a challenging seven-hour trail for experienced hikers, offering ample time to soak up the lush green mountain landscape.
If you’re after a hike that’s a bit easier on the knees, you can choose to walk one way and catch a shuttle bus back.
When it comes to accommodation, there’s plenty of choice. The capital, Funchal, is a popular pick, especially around the historic Zona Velha with its narrow cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese houses, and independent shops.
It’s also a vibrant spot to visit in the evening, boasting a variety of bars and restaurants, many featuring outdoor terraces where you can watch the sunset.
Machico, located on the southeast of the island, is another fantastic spot to consider for your stay. It boasts a sandy beach with breathtaking mountain views, popular coastal and inland hiking trails, and a popular golf club.
From Machico, you can also embark on numerous tours for whale and dolphin watching. While summer is the prime time for spotting these magnificent creatures, visitors earlier in the year have reported sightings too.
Check out easyJet ‘s Black Friday flight deals here. The £15.99 price applies to departures on selected dates in January from London Gatwick, or you can jet off from Bristol for just £18.99 one way.
RYANAIR has announced that it will be scrapping all its flights to another European destination.
From March 29, 2026, Ryanair will be axing all its flights to and from the Azores.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Ryanair is scrapping its flights to the Azores islands in PortugalCredit: Alamy
The airline has said that the cancellations are as a result of high airport fees.
This means the six routes that currently travel to the Azores, which works out to around 400,000 passengers each year, will be scrapped.
The airline also said that ATC charges have risen by 120 per cent since the Covid-19 pandemic and there has also been the introduction of a €2 (£1.76) travel tax.
Ryanair’s CCO Jason McGuinness said: “We are disappointed that the French airport monopoly ANA continues to raise Portuguese airport fees to line its pockets, at the expense of Portuguese tourism and jobs – particularly on the Portuguese islands.
“As a direct result of these rising costs, we have been left with no alternative other than to cancel all Azores flights from 29 March 2026 onwards and relocate this capacity to lower cost airports elsewhere in the extensive Ryanair Group network across Europe.
“After 10 years of year-round Ryanair operations, one of Europe’s most remote regions will now lose direct low-fare flights to London, Brussels, Lisbon, and Porto due to ANA’s high airport fees and Portuguese Govt. inaction.”
The Azores are around 950 miles from Portugal itself and the islands offer a great short-haul holiday destination.
The nine volcanic islands are known for having unspoiled beauty, which includes vibrant green hills and black sandy beaches.
According to Azores Getaways, “just like Hawaii, the Azores offer visitors captivating coastlines dotted by sun-dappled beaches and stunning shores.
“But one major thing that visitors won’t find in this Portuguese paradise are throngs of tourists, crammed together and rivaling one another for a small patch of sand”.
Many of the islands have natural hot springs and thermal pools, which attract a lot of visitors.
The Azores are also ideal for people who love the outdoors, as you can go hiking in the forests, explore volcanic landscapes, swim in natural pools and even do a bit of whale and dolphin watching.
There are even a number of historic towns across the islands including Ponta Delgada, which has a number of buildings made from black and white volcanic stone.
One Sun reporter who visited the Azores said: “With its black beaches, hot springs and isolated spot in the Atlantic, the nine volcanic islands of the Azores make you feel as though you’ve stepped on to a movie set.
“We’d arrived on a speedy two-hour flight from Lisbon to the largest island in the archipelago, and gateway to the Azores, Sao Miguel, and every turn in our rental car looked picture-perfect.
The Azores a series of nine volcanic islands often dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’Credit: Alamy
“First we embarked on a kayak tour of the pea-green Furnas Lake, and snuck a peek at the 17th century mansions nestled on the quiet banks.
“Then, a quick drive up to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint rendered us speechless as we gazed down at the bubbling geysers below and the spectacular crater lake we had just navigated below.”
They added: “Many people are lured to the Azores for whale watching and the abundant marine life around the islands.
“With everything you could need to feast your eyes and your belly, it’s clear to see why it is often dubbed the Hawaii of Europe.
“Thankfully, it doesn’t come with a long-haul flight and pricey plane ticket.”
