You know it’s Christmas when Bublé serenades you on your drive home, the scent of pine welcomes you at the front door, and the free-to-air options seem to all feature Tim Allen in a big red suit.

While the festive season gives us plenty of reasons to head outdoors, the prime-time TV options can draw us in if someone shouts “Elf’s on!” from the lounge.

So what’s playing on free-to-air TV from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day this summer? And what else is good to watch if nothing on linear TV tickles your festive fancy?

The Herald has rounded up the best watches on free to air and streaming, plus how to watch the King’s Christmas message.

Free to air

Christmas Eve

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

A young boy misuses a time machine and causes the world to go bonkers. A great watch for kids buzzing with excitement for Santa’s impending arrival.

– 3.20pm, TVNZ 2

Wild Heroes

This New Zealand documentary series follows the conservation work of Auckland Zoo as it tries to protect and rehabilitate animals.

– 6.30pm, Three

The Royal Variety Performance 2025

The Prince and Princess of Wales will be in attendance at this year’s Royal Variety show featuring performances from Jessie J, Laufey and Paddington The Musical.

– 7pm, TVNZ 1

Seasonal classic Love Actually plays on Christmas Eve. Photo / Supplied

Love Actually

The Christmas classic is the perfect watch on Christmas Eve as you wrap presents and prepare for Santa’s arrival.

– 7.30pm, TVNZ 2

Violent Night

One to watch once the kids are in bed, as an elite team break into a family compound on Christmas Eve and take everyone inside hostage. Thankfully, a surprise guest is on the scene and ready for action.

– 8.30pm, Duke

The Graham Norton Show

Sit down for an evening on the red couch with Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, British actor-singer Cynthia Erivo, Happy Valley star James Norton, and comic and Strictly star Chris McCausland.

– 9.05pm, Three

Steven Spielberg's E.T. screens on Christmas Day. Photo / Supplied

Christmas Day

Saving Santa

After opening presents, gather around the TV to watch an evil mother and son who kidnap Santa to try to solve the mystery of how all those gifts got under our trees.

– 9.20am, Three

The Princess Bride

A princess falls in love with a farm boy, but things take a turn as a host of colourful characters get in the way.

– 2.10pm, TVNZ 2

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

If the kids haven’t seen E.T., gather around the TV to share the 1982 classic with them, as an alien is left behind on Earth and saved by a young boy.

– 4pm, TVNZ 2

Wheel Of Fortune With Graham Norton

UK host Graham Norton hosts a game show where players spin the wheel to solve puzzles in their quest to win a cash prize.

– 6.30pm, Three

The King’s Christmas speech

Gather around as King Charles sums up all that has happened in the Commonwealth this year and shares his wishes for the year ahead.

– 6.50pm-7pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+

The Prince and Princess of Wales at the Together At Christmas 2024 carol service at Westminster Abbey. Photo / Kensington Palace

Together at Christmas 2025

Extend your time with the royal family as Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales hosts a special Christmas carol service with help from some celebrity pals.

– 7pm, TVNZ 1

Fred Claus

Santa’s older brother, Fred, is in need of money, so asks Santa for a loan. Santa agrees, but there’s a catch.

– 7.25pm, Three

Last Christmas

Emilia Clarke plays a Christmas store worker who forms a bond with a mysterious man that turns into something special.

– 7.30pm, TVNZ 2

Rowan Atkinson stars in Bean.

Boxing Day

Monsters vs Aliens

This sci-fi cartoon comedy features a team of monsters who come together to save the world from an alien mastermind.

– 3.30pm, TVNZ 2

Bean

Gather around to watch the 1997 movie featuring Rowan Atkinson playing a lazy security guard who does a terrible job of protecting a valuable painting.

– 5.15pm , TVNZ 2

The Floor US

Hosted by Rob Lowe, this American game show will put even the biggest Chase fan to the test as contestants battle it out in this hit trivia game.

– 7pm, Three

Swallows and Amazons. Photo / Supplied

Swallows and Amazons

The 1930 children’s adventure novel comes to life as a summer of unforgettable discoveries and adventures.

– 7.30pm, Whakaata Māori

Vinnie Jones in the Country

Footballer and actor Vinnie Jones has retired to the farm and takes on ambitious projects on his 810ha West Sussex estate.

– 9pm, Three

The Personal History of David Copperfield

A modern take on the Charles Dickens classic as a young orphan triumphs over many obstacles.

– 9.10pm, Whakaata Māori

28 Days

Sandra Bullock plays Gwen Cummings, a columnist sent to a rehab centre where she re-examines her life.

– 9.15pm, TVNZ 2

Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone.

10 great Christmas movies to stream

Home Alone

One of the most popular Christmas movies on the planet is sure to bring the fun as Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone.

– Disney+

Elf

Buddy the Elf travels to New York City from the North Pole to find out where he has come from and discover his place in the world.

– Prime Video

Die Hard

A detective lands in LA for Christmas, only to be alerted to a hostage situation in an office building.

– Disney+

The Holiday

Two women swap homes and lives for the holidays and meet two men who make going home feel so much harder.

– Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix

The Santa Clause

Tim Allen is at his Christmas best in The Santa Clause, when he unknowingly agrees to become the next Santa.

– Disney+

How the Grinch Stole Christmas starring Jim Carey. Photo / Supplied

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The classic tale of the Grinch, an outcast who hates Christmas, and a young girl who befriends him.

– Disney+ and Prime Video

The Polar Express

A young boy embarks on a thrilling train journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus.

– Neon and Sky Go

Love Actually

If you missed the free-to-air version on Christmas Eve, rewatch on Netflix or Prime.

– Netflix and Prime Video

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington finds a place called Christmas Town and becomes obsessed, leading him to abduct Santa.

– Disney+

A Christmas Carol

An animated retelling of the Charles Dickens novel in which Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man, is visited by three Christmas spirits on Christmas Eve.

– Disney +