Christmas day entertainment: Hidden gems

You may have already planned your Christmas day schedule, from present unwrapping to turkey scoffing, but what about some festive entertainment to match?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Put down those rage-inducing board games and try some of these hidden gems instead. They’re sure to keep the whole family happy from wake up to bed time.

For the early risers… Looking for something to distract the kids from opening all of their presents before the rest of the family get up?

5:55am – Switch on Channel 4 for Rugrats in Paris: The Movie

7:15am – Stay on Channel 4 for a couple of episodes of The Simpsons

7:25am – Swap to Channel 5 for a mix of Peppa Pig, Pip and Posy and Paw Patrol

10:30am – Back to Channel 4 for The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Sure to be a crowd pleaser!

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During morning turkey prep… Get everyone in the Christmas spirit while you’re scoring sprouts and peeling spuds.

From 9:00am – Tune into BBC Radio 3 for Christmas Morning Live with Petroc Trelawny and enjoy uplifting seasonal music, studio guests and listener requests.

10:00am-12:00pm – Try listening to BBC Radio 2 for Junior Choice with Anneka Rice where you can sing-along to your favourite novelty, nostalgia and comedy classics.

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Early evening chill… Stuffed with turkey, it’s time to relax with some family-friendly entertainment.

4:10pm – Turn on BBC 2 to watch Quentin Blake: The Drawing of My Life and discover the fascinating story of the life of one of Britain’s best loved illustrators.

5:00pm – Switch over to Channel 4 for the Alternative Christmas Message. Shown after the Queen’s traditional broadcast, this Christmas message will be provided by an alternative speaker. But who will it be this year?

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For the adults… After a busy day, these are our top picks to help you relax. Wine at the ready.

7:45pm – Tune into BBC 2 for a Christmas treat, The Morecambe and Wise Show 1970: The Lost Tape.). This episode was considered lost for over 50 years, but it was discovered in 2020 by Morecambe’s son in an empty film can.

9:35pm – Next up on BBC 2 you can watch Pavarotti, a thought-provoking documentary about the singer’s life – from the highs of his career and the personality behind the voice, to his death in 2007. Then, if you want to see the man in action, stick with BBC 2 to enjoy Pavarotti in Hyde Park.

11:25pm – Or turn over to BBC 4 for Mrs Dickens’ Family Christmas. Sue Perkins presents a look at Charles Dickens’ marriage through the eyes of his wife Catherine.

As you can see, there’s plenty of great things to watch and listen to this Christmas. You’re sure to keep the whole family entertained. So, there’s not much more to say except…

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Team SMARTY