Christmas Eve TV: the best ‘hidden gem’ festive shows to watch while you wrap your pressies

Already watched Home Alone, Love Actually AND National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? Rup-a-pum-DONE with Christmas carols for this year? Fear not! There’s plenty of left-of-centre festive TV to keep you entertained while you wrap those gifts.

Here are seven of the best under-the-radar options to tune into this Christmas Eve.

A Boy Called Christmas (ABC iview)

If you don’t have kids, this sweet family film might have passed you by. Which is a shame, as it’s a beautiful movie, and a lovely way to get you feeling festive ahead of the big day. It’s all about a boy called — yep, you guessed it, Nikolas, or “Christmas” — who, along with a reindeer called Blitzen and his gorgeous pet mouse, sets out on a quest to the snowy north, helping a group of elves in the process. Based on the book by Matt Haig, it’s on its way to becoming a modern classic and will give you — and the kids — all the feels this Christmas Eve.

Death In Paradise Christmas Special (BritBox)

Festive murder? Don’t mind if we do! While a season 14 premiere date is still yet to be confirmed, there’s good news for fans, with this year’s Christmas special introducing viewers to the new character that’s headed our way in 2025. Don Gilet is stepping in to play the lead role of DI Mervin Wilson. He’s holidaying in Saint Marie when he’s called upon to help solve the murder of a man dressed as Santa. Will he stick around to replace the recently departed Neville Parker (Ralf Little)? All signs point to…yes!

Carpool Karaoke Christmas (Apple TV Plus)

Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa and Chappell Roan singing festive karaoke in a car? Where do we sign up? This festive special sees Apple Music’s resident music guru Zane Lowe taking the wheel — and taking over from James Corden — to ferry these three supreme pop goddesses while they belt out their favourite Christmas songs. Lowe visits Los Angeles, Tokyo and Springfield, Missouri to catch up with his famous passengers, who sing a mix of holiday songs and their own classic tracks. A great soundtrack to wrap to.

Christmess (9Go/Binge)

This Aussie film, nominated for an AACTA in the best indie film category, first made its way to screens last year, dropping on Binge. This year, 9Go is also showing it on Christmas Eve, and it’s well worth a look. Written and directed by Heath Davis, it stars alt rock band Middle Kids’ Hannah Joy, alongside WA’s Steve Le Marquand and Colin From Accounts’ Darren Gilshenan. It follows the exploits of a once-famous actor now performing as a mall Santa who meets his estranged daughter and decides it’s time to make some changes in his life.

A (Very) Musical Christmas (ABC iview)

This special concert, featuring performances by Eddie Perfect, Cody Simpson, Casey Donovan, Justine Clark and Tim Draxl, was originally staged in support of Beyond Blue. Filmed on the set of Hamilton at Sydney Lyric Theatre and hosted by ABC Classic’s Megan Burslem and Jeremy Fernandez, it also features performances by the casts of big touring musicals like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Beetlejuice. Filmed for a one-off special, it can be watched on ABC iview, and is one for musical theatre devotees.

Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped (SBS on Demand)

I mean, it’s just not Christmas unless George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley are out there cavorting in the snow in festive jumpers. And to celebrate the fact Last Christmas is now 40 years old — can you believe it? — Andrew Ridgeley and those who took part in the creation of the track and music video are reuniting to discuss how the song has morphed into a cultural classic.

Given Michael died on Christmas Day in 2016, it feels particularly fitting to be watching this on December 24.

Red One (Prime Video)

Full disclosure: this film hasn’t been getting fabulous reviews. But what do stuffy film critics know anyway — and who needs a plausible plot? This action comedy is all about a crack team headed by the North Pole’s head of security (Dwayne Johnson), who pair up with the world’s most famous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) to track down Santa Claus — code name: Red One (geddit?) — after he’s kidnapped. Can they save Christmas? Ah, who cares? Anything to keep the kids out of your hair for an hour or so, right?