On December 25, 2025, viewers have a packed slate of holiday specials, sports, and new episodes across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. Highlights include the 'Call the Midwife' Christmas special set in Hong Kong, the premiere of 'Stranger Things' Volume 2, and Netflix's NFL double-header featuring the Dallas Cowboys versus Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions versus Minnesota Vikings.
The December 25, 2025, edition of TVLine's 'What to Watch' guide organizes premieres and episodes by time slot, emphasizing English-language content on various networks.
Starting with holiday fare, 'A Soulful Christmas' follows the children of two feuding musical legends who collaborate on a song remake, sparking an unexpected romance. The 'Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade' features performances by Coco Jones, Lady A, Mariah the Scientist, Bebe Rexha, Nicole Scherzinger, Gwen Stefani, and Iam Tongi, hosted by Ginnifer Goodwin and Alfonso Ribeiro.
Sports dominate the afternoon with Netflix's NFL Christmas games: the Dallas Cowboys face the Washington Commanders, opened by Kelly Clarkson's performance of 'Underneath the Tree,' followed by the Detroit Lions against the Minnesota Vikings, with Snoop Dogg at halftime. Evening football includes the 'Thursday Night Football' season finale pitting the Denver Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Scripted series offer variety too. 'Adventure Time: Fiona & Cake' concludes its second season as Fionna tries to reverse a disastrous decision for a wounded hero. 'The Kardashians' wraps season seven with Kylie Jenner receiving an unexpected visitor needing Kris Jenner and Scott Disick's help, Kim Kardashian emotional about her bar exam, and Khloé Kardashian interviewing Dolly Parton in Nashville. 'Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale' launches its second season as Sarah Fenn returns to solve a magical murder with DI Maggie Knight.
'Call the Midwife' delivers its Christmas special, where senior members address a crisis at the order's Hong Kong branch, while young midwives host a lively party in Poplar. 'Stranger Things' releases Volume 2, with Will Byers and friends rethinking their strategy against Vecna after he abducts Hawkins' children.
Classic animation returns with 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas,' voiced by Boris Karloff, followed by the live-action Jim Carrey version. The documentary 'Happy and You Know It' delves into toddler pop music's catchiness, meaning, and AI's growing role.
This lineup blends festive cheer, drama, and competition for holiday viewers.
