The fire is lit, the kids are tucking into a tin of sweets and you’re snuggled up on the sofa. What’s missing? A movie of course!
Here is a roundup of some the best family flicks that will be on your small screen over the next few days…
Christmas Eve
The Sound of Music – RTÉ One – 2.40pm
A woman decides to leave an Austrian convent and become the governess to the family of a Naval officer widower. With Julie Andrews.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – TV3 – 3.30pm
The original film adaptation about a poor boy who gets to see inside the world’s most successful candy company.
Finding Nemo – BBC One – 3.50pm
Animated film in which a clownfish sets out in search of his son who was captured by fishermen. With Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres.
ET: The Extra-Terrestrial – RTÉ 2 – 4.15pm
A young boy agrees to help an alien leave earth and return to his home planet. Directed by Steve Spielberg.
Christmas Day
Happy Feet – TG4 – 1.05pm
In this kids’ movie, a penguin can’t find his voice but sure does have a talent for dance. Elijah Wood voices the fluffy character.
Up – RTÉ One – 1.35pm
An elderly man decides to fulfill his late wife’s dream and makes an unexpected friend along the way.
The Muppet Christmas Carol – Channel 4 – 1.45pm
Festive classic which tells the story of Scrooge (Michael Caine) and how he changes his way after being confronted by some familiar faces.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – Channel 4 – 5.45pm
Comedy sequel in which Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin finds himself alone in New York.
St Stephen’s Day
James and the Giant Peach – RTÉ 2 – 11.30am
An orphan with terrible aunts for guardians, befriends bugs who live inside a giant peach and go on an adventure.
Despicable Me – RTÉ One – 1.30pm
Animated flick in which a criminal mastermind adopts three orphan girls to pull off a grand scheme.
The Croods – BBC One – 4.45pm
After their cave is destroyed, a caveman family must trek through an unfamiliar fantastical world. With Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – RTÉ One – 5.00pm
In this film (cert 12A), a group of dwarves embark on a journey to reclaim their homeland. Starring Martin Freeman.