The TV Cave Daily Watchlist: What to Watch on December 25: Stranger Things Vol 2 & Grinch

Ho ho hold the remote — Christmas Day is absolutely stacked with must-watch TV, and The TV Cave has your cozy, chaotic, can’t-miss lineup ready to go. Whether you’re up at an ungodly hour wrapping last-minute gifts, pretending to like football for the snacks, or settling in for prestige drama once the dishes are done, today’s schedule delivers big premieres, finales, specials, and binge drops across every corner of television.

Let’s break down what’s on, when to watch, and why it’s worth your time 🎁📺

🌙 Late Night / Early Morning Treats (3:00 AM ET)

A Soulful Christmas

BET+ — Movie Premiere If you’re awake at 3 a.m. on Christmas, you deserve a little romance. This holiday movie pairs Shanice and Kenny Lattimore as the kids of two legendary musicians who hate each other — until a forced collaboration turns into something way more festive. Feuding families, music, and unexpected sparks? Yes, please.

Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake

HBO Max — Season 2 Finale Emotional damage incoming. With time running out for a wounded hero, Fionna tries to undo a choice that may have changed everything. It’s heartfelt, weird, and exactly the kind of animated finale that sneaks up and wrecks you.

The Kardashians

Hulu — Season 7 Finale Drama wrapped in designer bows. Kylie gets a surprise visitor and calls in reinforcements, Kim spirals over her bar exam, and Khloé heads to Nashville to sit down with Dolly Parton (yes, that Dolly). A finale that understands Christmas chaos perfectly.

Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale

AMC+ — Season 2 Premiere Nothing says “holiday vibes” like a magical murder. Sarah Fenn returns to Sanctuary, only to be pulled into a chilling new case alongside DI Maggie Knight. Dark, mystical, and ideal for viewers who prefer spells over stockings.

✨ Morning Magic (10:00 AM ET)

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

ABC This is Christmas morning comfort TV at its finest. Performances from Coco Jones, Lady A, Bebe Rexha, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Scherzinger, and more light up the parks, with Ginnifer Goodwin and Alfonso Ribeiro hosting. Sparkly, cheerful, and tailor-made for background viewing while the kids lose their minds over presents.

🏈 Afternoon Football & Festivities

NFL Christmas Gameday: Cowboys vs. Commanders

Netflix — 1:00 PM ET The NFL takes over Netflix, because why not? Dallas faces Washington, and Kelly Clarkson kicks things off with a performance of Underneath the Tree. Even if you’re just here for the snacks and halftime vibes, this one earns its spot.

NFL Christmas Gameday: Lions vs. Vikings

Netflix — 4:30 PM ET More football, more spectacle. Detroit and Minnesota go head-to-head, with Snoop Dogg handling halftime duties. Honestly? That alone makes it appointment viewing.

🎄 Prime-Time Christmas Chaos (8:00 PM ET)

Call the Midwife

PBS — Two-Hour Holiday Special This year’s Christmas special goes big. Senior members of Nonnatus House head to Hong Kong to tackle a crisis, while back in Poplar, the younger midwives throw a party that gets a little out of hand. Heartwarming, emotional, and guaranteed to make you cry at least once.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

NBC The animated classic that never fails. Boris Karloff’s iconic narration sets the stage before NBC rolls right into the live-action Jim Carrey version at 8:30 p.m. Green, grumpy, and eternally rewatchable.

Stranger Things

Netflix — Three-Episode Drop Christmas just got upside-down. Volume 2 arrives with Will and the gang regrouping after Vecna’s terrifying move against Hawkins’ kids. Bigger stakes, darker turns, and plenty of reasons to cancel your evening plans.

🏈 Bonus Football (8:15 PM ET)

Thursday Night Football

Prime Video — Season 19 Finale The Denver Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs in a finale that promises rivalry, intensity, and at least one relative yelling at the TV.

🎧 Late-Night Curiosity (9:00 PM ET)

Happy and You Know It

HBO — Documentary Premiere Ever wonder why kids’ music lives rent-free in your brain? This surprisingly fascinating doc dives into toddler pop, its emotional power, and how AI is reshaping the genre. Strange, smart, and way more interesting than you’d expect.

🎁 Final Verdict

Christmas Day TV in 2025 is doing the absolute most and we love that for us. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, prestige drama, reality TV chaos, or football overload, today’s lineup has something for every kind of viewer.

Stay parked right here at The TV Cave for recaps, reviews, and all the post-holiday TV tea. Now grab a cookie, silence the group chat, and let the binge begin. 🍪📺