After a turbulent 2020, the holiday season is here at last. Even if you don’t feel like celebrating this year, there are plenty of options for low-key festivities. Kick back and watch your favorite classic Christmas movies — along with some brand-new options.
Here’s a guide to what to watch on Christmas Day.
“Wonder Woman 1984,” HBO Max
The anticipated sequel to 2017 big-screen hit “Wonder Woman” is landing on HBO Max (and select theaters) on Christmas Day. The followup sees Diana Prince / Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) several decades after the WWI setting of the first film, now working at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. New additions to the cast include Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal. Chris Pine also returns as her lover Steve Trevor (yes, he did die in the first movie; you’ll have to watch to see why and how he’s back).
“Soul,” Disney+
This new animated Pixar movie follows Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a high school music teacher who dreams of performing jazz onstage. After an accident separates his soul from his body, he encounters other souls while trying to return back to Earth. Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Angela Bassett and Daveed Diggs co-star.
“A Christmas Story,” TBS
Yep. Again. The 1983 classic is airing on TBS all day on a 24-hour loop, so you can catch it at any time as Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) sets out in his quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas — and avoid shooting his eye out.
“We Can Be Heroes,” Netflix
Robert Rodriguez’s new film is the stand-alone sequel to his 2005 movie “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.” Starring Priyanka Chopra, Pedro Pascal, Christian Slater and Boyd Hollbrook, it follows the children of superheroes who must work together to save their parents — and Earth — after alien invaders capture the planet’s superheroes.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” NBC (8 p.m.)
In the 1966 classic animated TV special, Dr. Seuss’ timeless grumpy green creature (voiced by Boris Karloff) emerges from his mountain lair and disguises himself as Santa Claus to try and ruin Christmas for the residents of Whoville.
“Sylvie’s Love,” Amazon
Set in a sultry New York summer in 1957, this new period drama follows Sylvie (Tessa Thompson, “Westworld”) a well-off woman who’s helping her dad run their record shop when she meets and falls in love with saxophonist Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha, “Friday Night Lights”) — despite obstacles such as different socioeconomic circumstances and Sylvie’s fiance Lacy (Alano Miller).
“Bridgerton,” Netflix
The first series in Shonda Rhimes’ much-hyped deal with Netflix is here. Unlike the ABC hits that she’s known for such as “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Scandal,” this is a period drama set in the world of balls and petticoats in 1813 London. It’s a classic “fake dating” story centering around debutante Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), who makes a pact with the season’s most eligible bachelor Duke Simon (Regé-Jean Page) to fake a courtship in order to buy more time until they have to be married off.
“Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian Season 2,” Disney+
Now that Season 2 of ‘The Mandalorian’ is over — with plenty of shocks such as the return of Luke Skywalker — and the wait begins for Season 3 (expected in winter of 2021), tide yourself over with this look behind the scenes at the filming of Season 2.
“My Sweet Holiday,” Lifetime (8 p.m.)
This new movie follows Sadie (Malone Thomas), who must spend Christmas with her parents in her hometown after her boyfriend ditches her. There, she’s dismayed to find that her parents sold their chocolate shop to a stranger who knows little about the craft. She must train the new owner, Alex (Jason Burkey) and (of course) sparks will fly.
“Surprising Santa Claus,” HGTV (9 p.m.)
This HGTV holiday special is hosted by Lara Spencer of “Good Morning America” and sees Spencer surprising two families in Santa Claus, Indiana (yes, it’s a real town) with home renovations.
