Christmas is a day best spent with family and friends, but if your loved ones' favorite pastime is watching TV, then you're in luck. That's because the 2016 Christmas TV schedule will help bring everyone together with plenty of quality movies and other holiday specials. And if you can't be home for Christmas this year, then you'll appreciate this TV schedule for Christmas day even more.
Every holiday is an opportunity for television stations to have marathons and Christmas is no exception. The Christmas marathons range from AMC featuring Westerns starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood to Bravo featuring The Real Housewives. Yet, if you do have plans with family and friends, you probably don't have all day to plop yourself on the couch (although marathons do make excellent background noise). Instead, you might just want to put on a movie or two in between opening presents, preparing Christmas dinner, and listening to your favorite holiday music.
If you're avoiding the Christmas TV marathons, then this schedule is perfect for you. However, no matter what your Christmas TV-watching style is, this schedule is chock full of films (with a parade and a football game thrown in too) that will keep you entertained for all 24 hours of Christmas day — even if you don't celebrate the holiday.
Note: All times listed are ET and schedule is subject to change.
'A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas'
If midnight mass isn't your style, then ring in Christmas with a party with Harold, Kumar, and — of course — Neil Patrick Harris.
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, 12:05 a.m., MTV
'Die Hard 2'
Like with the first Die Hard, which is on Christmas Eve at 9:30 pm, Die Hard 2 also has John McClane kicking ass at Christmastime. And you can keep the movie marathon going afterward with Die Hard with a Vengeance.
Die Hard 2, 12:30 a.m., IFC
'It's A Wonderful Life'
To watch the most classic Christmas film of all time on TV, you'll have to wake up quite early. However, I promise George Bailey is worth it.
It's a Wonderful Life, 6:00 a.m., USA
'Stand By Me'
Go on an adventure this Christmas with Steven King's band of boys.
Stand by Me, 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., IFC
'The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration'
Spend Christmas morning with a holiday parade in the most magical places on earth — Disney Parks! — with sibling hosts Julianne and Derek Hough.
The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration, 10:00 a.m., ABC
'Pitch Perfect'
Sick of Christmas music? Let the Barden Bellas serenade you this Christmas instead.
Pitch Perfect, 10:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., VH1
'Love Actually'
It's not Christmas for me if I haven't watched Love Actually. If you're in the same boat, E! has you covered.
Love Actually, 11:00 a.m., E!
'Rise Of The Guardians'
Featuring Santa Claus and Jack Frost, these animated guardians will help put you in the Christmas spirit.
Rise of the Guardians, 11:00 a.m., FX
'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'
Joel and Ethan Coen will take you on an Odyssey-like journey with George Clooney and plenty of folk music.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?, 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., CMT
'A Christmas Carol'
Go the traditional route and watch the 1984 movie version of Charles Dickens' story starring George C. Scott.
A Christmas Carol, 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., SundanceTV
'Night At The Museum'
This Ben Stiller flick is a good movie for the whole family as it's full of magic, adventure, fun, and even some history.
Night at the Museum, 1:30 p.m., FXX
'We're The Millers'
Take a break from spending time with your family to watch this pretend family go on a drug-smuggling road trip.
We're the Millers, 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Comedy Central
'You've Got Mail'
If you're craving a rom-com, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are here for you on Christmas.
You've Got Mail, 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., WE tv
'Salt'
If you're more into some action-adventure to break up all of the warm, fuzzy feelings of the holidays, Angelina Jolie's spy film should do the trick.
Salt, 3:30 p.m., Syfy
'Crazy, Stupid, Love.'
If you can't make it to the movie theater on Christmas Day to see La La Land, then watching this other Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone movie may offer some temporary consolation.
Crazy, Stupid, Love., 4:00 p.m., MTV
'King Of Kings'
This 1961 movie puts the spotlight back on Jesus, going from his birth on Christmas to his death.
King of Kings, 5:00 p.m., TCM
'Elf'
Has Christmas really happened until you've seen Elf? I think not.
Elf, 5:40 p.m., Freeform
'Transformers'
After the 24-hour A Christmas Story marathon on TBS (and TNT), the station switches it up with this Michael Bay film. Random? Most certainly, but it sure makes for a change of pace.
Transformers, 8:00 p.m., TBS
'The Best Man Holiday'
The Christmas-themed sequel to The Best Man will have you laughing and crying.
The Best Man Holiday, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., FXX
NFL Football
The Denver Broncos play the Kansas City Chiefs for this Christmas night game.
NFL Football, 8:30 p.m., NBC
'The Devil Wears Prada'
If your day has been too holy, let Meryl Streep's controlling Miranda Priestly give you a little glimpse of hell.
The Devil Wears Prada, 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Bravo
'Doctor Who' Christmas Special
You may have already watched some of the Doctor Who marathon, but either way, if you're a fan of the Time Lord, make sure to catch this year's Christmas special.
Doctor Who: The Return of Doctor Mysterio, 9:00 p.m., BBC America
'A Madea Christmas'
Celebrate Christmas night with Tyler Perry's Madea in the eighth movie of the franchise.
A Madea Christmas, 9:00 p.m., USA
'Scrooged'
Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas ends with Bill Murray channeling Ebenezer Scrooge, so it's a good way to wrap up your Christmas as well.
Scrooged, 9:55 p.m., Freeform
No matter what you and your family and friends like to watch, there is something for everyone on TV this Christmas. Merry TV watching!
