For those who can’t wait to get into the festive spirit, there’s good news on the horizon: Movies 24, a channel available on both Sky and Virgin Media, is making its annual transformation into Christmas 24 earlier than usual this year.
Starting on October 1, 2023, the channel will be dedicated to all things Christmas, from romantic comedies set in snowy landscapes to heartwarming family dramas.
So, if you’re a fan of films like My Southern Family Christmas or One December Night, mark your calendars because they’re part of the line-up on day one (see the full Day 1 schedule – and how to watch – below).
Movies 24 (owned by NBCUniversal, which is a Sky sister company) is a channel that typically airs a variety of films throughout the year, ranging from romance and drama to action and comedy (and a lot of schmaltzy/romantic Hallmark films).
However, as the holiday season approaches, the channel undergoes a festive transformation each year – when it rebrands itself as Christmas24 and focuses solely on Christmas-themed films.
This has become a much-anticipated tradition for viewers who enjoy getting into the holiday mood.
The early launch date this year is sure to raise some eyebrows, but it also offers an extended period for viewers to indulge in their favourite Christmas films.
As always, other Christmas-dedicated channels will also pop up as the holiday approaches – such as That’s TV which usually transforms into That’s TV Christmas, and Great! Christmas, which is already celebrating Christmas in September.
The on-demand streaming services, such as Netflix and Disney+ carry Christmas films year-round, but the selection often grows as the festive season approaches.
Where Can I Watch Christmas 24?
Christmas24 is NOT available on Freeview and Freesat, as it’s not a free-to-air channel.
But Christmas24 and its “Plus” version will be available on Sky and Virgin Media, from October 1 (and as Movies24 until then).
Christmas 24 On Sky
On Sky, Christmas24 will be available at no extra cost as part of the basic “Sky Ultimate” package (check current Sky TV deals here).
On Sky’s Satellite boxes (Sky Q and older), Christmas 24 will be available on Channel 325.
On Sky’s streaming-based devices – Sky Glass and Sky Stream – Christmas24 will be available on Channel 313.
Christmas24+ (which has a similar lineup, usually with a 2-hour delay) will be available on Sky Satellite Channel 326 – and Sky Glass/Stream Channel 314.
Is Christmas24 Available on Sky’s NOW?
Unfortunately, no. Movies24 – and Christmas 24 – are not available on Sky’s standalone streaming service, NOW TV (even if you subscribe to the NOW Cinema membership).
Therefore, Christmas 24 is also not available on BT TV, where the cinema bundle is based on NOW Cinema.
Christmas 24 on Virgin Media
On Virgin Media, the channel will be available on most (but not all) TV bundles – so check whether you’re currently getting Movies 24.
For Virgin Media customers, Christmas24 will be available on Channel 419, and Christmas24+ will be available on Channel 420.
Christmas 24 First Day Line-Up
The first day of Christmas24 promises a line-up that will keep you glued to your television – if you’re into the Christmas spirit, that is.
Kicking off at 6:00 am is My Southern Family Christmas, a romance film from 2022. This is followed by One December Night at 8:00 am, a romantic comedy from 2021 that delves into the lives of two music managers who must put aside their history to oversee a televised reunion performance of their rock star fathers.
At 10:00 am, Christmas Hotel takes the spotlight. This 2019 romance film revolves around a big city hotelier who must return to her hometown to restructure the Mt. Holly Inn, much to the chagrin of the local residents.
Then, at 12:00 pm, A Holiday in Harlem airs. This 2021 romance film is about executive Jazmin Carter who returns to Harlem, New York, to celebrate Christmas in the neighbourhood where she grew up.
The afternoon continues with Holiday Heritage, a drama from 2022, airing at 2:00 pm. The film follows Ella as she returns to her hometown to mend fences with her fractured family. With help from her ex-boyfriend, she encourages her family to celebrate both Christmas and Kwanzaa.
At 4:00 pm, ‘Tis the Season to Be Merry, a romantic comedy from 2021, will air.
Evening and Late-Night Offerings
As the sun sets, the channel has more in store. At 6:00 pm, Three Wise Men and a Baby, a comedy from 2022, will air. This film explores the unexpected journeys of self-discovery and healing experienced by three brothers who are forced to work together to care for a baby throughout the holidays.
Following this, at 8:00 pm, is A Christmas Wish, a 2019 comedy that delves into the power of wishes and true love.
The late-night line-up includes A Lot Like Christmas, a romantic comedy from 2021, airing at 10:00 pm.
At midnight, Christmas Sail, a 2021 romance film, takes over. The film focuses on Liz, who returns home to take care of her estranged father and aims to give her daughter a perfect Christmas.
The night concludes with A Nashville Christmas Carol, a fantasy film from 2020, airing at 2:00 am.
Later in the week, you can expect films like Next Top Christmas, A Very Vintage Christmas, Christmas Hotel and lots more – all with Christmas in its name or in its heart.
Fantastic to see a Christmas channel WITH SUBTITLES.
I miss out on other channels such as Great , Great Christmas , etc because there are no subtitles on these channes.
I presumed Christmas 24 would be the same, so was delighted, to find out that Sky channel 325 and Christmas 24 + Sky 326 both have subtitles. I’m a pensioner who is disabled so spend a great deal of time watching TV.