The best TV to stream over Christmas

Christmas time is here, which means that film and TV fans will be looking for something to get them into the festive spirit ahead of the big day.

While terrestrial TV has a lot to offer, streaming services will also be ramping up its release schedule in time for the holidays, meaning that there will be plenty for people to watch and enjoy.

With that in mind, Yahoo is diving into the best films and shows to stream this Christmas.

What to stream on Netflix this Christmas

Netflix has long cemented itself as the go-to streaming platform for Christmas, and the streamer is releasing several new films, shows and specials to celebrate the holidays.

One Christmas special for all the family is The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday, which premiers on 30 November and follows the characters of the DreamWorks Animation film as they try to pull of a festive heist.

In terms of sequels, The Claus Family 3 is already available to watch on Netflix. In December, new festive titles include Christmas as Usual, airing on 6 December, and YOH’ Christmas, airing on 15 December. While shows like Dash & Lily and festive specials like Nailed It! Holiday! are available to watch.

Read more: The secret Netflix codes that unlock hidden Christmas movies

Heather Graham and Jason Biggs star in festive film Best. Christmas. Ever! on the platform, which is out now, while the streamer is following up the success of body-switch films like The Princess Switch with a potential new festive favourite: Family Switch, which is released on 30 November.

Of course, Netflix already has an array of original festive hits for viewers to enjoy each year, and the streamer has its own secret code for fans to access them.

What to stream on Disney+ this Christmas

Disney+ has an array of festive films and shows to choose from this Christmas, both old and new.

In terms of new content, the streamer has the likes of The Santa Clauses season 2 and Dashing Through the Snow for people to enjoy, while those looking for something less festive to binge over Christmas will be treated to the release of Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Another great addition to the platform this Christmas is Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever, which premieres on 8 December. Marvel fans will also be able to dig into What If...? season 2 from 22 December, with episodes landing daily on the platform and featuring a festive twist.

Other highlights include The Naughty Nine, which will stream from 1 December, and there are a number of series on Disney+ that feature Christmas specials like Family Guy, The Bear, and Modern Family.

Disney+ also has a huge back catalogue of Christmas classics to get stuck into, from the Home Alone movie box set to the Die Hard collection, to The Santa Clause franchise and beloved films like A Muppets Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, and even The Nightmare Before Christmas.

What to stream on Prime Video this Christmas

Prime Video is pulling out all the stops this festive season with a slew of new Christmas films including Candy Cane Lane, which will be released on 1 December, and Your Christmas or Mine 2 which is coming to the platform on 8 December.

Other festive highlights include Merry Little Batman, which is coming out on 8 December, and Italian Christmas film Elf Me, which is already out on the platform.

But that's not all because Prime Video gives subscribers access to an array of festive favourites including The Holiday, It's A Wonderful Life, and Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. As well as TV specials like Shrek the Halls and The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show.

Films that will be available to rent or buy during the holidays include Christmas classic Elf, Love Actually, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and The Polar Express, amongst many others.

For viewers hoping to enjoy a Hallmark movie whilst tucking into their festive treats, Prime Video also gives subscribers the chance to sign up to Hallmark TV for £4.49, after a 7-day free trial. The channel will allow them to watch the likes of Good Morning Christmas! and Christmas By Starlight.

What to stream on Apple TV+ this Christmas

Apple TV+ is the home of festive short film The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, which won an Oscar at this year's ceremony and is based on Charlie Mackesy's beloved tale of the same name.

The streamer also has Hannah Waddingham's holiday special Home For Christmas that subscribers can watch as a way to get into the festive spirit, thanks to the Ted Lasso star's stunning renditions of classic Christmas songs with guest stars.

Read more: Hannah Waddingham is having a moment, but she feels her recent success has been ‘accidental’

A Charlie Brown Christmas will serve as a great special to enjoy this Christmas, while the platform also has animated special A Garfield Christmas to enjoy.

Watch: Hannah Waddingham speaks to Yahoo UK about her huge success in recent years