With the Christmas season fast approaching, Italian television is gearing up to offer a rich and diverse lineup of holiday programming across major networks. Viewers can look forward to special festive broadcasts filled with family-friendly films, animated classics, and live events, providing something for everyone during this joyous time of year.
Starting from December 22, 2024, audiences tuning in to Rai will be greeted with an array of festive programs. The network promises to deliver traditional holiday films, many of which are beloved classics aimed at entertaining both young and old alike. Highlighting this year’s schedule, Rai is set to air Mulan (the live action version from 2020) on December 23, showcasing the story of courage and valor right before Christmas. Viewers can then unwind with Luca, the charming Disney-Pixar film set on the picturesque Italian coastline, on December 24.
For those still immersed in the Christmas spirit, Aladdin, featuring Will Smith, will grace the screen on December 27, followed by the classic animated film Gli Aristogatti on December 31. Wrapping up the festive offerings, Rai will screen Cenerentola (Cinderella) on January 3, 2025, and Mary Poppins shortly thereafter, ensuring families have plenty of magical moments throughout the holiday season.
On the flip side, Mediaset is brimming with festive programming, aiming to captivate hearts during this delightful period. Canale 5 is set to kick off its holiday events with Il Volo - Natale ad Agrigento, bringing music and emotion to the airwaves on Christmas Eve. The next day, audiences can look forward to Concerto di Natale, hosted by Federica Panicucci, precisely timed to resonate with the spirit of giving and joy inherent to the day.
On December 26 and 27, Mediaset will premiere Il conte di Montecristo, showcasing the timeless story of revenge and redemption over two gripping parts. For New Year’s Eve, it has planned Capodanno in Musica, promising entertainment extending late as viewers bid farewell to 2024, followed up by the highly anticipated remake of West Side Story directed by Steven Spielberg.
Italia 1 is not to be outdone, featuring holiday classics like Una poltrona per due (Trading Places) on Christmas Eve and Miracolo nella 34ª strada (Miracle on 34th Street) on Christmas Day. The celebration continues with Mrs. Miracle on December 26, ensuring ample family-friendly content to revel in during the festive period.
Rete 4 contributes to the festive ambience with romantic offerings on Christmas Day, bringing audiences films like Notting Hill and Love Actually—perfect picks for couples and families alike.
Further down the programming spectrum, other thematic networks such as Iris and Cine34 are filling their schedules with heartwarming films suitable for the entire family, including holiday comedies and animated features sure to bring laughter and smiles. For example, from December 24 to 26, Iris will host the complete Il Signore degli Anelli trilogy, creating cinematic experiences fans wouldn’t want to miss.
Without question, this year’s programming reflects not just the joy of the holidays, but also the cultural importance of film and television as shared experiences for families across Italy. Viewers are guaranteed delightful memories as they gather around their screens to enjoy the festive offerings.
“The Christmas period brings with it special television programming rich with content dedicated to the festivities,” reported Mediaset, succinctly capturing what viewers can look forward to as they prepare for the holidays. With something for everyone, the channels are working hard to create lasting memories for families during this enchanting time of year.
Indeed, as the countdown to Christmas continues, Italian television promises to be brimming with joy, warmth, and entertainment, ensuring this holiday season is filled with magical moments created through shared viewing experiences.
