Deck the halls with the best family and kids’ Christmas TV shows on Virgin TV

If you’ve got kids at home this Christmas, then “silent nights” are few and far between. So, if you’re looking for a distraction while they wait for the big fella in red to pop down the chimney with (at least some of) their gift list, Virgin TV is here to lend a helping hand to keep the kids entertained over the festive period.

Consider us your “elf on the shelf” with our fantastic range of live TV channels, box sets and apps that kids of all ages will love. Whether you’ve got pre-schoolers or older kids (who definitely won’t want you calling them “kids”), we’ve got your household sorted.

Here’s how to keep the kids entertained over Christmas with Virgin TV.

With so many box sets ready to cue up, there’s no shortage of festive telly to keep the smaller ones in your household busy. It doesn’t matter if you need a colourful pre-school favourite that magically keeps little ones glued to the screen, a laugh-out-loud series or an action-packed adventure for older kids (who definitely aren’t kids, remember – that’s your final warning), there’s something for every age and mood.

And if live TV is more their bag? You’re also in luck. With great kids’ channels like Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito (depending on your TV package), there’s always something brilliant playing right this second. So, while excitement levels rise and bedtimes slip, you’ll always have a reliable way to keep them entertained.

If your household runs on streaming apps, we’ve got you covered there too. Every Christmas, your favourite apps go all out to please you, especially when it comes to cracking family fare. With brilliant kids’ shows on the likes of Disney+, Paramount+, Netflix and BBC iPlayer, you can dip into magical movies, bingeable series and much-loved characters, all at the tap of a button.

Whether you need 10 quiet minutes to prep the spuds or a full afternoon’s distraction after the, ahem, self-inflicted effects of last night’s office party, our family of apps are bursting with festive fun.

Christmas chaos won’t stay in one room, and thankfully, neither does Virgin TV. With tonnes of kids’ box sets and live channels (depending on your TV package) on Virgin TV Go, the smaller ones can watch wherever they wander, from the living room fort you really hope is being dismantled before your family comes on Boxing Day to under the duvet in their own room. With top channels like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and more available on the go, it’s the perfect way to keep the peace right through the holidays and into 2026.

Also, with Virgin TV Go, travelling this Christmas will be a doddle, as all Virgin Media TV customers can use the Virgin TV Go app to download selected shows and movies to watch offline. No more “are we there yet?” from the backseat. Well, maybe…

With so much to watch over the festive period, we’ve picked out some choice highlights from some of our most-loved kids’ channels (content available depends on TV package). With festive specials and kids’ favourites, don’t miss these picks.

Sandy’s Country Christmas

Stream it now in Nickelodeon on demand

In a surprise visit, Sandy’s family from Texas comes to Bikini Bottom to celebrate Christmas in this very cute stop-motion festive episode.

PAW Patrol

Stream it now in Nick Jr. on demand

As you’d expect from a show that has been on the air since 2013, there’s a gaggle of great PAW Patrol Christmas specials where everyone’s favourite pups get festive.

Batwheels

Stream it now in Cartoonito on demand

Don’t miss a double helping of Yuletide specials from Gotham’s crime-fighting vehicles as they tackle Mr Freeze and stop the Legion of Zoom from trying to steal Santa’s presents.

The Wiggles: Ready, Steady, Wiggle!

Stream it now in Sky Kids on demand

If you want to see your toddlers with beaming smiles this Crimbo, get ready to sing and dance (yes, you too) with The Wiggles and their cheerful, inspiring and creative music. 

Craig Of The Creek

Stream it now in Cartoon Network on demand

Head to Herkleton and follow the adventures of Craig Williams and his best pals. Check out some of the Christmas-themed episodes, including a homage to Home Alone.

Gecko’s Garage

Stream it now in Sky Kids on demand

Your kids will love the friendly gecko car mechanic named Gecko who helps vehicles, robots, and others who need a hand – and that even includes Santa Claus!

’Twas The Night Before Spongemas

Stream it now in Nickelodeon on demand

SpongeBob and the gang look back on some of the fun and less-than-jolly Christmas moments and remind themselves about the true spirit of the holiday.

Thomas & Friends: The Christmas Letter Express

Stream it now in Nick Jr. on demand

When a child’s letter to Santa is accidentally left on Percy’s mail cart, our favourite green engine is determined to make things right and deliver the letter.

A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty Or Nice

Stream it now on Paramount+

Desperate to get off Santa’s Naughty List before Christmas, Lincoln hacks into the North Pole computers to put himself on the Nice List. However, he soon makes things worse…

Transformers: EarthSpark

Stream it now on Paramount+

Watch the final two episodes of the animated action comedy based on everyone’s favourite robots in disguise. In “Hometown Heroes” and “Legacy Of Hope”, the stakes have never been higher. You won’t want to miss it.