Elf

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert U

This family comedy became an instant Christmas classic on its release in 2003 and it’s easy to see why. Will Ferrell is perfect as man-child Buddy who, having grown up with elves, discovers he’s actually human and travels to New York to meet his family – but the rest of the cast are great too, from James Caan as Buddy’s irascible dad to Zooey Deschanel as his shy workmate Jovie, not to mention Peter Dinklage as a terrifying children’s author. Huge fun from start to finish, it’ll leave you in no doubt that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Scrooged

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert PG

A Christmas Carol receives a modern – well, late 1980s – retelling with Bill Murray as Frank Cross, a self-centred television executive who is visited by the ghosts of the past, present and future after firing a colleague on Christmas Eve. Frank’s miserly ways have also led him to drive away the affections of Claire (Karen Allen), but he’s about to find out it’s never too late for a Christmas miracle. There’s an uproarious turn by Carol Kane as a decidedly punchy ghost.

A Boy Called Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand from 26 November. Cert U

Maggie Smith, Toby Jones, Kristen Wiig, Jim Broadbent and Sally Hawkins star in this lavish adaptation of Matt Haig’s popular children’s book about Nicholas (Henry Lawfull), a determined young man who embarks on a quest to find “a spark of magic” and accidentally discovers Christmas! With a talking mouse voiced by Stephen Merchant, perky elves galore and snowy scenes filmed in actual Lapland, this is destined to become an instant Christmas favourite.

Surviving Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 12

Ben Affleck flexes his funny bone as the wealthy Drew Latham, who finds himself alone at Christmas. He begins to recall holidays from his childhood and decides to visit the house where he grew up. He offers the family who are living there now – Tom (James Gandolfini, The Sopranos) and Christine (Catherine O’Hara, Schitt’s Creek) – payment in exchange for their company – and moves in. When their daughter Alicia (Christina Applegate, Dead To Me) arrives, Drew wants her to play happy families too.

The Polar Express

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert U

Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book comes to life in Robert Zemeckis’ motion-capture triumph. On the night of Christmas Eve, a boy questions his belief in Santa Claus. As he tries and fails to fall asleep, a steam locomotive arrives outside and he hops aboard the Polar Express as it heads for the North Pole. Tom Hanks takes on many roles in this snowbound adventure that will convert even the most hardened sceptics into believers. Despite the advances in CGI animation since its release, this still holds up remarkably well.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 12

All Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants is to have “a fun, old-fashioned, family Christmas”. But having watched America’s unluckiest clan suffer through disastrous trips to Wally World and Europe in two previous films, we know better. First the 25,000 lights he put up cause a city-wide power cut. And then the annoying relatives start turning up. And that’s before the accidental kidnapping. Look out for a young Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory) and Juliette Lewis (Whip It!) in this 80s favourite.

Santa Claus: The Movie

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert PG

When Patch the Elf (Dudley Moore) invents an automated toy-making machine, he’s just trying to help Santa (David Huddleston) – but it all goes wrong and Patch is forced to leave the North Pole. His exile takes him to New York where he ends up working for unscrupulous businessman BZ (John Lithgow), who’s trying to set up a rival holiday that will send his profits soaring. Can Patch stop him? Just as magical today as it was on its release in the 80s, this much-loved classic really gets to the true meaning of Christmas.

Little Women

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert U

This adaptation of the classic Louisa May Alcott novel wowed audiences when it was released almost 30 years ago. Starring Susan Sarandon (Monarch) as Marmee March, the film showcased the young talents of Winona Ryder (Stranger Things) as Jo, Claire Danes (Stardust) as Beth and Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man) as Amy. The film details the March girls’ journey from childhood to womanhood, with a generous Christmas feast along the way.

Happy Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 15

Christmas is a time for family. That’s what Jeff (Joe Swanberg) and Kelly (Melanie Lynskey) keep telling themselves when Jeff’s sister Jenny (Anna Kendrick) comes to stay. She’s not much good as a babysitter. And her drinking’s a bit of a problem. And hey, anybody could set the kitchen on fire, right? But in the true spirit of the season, they’re willing to give her time to figure things out in this low-budget, mostly improvised, ultimately touching comedy.

A Christmas Number One

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 12

The worlds of thrash metal and boy band pop collide at Christmas when musician Blake (Iwan Rheon) takes time off from his day job playing screaming guitar riffs to fulfil his niece’s wish and write a festive song. When pop manager Meg (Frieda Pinto) hears it, she’ll do whatever it takes to make it a hit for her band. Can the two put their differences aside and make it work? And will they even… fall in love?! Well it is Christmas, and this charming romcom will definitely put you in a holiday mood.

Last Train To Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 12

This isn’t exactly a new version of A Christmas Carol, but we always love a scoundrel being shown the error of his ways by mysterious magical occurrences at Christmas! Michael Sheen, resplendent in a magnificent blond mullet, is a flash nightclub owner catching a train home for Christmas in 1985 when he discovers that moving to different carriages can show him his past and future. So can he change things for the better? It would be a Christmas miracle…

Fatman

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 15

It may not instantly feel like your typical festive classic but Mel Gibson (Braveheart) brings a fresh twist to Santa Claus in this dark comedy. In the film, the character of Santa is a real person. Except he’s not the jolly character we’re used to. Gibson’s version of Kris Kringle is bitter and exhausted after decades of hard work and has lost his holiday cheer. To add to his woes, a teenage boy who feels Santa has wronged him sends an evil assassin to kill "the fat man."

White Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert U

There’s nothing that says Christmas like a vintage classic. And you can’t get more classic than Bing Crosby. The legendary star plays Bob Wallace, who is a former Broadway star and has teamed up with old army buddy and aspiring singer Phil Davis (Danny Kaye). The pair become romantically involved with sisters Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen) and travel to a glamorous inn in Vermont run by their old commander Gen. Waverly (Dean Jagger). But when they discover the inn is close to closure, they put on a musical night in a bid to boost business.

8-Bit Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert PG

How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris stars in this quirky festive comedy about all things tech. Trying to communicate with his mobile phone obsessed younger sister, Jake Doyle (Patrick Harris) details his life as a child in the 80s and his quest to get his first Nintendo. Told through flashbacks, the movie will strike a chord with any kids of the 80s or 90s who remember the thrill of unwrapping your first vintage video console.

Trading Places

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 15

Wealthy broker Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd, Ghostbusters) has street hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy, Coming To America) arrested for a theft he didn’t commit. But when the owners of the Duke & Duke brokerage witness this event, they decide to cast an experiment. Torn over whether a person is shaped by their environment or their genetics, they decide to cast an experiment. Stripping Louis of his job, home and even self-respect, they hand everything he has over to Billy to see whether his life can be transformed with a little good fortune.

This Is Christmas  

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 12

We honestly think this new movie could become a firm festive classic. Former Skins star Kaya Scodelario is Emma and Alfred Enoch plays Adam. The pair commute into London from the village of Langton alongside the same passengers daily. But the train suddenly breaks down in the middle of nowhere, throwing everyone’s Christmas plans into chaos. So Adam decides to strike up a conversation with everything and encourage them to throw their own celebration.

All I Want For Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert U

This adorable festive flick first hit cinemas in 1991 and stars a nine-year old Thora Birch (American Beauty) as Hallie who, alongside her brother Ethan (Ethan Embry, Empire Records) decide to hatch a plan to get everything they truly want for Christmas: their divorced parents back together. Hallie meets Santa and makes her demands crystal clear. But will Father Christmas be able to bring mum and dad back together in time for the holidays?

Krampus

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 15

Fancy your happy holidays with a side of horror? Krampus is the 2015 horror comedy that focuses on the terrifying creature from Austro-Bavarian folklore who terrorises kids who have been badly behaved. Basically, you really have to hope that he’s checking that list at least twice… and that you’re on the nice list! Young Max Engel (Emjay Anthony Salazar, Council of Dads) has lost his Christmas spirit and as a result, accidentally summons Krampus to his home. Can his family save him from the demon’s wrath before it’s too late?

Fred Claus

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert PG

Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers) plays Fred, the naughty brother of Father Christmas, in this fun, festive flick. When Fred’s criminal past lands him in big trouble, Santa comes to the rescue to bail him out. To pay him back, Fred is forced to work at the North Pole making toys. But he doesn’t like to listen to orders. To make matters worse, Santa’s whole operation is under the watchful eye of an efficiency operator.

Christmas Town

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert PG

Substitute teacher Lauren (Candace Cameron Bure, Fuller House) leaves behind her life in Boston and boyfriend Eric to embark on a fresh chapter. But on her way, she makes an unexpected detour to the quaint and charming town of Grandon Falls. There, she meets single handy man Travis (Tim Rozon, Schitt's Creek) and his foster child Dillon. Travis tells Lauren that the town is known for its many Christmas events and Lauren soon finds herself rediscovering the magic of the holiday season. If you like your festive flicks to be as sweet as an Eggnog latte, this is the film for you.

Bad Santa 2

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 15

Billy Bob Thornton’s naughty Santa is back for a follow up to the 2003 hit film. Willie has fallen back on hard times and fueled by whisky, decides to team up with his angry little sidekick Marcus to scam a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. This time he’s joined by his mum Sunny Sooke (Kathy Bates, Misery) who proves the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree as she’s just as potty-mouthed and vulgar. Definitely one to watch after you’ve put the kids to bed!

Christmas With The Coopers

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 12

Sam Cooper (John Goodman, The Flintstones) and his wife Charlotte (Diane Keaton, Book Club) are divorcing after 40 years of marriage and try to give their grown-up children Hank (Ed Helms, The Hangover) and Eleanor (Olivia Wilde, Don’t Worry Darling) one last perfect Christmas before breaking the news. But after the celebrations become blighted by their own problems, the family start to discover the real meaning of the holiday.

Reindeer Games

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 15

Don’t be fooled into thinking this movie is a charming tale of the fun and frolics between Rudolph and his friends. In this 2000 crime thriller, Rudy Duncan (Ben Affleck, Deep Water) has just been released from prison and dreams of starting a new life with Ashley (Charlize Theron, Monster), a girl he met through the prison pen pal scheme. But the couple’s happily ever after is threatened by Ashley’s brother Gabriel (Gary Sinise, Forest Gump) and his crew of deadly criminals who are convinced Rudy has inside information about a job they are planning.

Christmas She Wrote

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert U

Romance writer Kayleigh (Danica McKellar, Crown for Christmas) is left devastated when her column is cancelled just before Christmas. She heads home to reconnect with family but is left shocked when she gets an unexpected visit from the man who cut her column cut. Not only is he prepared to fight for her job back but also her heart. But the course of true love never runs smoothly. Kayleigh’s ex-fiancé Dan also lives in the same town and seems keen for the pair to reconnect. Nothing says festive like a love triangle!

This Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 12

Ma’Dere (Loretta Devine, Grey’s Anatomy) can’t wait to welcome her six grown-up children – including Quentin (Idris Elba, Luther) and Lisa (Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk) – home for Christmas. But as soon as they are all together, frostiness turns to bickering, which turns to arguments, which turns to all-out familial conflict. Secrets are revealed, confessions are made, and the family business becomes a pawn in the ongoing tribulations. Any chance it’ll all end with smiles and a song? What do we think...

Too Close For Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert PG

When Hayley (Jessica Lowndes, 90210) heads home for Christmas to find Paul (Chad Michael Murray, One Tree Hill) in the family home, she’s not best pleased. After all, his insensitivity was the reason her last relationship ended. But he’s part of the extended family – his brother is married to her sister – so she can’t really object. And besides, once the two overcome their mutual animosity, they start to hit it off. Surely they can’t end up… together?! That’s the magic of Christmas for ya!

A Christmas Story Christmas

Available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert PG

The original 1983 A Christmas Story is a staple of the US hollday season, in which young Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) attempts to convince every adult he can find – including Santa – that his perfect Christmas gift would be an air rifle. Billingsley returns in this long-time-coming sequel as the adult Ralphie, who attempts to give his children the kind of perfect Christmas he always wanted. Festive hijinks ensue in this fun seasonal romp from the director of The Christmas Chronicles.

Watch on the go

If you subscribe to Sky Cinema on Virgin TV, you can watch on the go with Virgin TV Go. And with loads of sport and Box Sets to try out, too, you’ll always be entertained wherever you are!

The app is available to all Virgin TV customers at no extra cost and is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows 10 and PC/Mac. Get downloading (from the links below) and you’ll be one step closer to watching what you want, when you want. 

Download the Virgin TV Go app from the Apple app store

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Shake up your Christmas

Since Virgin Media and O2 joined forces, our broadband customers get exclusive access to Priority from O2. We’re shaking things up this year with 25 days of festive treats on Priority. Find out more below, plus check out all your Christmas TV, movie and sports listings.