Virgin Media Television (VMTV) and Virgin Media PLAY, Ireland’s leading free streaming service, are decking the halls with an incredible line-up of festive programming this Christmas. Whether you’re craving heartwarming classics, star-studded specials or a brand-new series to sink into, your December viewing is officially sorted.
This year’s offering is packed with Irish talent, big-screen favourites, live sport and Christmas specials – everything you need for cosy nights in over the holidays.
Ireland’s own homegrown gems take centre stage, starting with the sixth season of Fanning at Whelan’s from December 6 (VM Two, 10pm), delivering standout performances from some of the country’s finest artists – with a few surprises along the way. On December 27, Live Aid at 40 (VM One, 10pm) revisits the extraordinary day when music changed the world, guided by the drive and determination of Dublin’s own Bob Geldof. Whether you lived it or missed it, it’s a powerful watch.
There’s also a moving year-end tribute to one of Ireland’s most iconic voices with the Sinéad O’Connor Documentary (VM Two, 10pm), followed on New Year’s Day by the beloved comedy classic The Snapper (VM One, 9pm) – the perfect feel-good start to 2026.
If blockbuster movies are more your thing, Virgin Media One has you covered. Expect explosive action with White House Down (December 19, 9pm), Die Hard 2 (Christmas Eve, 9pm) and Armageddon (New Year’s Eve, 9pm). Prefer a sweeping emotional epic? Titanic (St Stephen’s Day, 9pm) delivers every single time. And on Christmas Day, the unmissable musical sensation The Greatest Showman takes centre stage (9pm).
Virgin Media Two keeps the festive vibes going with feel-good classics like Sister Act
The Proposal - Virgin Media
(December 23, 9pm) and The Proposal (Christmas Eve, 9pm). For action fans, December is packed with Den of Thieves (December 3, 10pm), The Magnificent Seven (Christmas Day, 9pm), Deathwish (St Stephen’s Day, 9pm) and Transporter Refueled (December 28, 9pm).
Drama lovers have a busy month ahead. The festive TV season kicks off with the huge I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! finale on December 7 (VM One). Fans of costumes, romance and scandal can dive into The Forsytes, a bold reimagining of John Galsworthy’s iconic saga, premiering December 8 on VM One. Meanwhile, true-crime enthusiasts can settle into Midsomer Murders Season 25 from December 7.
For those chasing all the Christmas specials, there’s a sleigh-load to enjoy. Soap fans can soak up the festive drama with Emmerdale from 7pm on Christmas Day, followed by Coronation Street at 8pm. The Masked Singer Christmas Special (St Stephen’s Day, 7:30pm) promises festive madness with Davina McCall, Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan. The Chase Panto (December 21, 8pm) adds a hilarious twist to the classic gameshow, and the spectacle continues with The Royal Variety Performance (December 21, 9pm). To ring in 2026, Graham Norton’s NYE Show brings the perfect party from 11pm.
Gameshow fans are spoiled with festive editions throughout the month. The Big Soap Quiz (December 17, 9pm) returns with Stephen Mulhern hosting a battle between Coronation Street and Emmerdale. There’s also a seasonal Tipping Point special (St Stephen’s Day, 8pm), and classic nostalgia with the You Bet! Christmas Special (December 27, 8pm). Rounding it all off is Christmas Celebrity Catchphrase (Christmas Day, 8pm) – guaranteed family fun.
Sporting fans won’t miss out either, with a stacked line-up of Champions League action, the King George VI Chase on St Stephen’s Day, the Cheltenham New Year’s Day Meeting, and the high-stakes drama of the NFL Playoffs rolling into January.
For streaming lovers, Sleigh On PLAY launches December 1 – a dedicated festive channel on Virgin Media PLAY featuring favourites like Living with Lucy, Gogglebox Ireland, Faithless and loads more.
Virgin Media is serving a truly jam-packed Christmas – all you have to do is grab the remote and enjoy the magic.
Living with Lucy
