Great! Christmas Channel Switches On Early With Wall‑to‑Wall Festive Films

Great! Christmas has officially switched over to full festive programming, bringing Christmas movies to UK screens long before the traditional season begins. The channel — known for cosy romances, snowy small‑town stories and magical holiday adventures — has transformed its schedule into Christmas‑only content, giving viewers months of feel‑good films to enjoy.

Great! Christmas: The UK’s Most Popular Christmas‑Only Channel

Last year, Great! Christmas became the UK’s most‑watched Christmas‑only channel, clocking up millions of minutes of viewing across autumn and winter. Its early switch‑over has become a staple for fans who love easing into the festive season long before December arrives.

🎅 Brits Are Watching Christmas Films Earlier Than Ever

A survey of 2,000 viewers shows just how strong the appetite is for early festive viewing:

• 20% would watch Christmas films all year round
• 37% pick festive films whenever the mood strikes
• 27% watch 1–2 Christmas films outside December
• Another 27% watch 3–5 festive films off‑season
• 40% wish the Christmas period lasted longer
• 24% prefer Christmas markets in warmer weather
• 23% want outdoor Christmas movie nights
• 19% would enjoy Christmas dinner outside

Why Great! Christmas Launches Early

Great! Christmas says the early switch is designed for viewers who enjoy festive escapism long before decorations go up — those who love cosy films, gentle romance, snowy landscapes and magical holiday storytelling.

Films Airing on Great! Christmas

Here’s a selection of the cosy, romantic, magical films lined up:

Nine Kittens of Christmas (2021)

Exes Zachary and Marilee reunite when they’re tasked with finding homes for a litter of kittens.

The Christmas Ticket (2025)

A woman inherits her grandfather’s winter home and discovers he may have hidden a winning lottery ticket inside.

Annie Claus Is Coming to Town (2011)

Santa’s daughter heads to California for her first Christmas away from the North Pole — and finds adventure and romance.

A Christmas Switch (2018)

Two women magically swap bodies and learn life‑changing lessons about family and festive spirit.

Christmas Ever After (2020)

A romance novelist meets a man who looks exactly like the hero in her books — and sparks fly.

Snowmance (2017)

Sarah’s annual “Snow Beau” snowman comes to life thanks to a sprinkle of Christmas magic.

Northpole 2: Open for Christmas (2015)

Mackenzie inherits her aunt’s inn and plans to sell — until Santa’s elves intervene.

Christmas Unwrapped (2020)

A reporter investigates a man who claims Santa magically supplies all the gifts his charity gives.

The Magical Christmas Shoes (2019)

A pair of enchanted shoes help Noelle rediscover her festive joy — and love.

Once Upon a Christmas Miracle (2018)

A real‑life romance blossoms between an organ donor and the woman whose life he saves.

The Perfect Christmas Village (2018)

Darcy’s lifelong dream of the perfect Christmas comes true thanks to a magical figurine.

Christmas with a Crown (2020)

A stranger helps organise a Christmas festival — but he’s secretly a prince.

The Royal Nanny (2022)

An MI5 agent goes undercover as a royal nanny, juggling security threats and unexpected festive romance.

Kate Gartland, Marketing Director at Great TV, said: “Great Christmas is back – and it’s earlier than ever.

“This year’s programming is jam-packed with even more movies to help build the excitement for the big day.

“While we may be festive fanatics at Great, believe me, there is method in the madness – last year’s Christmas programming attracted more viewers than ever before so we’re starting the festivities even earlier for 2026.”

Great! Christmas will broadcast exclusively festive films on Freeview channel 52, with its full Christmas schedule starting on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.