Exciting TV Lineup for Christmas 2024: What to Expect This Holiday Season

Christmas Eve and Day programming features a mix of beloved classics and special performances. Highlights include ‘Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella,’ ‘Christmas with the Federal President,’ a festive edition of ‘Bares für Rares,’ and the holiday favorite ‘Home Alone.’ On December 25, viewers can enjoy the Pope’s Christmas blessing, ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ specials, ‘The Helene Fischer Show,’ a new adaptation of ‘Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter,’ and the film ‘Dune.’ The festivities continue on December 26 with ‘The Dream Ship’ and ‘Tatort.’

Christmas Eve Highlights

The festive season brings a chance to unwind, and TV networks are in tune with this sentiment by curating a variety of special programming. This year, December 24 promises to be filled with beloved classics and captivating performances.

One of the highlights is the timeless favorite, ‘Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella,’ airing on Das Erste at 1:40 PM. The enchanting tale features a prince (played by Pavel Trávníček) on a quest to find his bride during a grand ball. He is captivated by a mysterious young woman in a stunning gown, who dances with him but keeps her identity a secret. When the prince proposes, he must first solve her riddle, adding a twist to this beloved story.

Later in the evening, ZDF will present ‘Christmas with the Federal President’ at 6 PM, featuring Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender in Güstrow. Hosted by Johannes B. Kerner, the concert will showcase performances from acclaimed artists, including renowned cellist Anastasia Kobekina and celebrated German baritone Benjamin Appl. This cherished tradition has been celebrated since 1995 and marks its 30th broadcast this year.

In prime time, ZDF will debut a special Christmas Eve edition of ‘Bares für Rares’ at 8:15 PM. Host Horst Lichter welcomes his experts and dealers for a cozy gathering at Drachenburg Castle, where they will share personal Christmas stories and reflections on the past year.

Another festive favorite, ‘Home Alone,’ will air on Sat.1 at 8:15 PM. This classic comedy follows the chaotic holiday preparations of the McCallister family, which leads to young Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) being accidentally left behind as they jet off to Paris. His initial excitement quickly turns to dread when he discovers two burglars are targeting his home. The sequel, ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,’ will be featured on December 25 at the same time.

Christmas Day Programming

On December 25, viewers can tune in at noon to watch the Pope’s ‘Urbi et Orbi’ Christmas blessing from Rome on ZDF. This special event allows the head of the Roman Catholic Church to spread a message of peace globally, with commentary provided by Jürgen Erbacher.

Christmas Day also features the popular quiz show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ on RTL, airing two festive specials at 8:15 PM. Günther Jauch, alongside his guests, will enhance the holiday spirit with a decorated studio and exciting joker prizes for contestants.

In a holiday tradition, ZDF, ORF, and SRF will showcase ‘The Helene Fischer Show’ at 8:15 PM, promising an evening filled with spectacular performances from national and international artists. Viewers can expect vibrant music, dynamic choreography, and surprise duets during this prime-time event.

Additionally, Das Erste will debut a new adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s classic children’s story ‘Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter’ on December 25, starting at 8:15 PM. The series follows the adventurous Ronja (Kerstin Linden) as she navigates the challenges of growing up as the daughter of a robber chief, forging an unlikely friendship with a rival’s son.

On Christmas Day, ProSieben will also present the highly anticipated film ‘Dune,’ featuring Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides. Set in the distant future, this epic tale revolves around a young man’s quest for survival on a perilous planet where a valuable substance known as Spice is found.

The Second Christmas Holiday

As the Christmas festivities continue on December 26, ZDF will air a new episode of the beloved series ‘The Dream Ship: Hudson Valley’ at 8:15 PM. Captain Max Parger (Florian Silbereisen) hosts a special birthday celebration for shipowner Hendrik Hansen, whose family dynamics become complicated as they navigate personal disputes.

Simultaneously, viewers can enjoy the crime drama ‘Tatort: Made in China’ on Das Erste, where a mysterious case unfolds involving a young woman found with a knife in an Asian shop. The investigative team faces a complex web of intrigue as they work to uncover the truth.

Lastly, ProSieben will feature a special edition of ‘TV total’ on December 26, hosted by Sebastian Pufpaff. While details remain under wraps, viewers can anticipate a festive atmosphere complete with gifts for guests and engaging street surveys, ensuring a lively conclusion to the holiday celebrations.

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