It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas on TBS & TNT
The holidays are almost here, and that means one thing — cozy nights filled with classic Christmas movies and marathon-worthy TV shows! TBS and TNT have finally unveiled their 2025 holiday schedule, and it’s packed with festive favorites like Elf, A Christmas Story, The Big Bang Theory, and more. Whether you’re a fan of laugh-out-loud comedies, timeless Christmas films, or all-day marathons, this year’s lineup has something for everyone.
Why the TBS & TNT Holiday Schedule Is a Must-Watch Tradition
Every year, TBS and TNT become the go-to networks for holiday entertainment. It’s a tradition that brings families together — the kind where you sip hot chocolate, wear fuzzy socks, and quote your favorite holiday movie lines by heart. From Will Ferrell’s hilarious Buddy the Elf moments to the annual A Christmas Story 24-hour marathon, these channels know exactly how to deliver the holiday cheer.
Highlights of the 2025 Holiday Programming‘Elf’ Takes Center Stage Once Again
Let’s be honest — it wouldn’t be the holidays without Elf! This 2003 classic starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf remains one of the most beloved Christmas comedies of all time. Expect multiple airings of Elf across both TBS and TNT throughout December, especially during prime-time weekends. Because really, who can resist Buddy’s innocent charm and love for syrup?
‘A Christmas Story’ 24-Hour Marathon Returns
You’ll shoot your eye out — but you’ll have a great time doing it! The A Christmas Story marathon is one of the longest-running holiday TV traditions. Starting Christmas Eve and running straight through Christmas Day, the 24-hour marathon will once again bring Ralphie, his Red Ryder BB gun, and that iconic leg lamp into homes across America. It’s nostalgia at its finest.
‘The Big Bang Theory’ Holiday Marathon
For fans of Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, and the gang, The Big Bang Theory marathon is a gift that keeps on giving. TBS will feature back-to-back episodes highlighting the show’s best holiday moments — from awkward gift exchanges to geeky Christmas experiments. Get ready for laughs, love, and a bit of theoretical physics sprinkled in between.
TNT’s Action-Packed Holiday Nights
If you like your Christmas with a side of explosions, TNT has you covered. Expect a “Holiday Action Marathon” featuring hits like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, and The Equalizer. Because nothing says “season’s greetings” quite like Bruce Willis saving Christmas one bullet at a time.
Animated Holiday Classics for the Whole Family
Both networks will also air timeless animated specials that the entire family can enjoy. Expect to see The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer sprinkled throughout the schedule. These timeless tales bring a touch of magic that never gets old.
The Magic of ‘Elf’: Why It Still Resonates in 2025
Even two decades after its release, Elf remains one of the most popular holiday films ever made. The blend of humor, heart, and holiday spirit continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the fiftieth, Buddy’s journey from the North Pole to New York City reminds us that believing in Christmas magic never goes out of style.
Fun Fact:
Will Ferrell turned down a $29 million offer to make Elf 2, saying the original film was perfect as it was — and honestly, he was right.
Why ‘A Christmas Story’ Still Rules the Holiday Season
There’s something deeply comforting about revisiting A Christmas Story. Its nostalgic 1940s setting, relatable family chaos, and unforgettable one-liners make it timeless. Each year, fans eagerly tune in to relive Ralphie’s determination and his parents’ hilarious holiday antics.
A 40-Year Legacy of Laughter
Since its release in 1983, the movie has become a cultural cornerstone — and TBS’s 24-hour marathon has only strengthened that legacy. For many, it’s not Christmas until Ralphie gets his BB gun.
The Big Bang Theory’s Holiday Humor Hits Different
While not a traditional Christmas show, The Big Bang Theory always found clever ways to celebrate the season. From Sheldon’s awkward gift exchange with Penny to Leonard’s attempts at romance during the holidays, the show’s humor hits perfectly during this time of year.
A Smart Way to Spend Your Holidays
With over a decade of episodes, this marathon offers endless laughs — and a reminder that even geniuses need a little holiday cheer.
Family Movie Nights Made Easy
TBS and TNT make it easy for families to bond during the holiday rush. Their carefully curated lineup means there’s something for every mood — whether you want to laugh, cry, or simply escape into a snowy cinematic world.
Perfect for Every Generation
Grandparents love It’s a Wonderful Life, parents adore The Holiday, and kids can’t get enough of The Grinch. Thanks to these networks, everyone finds their favorite festive moment.
The Tradition Behind Holiday Marathons
Holiday marathons are more than just programming decisions — they’re emotional anchors. They remind us of simpler times when families gathered around the TV, not their phones, to share laughter and memories.
Why Viewers Keep Coming Back
It’s familiarity that keeps viewers returning each year. Just like decorating a tree or baking cookies, watching your favorite holiday movie on TBS or TNT feels like coming home.
What’s New on the 2025 Lineup
This year’s schedule also introduces a few modern favorites. Expect recent holiday hits like Last Christmas (2019), Spirited (2022), and The Christmas Chronicles (2018). These newer films bring fresh energy to the mix while keeping the cozy holiday spirit alive.
Mixing Old and New Traditions
By blending classics with modern hits, TBS and TNT ensure that the holiday schedule appeals to both longtime fans and younger audiences.
TBS & TNT: Keeping Holiday Spirit Alive
Both networks have mastered the art of festive programming. They balance nostalgia with novelty, ensuring every generation feels included. It’s not just TV — it’s a shared experience that connects millions of viewers year after year.
The Perfect Escape from Holiday Stress
Between shopping, cooking, and wrapping gifts, everyone needs a break. And what better escape than a full day of holiday movies?
The Schedule You Can’t Miss
While the complete airing times vary by region, here’s a general rundown of what you can expect:
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Every Weekend in December: Elf, The Polar Express, and The Grinch
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Christmas Eve to Christmas Day: 24-hour A Christmas Story marathon
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December 20–27: The Big Bang Theory holiday episodes marathon
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December 28–31: TNT “Holiday Action Nights” featuring Die Hard and Lethal Weapon
It’s a lineup built for pure comfort and joy.
How to Watch Without Cable
For those who’ve cut the cord, don’t worry — you can still catch all the fun through streaming platforms like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and Sling TV, which carry both TBS and TNT. That means your favorite marathons are only a click away.
Conclusion: A Holiday Season to Remember
TBS and TNT have done it again, delivering a 2025 holiday schedule that blends the best of tradition and modern entertainment. Whether you’re watching Buddy the Elf spread cheer, Sheldon make sarcastic remarks, or Ralphie wish for his dream gift, there’s something magical about these moments. They remind us that the holidays aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection, laughter, and love.
So grab your blanket, pour some cocoa, and get ready to binge-watch your way through Christmas!
