Quality family time often means staying together in front of the TV and watching a good animated film! And what better time than Christmas to do it? This year, the programming offers a wide range of cartoons and great timeless classics, designed to unite families and different generations.
While Rai, like every year, is committed to broadcasting the great successes of the Disney world, Mediaset broadcasts films for all tastes, perfect for the Christmas atmosphere. You curl up on the sofa, between hot chocolate and popcorn, ready to be carried away by the magic of animated cinema.
Let's see together what the titles of the films will be on TV for this 2024 Christmas holidays, including the first days of 2025!
Cartoons to watch on TV prima of Christmas
Already from the days preceding the eagerly awaited Christmas Eve and the magical Christmas, the holidays make themselves felt with their atmosphere. While the days outside go crazy with rain, cold and the day that falls after four in the afternoon, television becomes an excellent ally.
23 December, “Mickey's Christmas Carol” on Rai 2 (2.05pm)
A true jewel of Disney animation that offers its version of the greatest classic (with the most reinterpretations ever) by Charles Dickens. The great fairy tale that talks about the Christmas spirit, many of us know it, is the one in which it exists Uncle Scrooge who plays the role of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge.
Below, you will find a short excerpt from the film “Mickey's Christmas Carol”.
As always, together with the protagonist there are Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and the other symbolic characters of the American production company. The film has the advantage of being short, but full of emotion every time you watch it. It will forever remain a hymn to the importance of generosity and change during the Christmas period.
December 23, “Spirit: Cavallo Selvaggio” on Italia 1 (2.05 pm)
The timeless adventure by DreamWorks Animation takes us to the great release of 2002 with “Spirit – Cavallo Selvaggio”. A perfect choice for those who want to be moved and rediscover the life and journey of the wild stallion who fights for his freedom and bonds with a courageous young man. The breathtaking settings are nothing compared to the soundtrack.
We leave a taste below, with the song “Sempre Tornerò” sung by the voice of Zucchero:
December 23, “Mulan” on Rai 2 (9.35pm)
“If you are looking for a fact…” Rai will give you “Mulan”! One of the most beloved Disney classics of all time takes us to war against the bloodthirsty people of the Huns, together with the young and courageous girl who decided to leave in her father's place, dressed as a soldier. Action, laughter and a pinch of emotion mixed with adventure can only make us emotional as always.
Cartoons on TV on December 24th and 25th: Christmas and Christmas Eve
We enter the heart of the holidays with Christmas Eve and Christmas which represent the heart of this magical atmosphere. There are films on TV that try to please the whole family.
December 24, “Space Jam” on Italia 1 (2.05 pm)
Live action and classic animation come together in a hybrid that has always driven adults and children alike crazy. For all the nostalgic Looney Tunes fans, here they are back Michael Jordan, Bugs Bunny, Duffy Duck and all their friends play an unforgettable basketball game against the group of menacing alien antagonists of the film. Sport, adventure, typical humor of a 1996 that never goes back, but which always leaves us with a pinch of nostalgia capable of making us live those moments to the fullest.
24 December, “Luca” on Rai 3 (9.20pm)
The magic of the Pixar world lights up with a film that is out of season for the summer atmosphere, but always perfect for discovering together the values of union, teamwork and friendship. Set in a charming and colorful Italian town by the sea, “Luca” tells us about the unforgettable summer of a young boy and his friend, Alberto. Both have to deal with a big secret: they are actually two marine creatures that live on the surface, even if they shouldn't. And it's not easy to hide this from the rest of the village. Acceptance, friendship and adventures are the central core of the film.
25 December, “Balto” and “Balto 2” on Italia 1 (8.45 and 10.45)
But what winter would it be without “Balto”? While a diphtheria epidemic breaks out in Alaska, it will be up to the Wolf-dogs be the heroes of a mission to save the community from the threat. Balto is our great hero who, with his long adventure, is ready to move us once again. An ideal option to start the day with an exciting story on Christmas.
December 25, “Polar Express” on Italia 1 (2.05 pm)
Could the unforgettable magic of the film “Polar Express” have been missing? Since 2004, this animated jewel has been accompanying children on an extraordinary journey to the North Pole.
We follow them all the stages of the itinerary of the little protagonist who, doubtful about the existence of Santa Claus, finds himself on a mysterious train. Adventures full of emotions, encounters that we will never forget animate the heart of the protagonist, who rediscovers the value of faith, friendship and, obviously, the Christmas spirit which is the soul of many films of this time of year.
Even after Christmas, the magic continues with a series of animated films perfect for entertaining adults and children.
Cartoons to continue the holidays while watching TV
Even after Christmas Day, the magic does not go away and various animated films continue to be broadcast on TV that entertain adults and children.
December 27, “Aladdin” on Rai 1 (9.30 pm)
Disney's young thief with a heart of gold, Aladdin, takes us to win the heart of Princess Jasmine with the help of the hilarious and iconic Genie of the Lamp the evil Jafar! Adventures, romance and lots of laughter will make us emotional again on the notes of “The world is mine” for this classic dated 1992.
December 31, “The Aristocats” on Rai 2 (9:00 pm)
For those who want to spend New Year's Eve dinner with the whole family, Rai 2 offers the sweet and fun choice of “The Aristocats”: the Disney film about the hilarious journey of the tender and very nice high-class kittens of Paris together with their mother Duchess and their companion Romeo, ready to make everyone smile and cuddle as always.
January 3, “Cinderella” live action on Rai 1:
We are looking at one of Disney's first major live action adaptations, that of Cinderella with Lily James as the protagonist, released in 2015. A fascinating, revisited version, which is already a great classic with the direction of Kenneth Branagh and an exceptional cast in which we recognize the faces and magical interpretations of Richard Madden, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter and Holliday Grainger.
January 5, “Mary Poppins” on Rai 1
The holidays end in style with the great and enchanting musical dthe “Mary Poppins”. Disney's 1964 masterpiece shows us on our small screen the most loved nanny ever, played by a beautiful and talented woman Julie Andrews, who crashes into the Banks family home with her magic umbrella for a “little sugar”, discipline the right dose of love to restore every relationship.
At his side, a Dick Van Dyke more bubbly than ever, in the role of the iconic and irresistible chimney sweep Bert, one of his most famous roles.
And for all those who can't do without the great classics: here are the 5 Christmas films to watch every year, without ever getting tired of it.
