Discover the Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2025/2026 TV programming on Rai and Mediaset: concerts, films for the whole family, cartoons and New Year’s Eve shows, from Christmas Eve to 31 December
Christmas and New Year remain two central events for Italian generalist television. Also for the 2025/2026 holidays, Rai and Mediaset are focusing on programming designed to accompany the public on festive days including concerts, films for the whole family, great animation classics and the inevitable end-of-year shows. From 24 December to 1 January, the schedules are filled with special events and symbolic first evenings, confirming a tradition that mixes entertainment, music and folk tales.
In this updated guide, network by network, we see what is scheduled to be broadcast during the Christmas period, from the Rai proposals for Christmas and New Year to the special programs of the Mediaset networks.
Rai1: concerts, specials and New Year’s Eve
On 24 December Rai1 opens Christmas Eve with the Christmas Concert from the Teatro alla Scala 2025, broadcast at 10.40. In the afternoon there will be space for Zecchino d’Oro – The magic of Christmas Eve, while in prime time the Christmas Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV is broadcast.
On Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December, the programming begins after the Urbi et Orbi blessing with the traditional Christmas Concert from the Upper Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, broadcast from 12.25pm. The special Stanotte a… Torino, with Alberto Angela, is scheduled for prime time.
On 31 December Rai1 accompanies the public towards the new year with The Year to Come, broadcast after the end-of-year message from the President of the Republic.
The Christmas Concert in Assisi
Now in its fortieth edition, the Christmas Concert from the Basilica of Assisi features Noemi, Carlo Vistoli and Lucie Horsch as protagonists, accompanied by the Maghini Choir and the children’s choir I Piccoli Musici, directed by William Eddins.
Noemi performs two Christmas classics, White Christmas and Happy Xmas (War Is Over). Carlo Vistoli offers arias by Handel, while Lucie Horsch performs pieces by Vivaldi and Auld Lang Syne.
Tonight in… Turin with Alberto Angela
On the evening of 25 December Rai1 offers Stanotte a… Torino. Alberto Angela guides viewers on a journey through the symbolic places of the Piedmontese capital, telling its history, records and moments in which Turin was at the center of the international scene.
The Year to Come: Rai1’s New Year’s Eve
The Rai1 television New Year’s Eve is entrusted to Marco Liorni, who hosts L’Anno che come from the Catanzaro seafront. Numerous artists take turns on stage, including Alex Britti, Anna Oxa, Diodato, Cristiano Malgioglio, Orietta Berti, Sal Da Vinci and Big Mama.
Rai2: films and entertainment for the holidays
Rai2 dedicates the holidays above all to cinema and animation. Uno Rosso with Dwayne Johnson airs on December 23rd. On December 24th the prime time is occupied by Zootropolis, while on December 25th Mary Poppins Returns is scheduled. December 31st closes with the Disney classic Lady and the Tramp. During Christmas Eve there is also space for Mrs. Miracle’s Christmas and cartoons with Mickey Mouse and Pluto.
Rai3: great classics and animated films
Rai3 also offers a selection of holiday-themed titles. The Sound of Music airs on December 22nd. December 25th is Soul’s turn, followed by Beauty and the Beast on December 26th. Life as a Cat is scheduled for December 29th.
The Mediaset networks focus on concerts, cinema and music shows, maintaining entertainment-oriented programming.
Canale5: concerts and early evening events
On Christmas Eve Canale5 broadcasts the Christmas Concert with Il Volo. The Christmas Concert in the Vatican airs on Christmas Day. On 27 December Il Volo returns to prime time with Tutti per Uno, while on 28 December it is the turn of Who wants to be a millionaire?, with Gerry Scotti. On December 31st there will be space for New Year’s Eve in Music, hosted by Federica Panicucci and Fabio Rovazzi.
The Turkish soaps La notte nel cuore and Io sono Farah remain on the schedule, while Maria De Filippi’s programs return after the holidays.
On New Year’s Eve Federica Panicucci accompanies the public towards the new year with New Year’s Eve in Music. Announced artists include Gigi D’Alessio, Umberto Tozzi, Raf, The Kolors, Sarah Toscano, Baby K, Iva Zanicchi, as well as Petit, Mew, Young Hash, Vida Loca, Cioffi and Eddie Brock.
Italia 1: cinema and cult marathons
Italia 1 builds an entirely cinematographic program, with films linked to the Christmas tradition. The Grinch and A Seat for Two will air on December 24th. On December 25th there will be space for Polar Express and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. On December 26th it continues with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, followed on December 27th by Shrek 2 and on December 28th by The Gang of Santa Clauses.
Rete4: space for great films
Rete4 chooses a more classic line by relying on cinema. Hachiko – Your best friend is scheduled for December 24th, Notting Hill on December 25th and Christmas at all costs on December 26th.
