The holiday season is brimming with new entertainment options. From award-winning dramas to animated epics, the lineup is diverse. Streaming platforms are launching fresh titles across genres. Meanwhile, indie developers are releasing gems that promise unique experiences. Disney’s annual parade brings familiar voices to the screen. Fans of the hit series “Stranger Things” have new episodes to enjoy. A new thriller on Peacock explores cyber-espionage. Reality TV takes a high-society look at Palm Beach. Video game enthusiasts can dive into indie adventures and sequels. All these releases arrive during the week of December 22-28.
Movies: Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence returns to the screen in “Die My Love.” The film follows a new mother whose behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Directed by Lynne Ramsay, it premiered on Mubi on December 23. Robert Pattinson plays her husband in this adaptation of Ariana Harwicz’s novel. Film writer Jake Coyle praised the movie as “a jagged, go-for-broke psychodrama.” He also noted the film “rages with a ‘primal punk spirit.'” Coyle added that “there’s plenty to admire in Ramsay’s uncompromising and delirious portrait of marital hell.” He highlighted Lawrence’s “bracingly raw performance” as a standout element. Critics have noted the film’s intense emotional depth. Viewers can expect a challenging, thought-provoking experience.
Movies: Ne Zha II
The Chinese animated epic “Ne Zha II” arrives on HBO Max on Wednesday. It is the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, with over $2.2 billion in ticket sales. The story follows Ne Zha, a rebellious child born as the reincarnation of a demon. He seeks to prove that fate is not predetermined. Michelle Yeoh lends her voice to the English language dub. Yeoh said the film “immerses you into our culture.” The first film is available to stream on Netflix. Viewers can dive straight into the sequel without waiting. The sequel promises to build on the original’s mythic narrative. Fans of the franchise will find the new installment engaging.
Movies: Goodbye June, A Minecraft Movie, Sinners
“Goodbye June” streams on Netflix on Christmas Eve. Kate Winslet directs and stars in the family drama. The film follows four adult children confronting their mother’s impending death. The cast includes Winslet, Andrea Riseborough, Johnny Flynn, Toni Collette, and Helen Mirren. The review described it as an “admiringly solid, if generic, drama.” It is elevated by moments of humor, grace, and insight. Prime Video adds “A Minecraft Movie” on Monday of the same week. “Sinners” premieres on Prime Video on Friday, December 26. These releases offer diverse themes for holiday viewing. Viewers can choose from drama, adventure, or thriller options.
Music: Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
Disney’s annual parade begins at 10 a.m. ET on ABC. It streams at 11 a.m. ET on Disney+, Hulu, and Disney YouTube on Christmas Day. The event features musical performances from Gwen Stefani, Coco Jones, Iam Tongi, Lady A, Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah the Scientist, and Bebe Rexha. The parade showcases holiday cheer and popular artists. Fans can enjoy live performances from the comfort of their homes. The event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Disney’s production team curated a lineup of well-known performers. The parade also highlights iconic Disney characters. The broadcast captures the festive atmosphere of the holiday season. Viewers can participate in the celebration from their living rooms.
Series: Stranger Things episodes 5-7
The next block of “Stranger Things” episodes-5-7-drops during the week. These episodes belong to the fifth and final season. Hawkins faces a deepening plan by Vecna and menacing Demogorgons. Will Byers continues to develop his powers. The very last episodes will stream on New Year’s Eve. Fans anticipate the culmination of the series’ narrative arcs. The show blends supernatural elements with character development. Each episode adds layers to the overarching plot. Viewers can follow the story through to its conclusion. The release schedule builds excitement for the finale.
Series: The Copenhagen Test
Simu Liu stars as an intelligence analyst in “The Copenhagen Test.” The series features a brain-hacking storyline on Peacock. Regular cast members include Melissa Barrera, Sinclair Daniel, Brian d’Arcy James, Mark O’Brien, and Kathleen Chalfant. All episodes debut on December 27. The show explores themes of cyber-security and espionage. Liu’s performance is central to the narrative. The series offers a tense, thriller experience. Viewers can expect intricate plot twists. The show adds to Peacock’s lineup of original dramas. It promises to engage audiences with its suspenseful premise.
Series: Members Only: Palm Beach
“Members Only: Palm Beach” is a new Netflix reality show. It follows the exclusive, high-end social scene of Florida’s affluent areas. Five women who are part of the community are featured. Taja Abitbol, one of the stars, explains, “There’s a lot more beneath the sunshine than anyone expects, because nobody goes lower than high society.” The show highlights the hidden aspects of elite lifestyles. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at social gatherings. The premiere date is December 29. Viewers can explore the glamorous yet complex world of Palm Beach. The series offers a blend of drama and reality television. It adds a new perspective to Netflix’s reality programming.
Video games
Independent studios released several notable games in 2025. Some titles appeared on the Associated Press’ top 10 list. “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is one such game. Other games include “The Séance of Blake Manor” and “The Alters.” Sequels like “Hades II” and “Hollow Knight: Silksong” met fan expectations. Mystery-focused titles such as “Blue Prince” and “The Roottrees are Dead” challenge players’ wits. “Despelote” tells a heartfelt story about an Ecuadoran kid dreaming about the World Cup. These games offer diverse genres and storytelling styles. Gamers can download them for new holiday entertainment. The indie scene continues to produce engaging experiences.
Closing
This holiday season, the entertainment landscape offers something for everyone. From dramatic films to animated epics, viewers have ample choices. Music events bring familiar voices to festive celebrations. Television series deliver new arcs and cliffhangers. Indie games provide fresh challenges and narratives. Streaming services and gaming platforms are expanding their libraries. Audiences can explore a wide range of genres during the week of December 22-28. The mix of new releases promises memorable holiday viewing. Whether you prefer drama, adventure, or interactive play, there’s a title to suit your taste. Enjoy the season’s fresh content and celebrate the joy of storytelling.
