TV top picks
3 p.m. on HMM A Very Happy Yule Log
If you’re trying to wind up the long and somewhat exhausting prelude to Christmas Day, as you’re wrapping presents, prepping side dishes for the Christmas feast or just welcoming the arrival of distant family members, this mellow marathon of a fireside scene bedecked with yuletide finery and accompanied by beloved holiday music sets a perfect tone for a relaxing Christmas Eve.
7 p.m. on NBC Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life
Small-town guy George Bailey (James Stewart) defers one big dream after another to stay home, marry a local girl (Donna Reed) and run the family business. Facing financial ruin, he’s pulled from suicidal despair by angel Clarence (Henry Travers), who shows him how terrible the world would have been if he’d never lived. Lionel Barrymore also stars in director Frank Capra’s 1946 classic, a Christmas Eve television tradition.
7 p.m. on SHOW Movie: Office Christmas Party
Despite mixed (at best) reviews, this raucous 2016 holiday comedy turned a tidy profit, largely on the strength of its huge ensemble cast, pictured. The action takes place mainly at the Christmas party for a company that may have to cut 40 percent of its workforce unless it can win over the business of a visiting tycoon (Courtney B. Vance). Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, T.J. Miller, Kate McKinnon, Olivia Munn, Vanessa Bayer, Jillian Bell and Rob Corddry star.
8 p.m. on PBS Last Tango in Halifax
Plenty of information impacts Gillian (Nicola Walker) in the conclusion of a new “Holiday Special.” While learning the reasons behind Caroline’s (Sarah Lancashire) decision, she has one of her own to make, prompted by her increasing feelings of desperation over Eddie’s death. Alan (Derek Jacobi) has a revelation on the evening of Celia’s (Anne Reid) play. The families merge for a Christmas dinner. Lorraine Burroughs, Hugh Simon and Josh Bolt also star.
8 p.m. on TCM Movie: The Bells of St. Mary’s
Reprising his Oscar-winning role from
Going My Way, Bing Crosby takes his character Father Chuck O’Malley to a Catholic school facing closure in director Leo McCarey’s memorable 1945 sequel. The priest challenges Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman), who is as traditional in teaching students as he is innovative. Nevertheless, they develop a bond made tighter by a personal crisis.