KEY POINTS:
8AM, TV2
WHAT NOW?
Charlie, Serena, Tamati and Richie host a special Christmas show from Disneyland.
9AM, TRIANGLE TV
CHRISTMAS FILM MARATHON
Settle in for the day with Santa Claus and Sons and Daughter, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (11am) and Royal Wedding, with Fred Astaire and Jane Powell (12.30pm).
6.50PM, TV ONE
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
The Queen's first message was made in 1952 when she said, "Each Christmas, at this time, my beloved father broadcast a message to his people in all parts of the world. Today I am doing this to you, who are now my people."
7PM, TV ONE
THE WEDDING
When the turkey's in the oven, sit back and enjoy the Royal New Zealand Ballet perform the story written especially for them by New Zealand writer Witi Ihimaera. Angie and Brad are the toast of Auckland society but as their wedding day approaches, she doubts her fiance is the marrying kind.
12.35PM, TV3
JOHNNY CASH: RIDIN' THE RAILS
The man in black takes a nostalgic look at the history of America's railroads dating back to the 18th century. Re-enactments of significant railroading moments are embellished by Cash's music.
MOVIES
[rated out of 5]
8.35PM, TV3
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Herald rating: * * * *
Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical is successfully adapted to the screen by Hollywood director Joel Schumacher. (2004)
9.15PM, TV2
SEABISCUIT
Herald rating: * * * *
Based on a true story about the legendary undersized horse Seabiscuit, who won Horse of the Year honours in 1938. A partially blind ex-prizefighter (Tobey Maguire) and ageing horse trainer (Chris Cooper) team with a wealthy self-made man (Jeff Bridges) in a David and Goliath story of underdogs winning against the odds. (2003)
7.05PM, SKY MOVIES 1
WALLACE & GROMIT IN THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT
Herald rating: * * * *
Something is eating the townsfolk's prize vegetables and Wallace is in deeper than he thinks. Wacky inventions and genius comedy populate this brilliant animated feature from Nick Park's Aardman studios. (2005)
8.30PM, SKY MOVIES 1
KING KONG
Herald rating: * * * *
Everything about Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong is big, including the running time. Aspiring actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) goes on a sea voyage and returns to New York with a hairy suitor. Non-stop thrills, with a cast that includes Jack Black. (2005)