From beautiful animations for your little ones to a magical festive concert and a family-fun gameshow, there's lots to feast your eyes on this Christmas Eve.
Despicable Me 3, RTÉ One, 3.30pm
Gru and his minions are back and while the dark magic of the first film isn't matched, there is still fuel in the tank and enough joyful mayhem to keep you entertained.
This time around Gru (Carell) finds himself up against a new villain, Balthazar Bratt (Parker), a washed up 80s TV icon set on taking over the world one dance fight at a time.
Bratt is everything you want from a Despicable Me villain and he steals each scene he's in with his killer soundtrack and old school weaponry – Rubik's cubes and sonic keytars at dawn!
While it does not live up to the original, Despicable Me 3 has an edge on the second instalment and there is definite enjoyment to be had for fans of the franchise. Read our full review here
The Masked Singer: Christmas Special, Virgin Media Two, 5.30pm
The Masked Singer Christmas Special will see four well-known celebrities compete undercover in elaborate Christmas-themed costumes to keep their true identities hidden with all four famous faces unmasked in one episode.
Host Joel Dommett will be presiding over the show which sees each celebrity perform to the superstar panel of detectives Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Maya Jama try to guess the identities of Christmas Cracker, Star, Turkey Crown and Nutcracker.
In January, the main show will return for another series.
Christmas in Kilmainham presented by Marty Whelan, RTÉ One, 6.20pm
Join Marty Whelan on this magical night for a special Christmas broadcast from the spectacular grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Joined by special guests including Imelda May, The High Kings, Dublin Gay Men's Chorus and Diva Voces directed by Duncan Brickenden, the concert also includes a very special appearance from a visiting Palestinian choir, plus Lisa McHugh and Garron Noone.
Featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra under the baton of Karen Ní Bhroin, tune in for a night of music, magic, and holiday cheer.
The Snowman and the Snowdog, Channel 4, 4.40pm
Adapted from Raymond Briggs' classic picture book, is a family favourite. A timeless, magical tale of a boy whose snowman comes to life at midnight, it has captured the imagination of generations – and continues to enchant.
The animated sequel beautifully captures the magic and excitement of the original film as well as being a heart-warming story about love, loss and friendship. When a young boy, Billy, moves house, he discovers a secret box hidden under the floorboards – a snowman-making kit! Billy builds his snowman and, with a little spare snow, a Snowdog. At midnight, The Snowman and The Snowdog magically come to life.
Join Billy on the most amazing adventure, as they fly over London to the North Pole and compete with an assortment of colourful characters in a very special race. On return, Billy must leave his new friends outside and return to bed – but first, a wonderful surprise awaits him…
Home Alone, 6.30pm, RTÉ2
The legend that is Kevin McAllister (Macauley Culkin) defends his home from burglars after being left behind by his whole family as they jet off to celebrate the holidays in Paris? No matter how many times you've seen it, it doesn't get old.
From when you were a kid marvelling at the mischief, to an adult wondering what Kevin's parents did for a living to afford that massive house and a group trip to Paris, the years go by but the comfort and comedy of Home Alone lasts.
If you've never seen it, you are in for a real treat.
Father Ted Christmas Special, RTÉ2, 8.30pm
What would Christmas be without a Father Ted Christmas special? In this iconic 1996 outing Fathers Ted and Dougal endure their worst Christmas ever when they get lost.
While Christmas shopping in a department store, Ted and Dougal accidentally wander into what turns out to be the largest lingerie section in Ireland, instantly prompting Ted to worry that there will be a scandal if they are discovered.
As they try to find the exit, they run into six other priests and Ted ultimately leads their escape in an unusually heroic fashion, parodying the style of troops in typical war movies. He uses the speaker system to tell shoppers that the store is about to close, forcing them out so that the eight priests cannot be spotted by women during their escape, which they successfully complete.
Die Hard 2, Virgin Media One, 9.10pm
As with the first film, the action in Die Hard 2 takes place on Christmas Eve. McClane is waiting for his wife to land at Washington Dulles International Airport when mercenaries take over the air traffic control system.
He must stop the terrorists before his wife's plane and several other incoming flights that are circling the airport run out of fuel and crash. During the night, McClane must also contend with airport police and a military commander, none of whom want his assistance.
Full TV listings here
