The festive season always offers a treasure trove of Christmas classics to watch all over again but it can be difficult to spot the best ones through TV guides and subscription platforms.

Thankfully, there is still a healthy collection all ready to stream at no extra cost.

Navigating through online libraries can be a daunting task, and the vast array of streaming services only adds to the confusion.

However, this year, several timeless films are available for free streaming at your leisure via BBC iPlayer, ITVX or Channel 4.

Here’s a small selection of top picks that won’t cost you a penny. From family favourites to ‘iconic’ sequels and classic comedies, there’s something to match every mood.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

This live-action rendition of Dr Seuss’s classic tale stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch. Alongside his loyal dog Max, the Grinch descends from his cliffside dwelling to steal all things Christmas from Whoville’s unsuspecting residents, reports the Daily Record.

However, his plans may hit a snag when he crosses paths with young Cindy Lou. As an annual reminder, Cindy Lou is portrayed by Taylor Momsen, former Gossip Girl actress and now rock-star with band The Pretty Reckless.

Directed by Ron Howard, Carrey’s performance as The Grinch continues to garner acclaim, and the actor recently expressed enthusiasm about a potential sequel.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas is streaming on ITVX

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

While the original Home Alone, a classic Christmas film, can only be accessed through a paid streaming service, its sequel is free to watch. It may seem improbable that parents could lose the same child twice, but viewers will be glad they did.

Macaulay Culkin reprises his role as Kevin. Although his parents manage to bring him to the airport this time, he ends up boarding the wrong flight. As his family jets off to Florida, Kevin finds himself alone in New York City during the festive season. He manages to secure a room at a luxurious hotel, only to encounter his old foes Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, also known as the Sticky Bandits.

Home Alone 2 is streaming on ITVX

Nativity!

Martin Freeman stars as Paul, a primary school teacher assigned to direct the annual nativity play. His enthusiasm spirals out of control when he announces that a Hollywood producer will attend the performance with plans to adapt it into a movie.

The film is packed with family-friendly antics, culminating in the much-anticipated nativity play. Despite spawning several sequels, the original Nativity! continues to hold a special place in fans’ hearts.

One viewer shared their thoughts online, saying: “I can honestly say this is a fantastic Christmas film. I have laughed so much with the fabulous acting from adults and the children. Some sad bits in this too but the storyline is so good. You are there and rooting for the kids to do so well. All comes together in the end. Loved it.”

Nativity! is streaming on BBC iPlayer

Die Hard 2: Die Harder

Much like Home Alone, the original Die Hard can only be accessed through paid streaming services, however, its first sequel is free to watch. Bruce Willis reprises his role as John McClane, who finds himself at an airport on Christmas Eve when terrorists seize control. It’s up to McClane to save the day once more.

One fan hailed the film as ‘truly iconic and legendary’, adding: “A great sequel with a great storyline, soundtrack, comedy, action, emotion, and intensity.”

Die Hard 2: Die Harder is streaming on BBC iPlayer

Scrooged

No list of Christmas films would be complete without a rendition of A Christmas Carol. The freely available version stars Bill Murray in Scrooged.

Murray portrays a TV executive whose ruthless ambition has cost him his love. After sacking an employee on Christmas Eve, he is visited by ghosts who offer him a chance to reflect on his actions and rectify his past mistakes.

Some movie buffs consider it ‘one of the must-see Christmas movies every year’, praising it as one of the most contemporary takes on the Charles Dickens classic.

Scrooged is streaming on Channel 4

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Steve Martin and John Candy deliver a masterclass in comedy as mismatched duo in the classic film Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Their journey turns into a three-day saga of hilarious mishaps after their flight is rerouted, all in a desperate bid to make it home for Thanksgiving.

Despite its Thanksgiving setting, the film has become a staple during the Christmas season. The genius behind this laughter-filled road trip is none other than John Hughes, the man who brought us Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and penned the first three Home Alone movies.

With a stellar 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no surprise one fan gushed: “Nothing short of a classic…very funny, heart warming and touching.”

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is streaming on Channel 4