If your ideal December plan is 50% hot chocolate, 50% screen time, this lineup is for you. From Hawkins to Oz, Paris to the post-apocalypse, here are six of the buzziest releases dropping between now and early 2026—plus where and when to watch them.
1. Stranger Things – Season 5 (Final Season)
Where: Netflix (plus a limited theatrical finale)
When:
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Volume 1 (Eps 1–4): November 26, 2025
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Volume 2 (Eps 5–7): December 25, 2025
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Series finale “The Rightside Up”: December 31, 2025 on Netflix and in 350+ theaters across the U.S. & Canada
The Hawkins story is coming to an end. Season 5 is dropping in three parts, building all holiday season toward a two-hour finale that will premiere simultaneously on Netflix and in select theaters on New Year’s Eve. Expect emotional damage, ’80s music, and at least one scene that has everyone screaming on TikTok.
Perfect for: A full cast rewatch, a New Year’s Eve watch party, and anyone who loves supernatural nostalgia with actual feelings.
2. Wicked: For Good
Where: In theaters (RealD 3D, IMAX, Dolby Cinema, etc.)
When: November 21, 2025 (advanced screenings starting Nov 17 & 20 in select markets)
The second chapter of the Wicked film adaptation focuses on the emotional, darker Act II of the musical and the iconic “For Good” moment between Elphaba and Glinda. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this one is built for big screens and big feelings.
Perfect for: Musical lovers, girls’ night, or a dress-up, go-to-theater, then talk-about-it-for-hours kind of outing.
3. A Very Jonas Christmas Movie
Where: Disney+ and Hulu
When: November 14, 2025
Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas just want to get home from London to spend Christmas with their families—but travel chaos, missed connections, and some emotional detours keep getting in the way. It’s a holiday music movie with original performances, brother drama, and cozy Christmas vibes.
Perfect for: Jonas Brothers fans, background holiday viewing while decorating, and anyone who wants something festive but not super serious.
4. My Secret Santa
Where: Netflix
When: December 3, 2025
This Netflix holiday rom-com follows Taylor, a single mom who secretly takes a job as a resort Santa to pay for her daughter’s ski lessons. She ends up working with the charming resort manager, Matthew, and—because it’s a Christmas movie—things get adorably complicated. Starring Alexandra Breckenridge, Ryan Eggold, and Tia Mowry.
Perfect for: Classic Hallmark-style holiday comfort, cozy nights in, and people who want romance + snow + low-stakes drama.
5. Emily in Paris – Season 5
Where: Netflix
When: December 18, 2025 (all episodes at once)
Emily is officially in her Italian era. Season 5 takes her between Paris and Italy—especially Rome and Venice—as she juggles new career responsibilities, old flames, and a major secret that threatens her closest relationships. Expect fashion, chaos, and a lot of Vespa-core visuals.
Perfect for: Fashion inspo, girls’ night, or a low-effort binge while wrapping presents or scrolling Pinterest for 2026 aesthetic planning.
6. Fallout – Season 2
Where: Prime Video
When:
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Premiere: December 17, 2025
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New episodes weekly until early February 2026
Back to the wasteland. Season 2 of Fallout heads toward New Vegas, bringing back Lucy, The Ghoul, and more fan-favorite characters while leaning even harder into the game’s dark humor and wild worldbuilding. Unlike Season 1’s binge drop, Season 2 goes weekly, so it’ll carry you from pre-holiday all the way into the new year.
Perfect for: Gamers, sci-fi fans, and anyone who likes their holiday viewing a little more radioactive.
