"Finding Father Christmas" follows 16-year-old Chris (Lenny Rush), who still believes in Santa, which worries his father (James Buckley). When it’s time to talk about the truth, Chris and his cousin Holly (Ele McKenzie) decide to find out how Santa might really do it.
Along the way, they meet Stephen Fry, Professor Hannah Fry, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and Jason Fox. This one-off, 75-minute Channel 4 special mixes warm comedy with a fun look at the science behind Santa’s magic.
Read on for how to watch "Finding Father Christmas" from anywhere with a VPN – and potentially for FREE.
► U.K. date and time: "Finding Father Christmas" lands in the U.K. on Channel 4 on Tuesday, December 24 at 7.30 p.m. GMT, with a repeat on Wednesday, December 25. The special will also stream free (with ads) on Channel 4’s streaming service (formerly All 4).
• WATCH FREE — Channel 4 (U.K.)
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"Finding Father Christmas" is a new, family-friendly special in Channel 4's 2025 Christmas lineup. It mixes comedy, adventure, and science, sharing a message about belief and family. The show is described as a celebration of Christmas magic.
People are looking forward to this special for its combination of comedy and academic themes, giving a fresh spin on the Santa story. The show appears to be both funny and touching.
"Finding Father Christmas" is included in Channel 4’s 2025 Christmas lineup as a one-off, family-friendly holiday event rather than a series.
Read on for where to watch "Finding Father Christmas" online and from anywhere.
How to watch 'Finding Father Christmas' in the U.K. for free
Watch 'Finding Father Christmas' from abroad
If you are a Brit abroad and want to watch "Finding Father Christmas", a VPN (Virtual Private Network) might be the solution.
The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country, regardless of where you are in the world, making it ideal for anyone away on vacation or on business. Our favourite is NordVPN.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.S. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch. Head to Channel 4 to watch "Finding Father Christmas" online.
Can I watch 'Finding Father Christmas' in the U.S.?
"Finding Father Christmas" is a U.K. production airing exclusively on Channel 4, and no U.S. streaming platform has announced rights at this time.
But don't panic, if you are in the States for work or on vacation. You can watch the show via your usual domestic streaming services by using a VPN such as NordVPN to access Channel 4 with your free account.
Can I watch 'Finding Father Christmas' in Canada?
No Canadian broadcaster or streaming service has announced "Finding Father Christmas" for 2025. If that changes, we’ll update this guide.
However, if you are a Brit on holiday in Canada, you can still catch the show on Channel 4 by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Finding Father Christmas' in Australia?
There is no confirmed release for "Finding Father Christmas" in Australia.
Meanwhile, if you are a Brit Down Under for work or vacation, you can still watch the show for FREE on Channel 4 by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Finding Father Christmas' in New Zealand?
"Finding Father Christmas" has no New Zealand release at this time, but we’ll post details here if that changes.
However, if you are travelling outside the U.K., you can still watch the show for free on Channel 4 using a VPN such as NordVPN.
'Finding Father Christmas' - FAQ
'Finding Father Christmas' - Cast
- Lenny Rush - Chris
- James Buckley - Chris’s Dad
- Ele McKenzie - Holly
- Stephen Fry - Appears as himself
- Professor Hannah Fry - Appears as herself
- Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock - Appears as herself
- Jason Fox - Appears as himself
- Greg Davies - Role TBA
- Asim Chaudhry - Role TBA
- Rochenda Sandall - Role TBA
What is "Finding Father Christmas" about?
It is a 75-minute, one-off comedy-drama about 16-year-old Chris (Lenny Rush) who still believes in Santa Claus. When his father (James Buckley) tries to tell him the truth, Chris embarks on a mission to prove Santa is real, meeting various scientists and "Santa experts" along the way.
Is "Finding Father Christmas" suitable for children?
Yes. It’s a family-friendly, one-off festive comedy-drama intended to be “full of joy, adventure and wonder,” making it suitable for a broad audience.
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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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