The latest seasonal channel is about to hit TV screens across the UK, as classic TV channel operator That’s TV launches ‘That’s Christmas’.
- Free-to-air channel available from Wednesday 18th October 2023 on Sky, Freesat and Freeview.
- Existing services will be removed to make way for That’s Christmas
- Channel will screen mix of festive movies and music, including Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.
That’s TV is once again launching its Christmas channel. But unlike previous years, it’s chosen not to replace its main general entertainment channel (That’s TV UK) with the new format.
Instead, the broadcaster, which first started life as a local TV operator, is launching a separate service that will offer a mix of Christmas movies and music.
Highlights include the original 1947 version of the film ‘Miracle on 37th Street‘ (Friday 20th October 12:45pm) and the 1954 movie ‘White Christmas‘, starring Bing Crosby (Saturday 21st October 12:30pm).
▶ Where to watch That’s Christmas
That’s Christmas was originally expected to launch in Sky’s movie section. That’s Christmas initially plugged Sky channel 329 on X, formerly known as Twitter. On Tuesday, Sky confirmed the channel will be added to channel 188 in the Entertainment section of the TV guide.
The channel will be added to the following three platforms during the course of Wednesday 18th October 2023*:
- Freeview channel 65
- Sky satellite channel 188
- Freesat channel 181
*Freeview is undertaking a channel update at 11:00am, which includes the launch of Sky Mix and its move to channel 11.
That’s Christmas will only be broadcast on Sky’s satellite TV service. It is not due to appear on Sky Glass/Sky Stream. It’s also not due to appear on Virgin Media cable.
That’s Christmas follows the launch of GREAT! Christmas back in September and the pay TV channel Christmas 24 at the beginning of October.
Meanwhile, Channel 4’s The Box and Now Music have yet to confirm the arrival of their seasonal services. Both started in November last year.
All festive channels will remain on air until shortly after Christmas, typically reverting back between 27th December and 5th January.
Channel changes to make room for That’s Christmas
That’s Christmas will take over the broadcast capacity of music channel That’s 70s on Sky and move from channel 366 to 188. Over on Freeview, That’s Christmas replaces That’s 60s on channel 65. That’s 60 temporarily replaces That’s 70s on channel 71, but viewers will require a streaming compatible TV to access the service during daytime and evening hours.
Additionally, That’s TV will make the following changes to its music channels on Sky satellite in the UK only:
- That’s 80s moves from 367 to fill That’s 70s slot on channel 366.
- That’s 90s moves from 368 to fill That’s 80s slot on channel 367.
Marc Thornham
updated 18/10/23