December has finally greeted us. The scent of rain, hot chocolate, and holiday vibes are starting to fill the air. For those of us who have worked hard throughout 2025, this is the finish line we've been waiting for.

The Christmas and New Year holidays aren't just about fireworks or getting stuck in traffic. For many of us, the definition of the best holiday is: pajamas all day, a cozy blanket, good food, and a movie or series marathon with no morning alarms.

This year, streaming platforms are truly spoiling us with massive releases at the year's end. Confused about where to start? Don't worry, the JoinBareng team has curated the best watchlist to accompany our relaxing moments closing out 2025 and welcoming 2026.

Let's check the list!

Netflix: An Epic Year-End

Netflix seems to know exactly how to keep us at home. This December is dominated by the continuation of giant stories.

• Main Highlight: Stranger Things 5 (The Finale)
  If last month we were just warming up with Volume 1, this holiday is the time to finish it all. The Hawkins gang's final battle against Vecna is a mandatory watch. Get the tissues ready, because this is an emotional farewell to characters that have accompanied us for years.
• Thriller Choice: Squid Game: Season 2
  For those who dislike the mellow Christmas vibes and prefer adrenaline, Gi-hun returns to the game arena. Darker, more tense, and perfect for an overnight marathon with friends.

Disney+ Hotstar: Warm Family Nostalgia

Nothing beats Disney+ when it comes to holiday vibes. This is our comfort zone.

• Must-Watch: Home Alone (Complete Collection)
  Is it legally Christmas if we haven't watched Kevin McCallister outsmart robbers? Rewatching this classic film without ad breaks on Disney+ brings its own satisfaction. It's a cross-generational watch that always succeeds in livening up the living room.
• Marvel Special: New Holiday Special
  Marvel usually slips in a light holiday-themed watch. Perfect for us to watch casually while munching on cookies, without needing to think about heavy multiverse conspiracy theories.

Prime Video & HBO Go: Cinematic Quality at Home

For those of us looking for more mature storytelling or cinema-grade visuals.

• Prime Recommendation: The Rings of Power (New Season)
  If we miss epic Lord of the Rings-style adventures, returning to Middle-earth is the best way to spend long free time. The long duration per episode is perfect for filling a rainy afternoon.
• HBO Go Recommendation: Harry Potter Marathon
  December is synonymous with Hogwarts. Marathoning the 8 Harry Potter films from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows is an annual ritual not to be missed. On HBO Go, we can watch it in crystal clear quality without TV sensor cuts.

Tips for Watching Without Breaking the Bank

The watchlist above is tempting, but if we subscribe to all of them individually, our year-end bonus could vanish just paying digital bills.

Don't let subscription costs ruin our holiday budget.

The key to enjoying all this content is by sharing. At JoinBareng, we can get access to Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and HBO Go with a safe and super affordable sharing system. We can take a one-month package just for the holidays, or go for a full year to prep for 2026.

So, are the snacks ready? Let's turn off the lights, turn on the TV, and enjoy the best holiday in front of the screen.