What to watch this holiday season on the Olympic Channel

The weather outside may be frightful [in some parts of the world], but the fire is so delightful. Since we’ve no place to go… why not catch up on some of the best Olympics.com documentaries to watch or rewatch over the holidays?

Whether you're snowed in or simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle, the Olympic Channel library offers a treasure trove of films and series to entertain, inspire and transport you to incredible places and moments.

Read on to explore our list of must-watch series and films that are sure to make your holiday season even more magical.

Relive the road to Paris 2024

Nothing says the holiday season more than reflecting on the past year. So dive into some of the documentaries that capture the magic of the journeys toward the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad Paris 2024.

Le Grand Seine takes you behind the scenes of the intricate preparations for the Opening Ceremony. This “making of” series offers a rare look at the artistry, logistics and passion behind creating the spectacle that captivated millions.

OQS: Last Chance to Paris follows athletes in sport climbing, BMX, skateboarding and breaking as they battle for their final shot at Olympic glory. Their stories are a testament to grit, determination, and the universal pursuit of a dream. If that gets you hooked on the world of breaking, check out Breaking Life: Road to Paris, which provides an energetic introduction to the B-boys and B-girls preparing for Breaking’s historic Olympic debut. Their stories, full of creativity, artistry and resilience, are as electric as their dance moves.

For a taste of adventure, or perhaps some daydreams of tropical climates, head to the legendary waves of Teahupoʻo with Teahupoʻo Surf Camp: Road to Paris 2024. This series follows seven surfers as they take on one of the world’s most awe-inspiring breaks in preparation for Paris. Want to go even deeper? See You in Teahupoʻo explores the lives of elite surfers, including John John Florence and Tatiana Weston-Webb, offering an intimate look at their Olympic dreams and reverence for the ocean’s raw power.

Meet the stars up close

Perhaps you want to get to know your favourite athletes on a deeper level — or to discover new stories that spark conversation at the holiday table. The Starting Line offers a heartfelt exploration of what inspires top athletes to compete. In this series, they return to their roots, reconnecting with the people and places that sparked their passion.

Nothing says 2024 quite like male field athlete of the year, double Olympic champion, and world record-holding pole vaulter Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis. But did you know that he started pole vaulting in his backyard? Mondo Duplantis: Born to Fly chronicles the rise of the world’s greatest pole vaulter, from child prodigy to Olympic champion, a masterclass in talent nurtured by passion and family.

In Viktoriia: Ukraine’s Olympic Hope, rhythmic gymnast Viktoriia Onopriienko trains for Paris 2024 against the harrowing backdrop of war in her homeland. Her journey, marked by unyielding determination and hope, is a poignant reminder of sport’s power to inspire even in the darkest times.

Discover new worlds

If you’re in the mood to broaden your horizons or travel to new places, these documentaries offer a window into inspiring communities and extraordinary stories. We Are King tells the uplifting tale of a high school football team from one of New York City’s toughest neighbourhoods. United by their love of the game, these players forge bonds that transcend their challenges, achieving success that seems almost impossible.

Shifting gears, Skate Hers spotlights seven fearless female skateboarders who are redefining the sport with their talent, tenacity and trailblazing spirit. This empowering series is a love letter to skating and the women pushing it forward.

Or perhaps you'd like to travel to India, and discover the world of competitive badminton in The Academy: Forging India’s Badminton Champions. This all-access documentary series follows the lives of India’s top badminton athletes as they train and prepare for the Tokyo 2020.

For a broader journey through Olympic history, The Vault: Treasures of the Olympics takes you behind the scenes at the Olympic Museum. Uncover the stories behind iconic artefacts and relive the moments that shaped the Games as we know them today.

Get into the winter spirit

Dreaming of snowy landscapes? Let it snow with these winter-themed documentaries as they transport you to frosty landscapes and unforgettable moments. Winter Tracks invites you to follow six athletes from vastly different backgrounds as they prepare for Beijing 2022. Their journeys are unique, but their shared dream of Olympic glory binds them together.

Ice dancing fans will be hooked by On Edge, which delves into the personal and professional lives of some of the world’s best ice dancing teams. For a dose of nostalgia, My Great Winter Olympic Moments revisits iconic performances through the eyes of gold medallists.

And for curling enthusiasts — or anyone curious about the sport — A Brilliant Curling Story recounts the unlikely victory of Team GB’s women at the Olympic Winter Games Salt Lake City 2002. It’s a story of strategy, teamwork and the quiet determination that turned an unassuming group of women into [spoiler alert!] Olympic champions.

So grab a cup of cocoa, settle in, and let these incredible stories light up your holiday season.

Find all series and documentaries on Olympics.com.