The Yule log sounds like something from dystopian fiction: In a world where trees are under attack from corporate interests, our most heartwarming tradition is watching a fake fireplace through a cold screen. Yet, ironically or otherwise, the Yule log is a holiday television staple. The Yule log proves that you don’t need wood to enjoy a roaring fire, and now, thanks to online video streaming services, you don’t need cable. Here’s how to stream the Yule log this holiday season.

Top-Rated Services for Streaming the Yule Log

Netflix Review

4.5 Outstanding

Tubi Review

4.0 Excellent

• $0.00 at Tubi See It

Hulu Review

4.0 Excellent

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Peacock Review

4.0 Excellent

• $0.00 at Peacock TV See It

Amazon Prime Video Review

4.0 Excellent

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The Roku Channel Review

3.5 Good

• $0.00 at Roku See It

Shudder Review

3.5 Good

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YouTube Premium Review

3.0 Average

• $11.99 Per Month at YouTube See It

How to Watch the Original Yule Log

No one can claim ownership of the idea of watching a fireplace. However, the Yule log as we know it began in the 1960s on New York City's WPIX. Decades later, the television channel still airs the footage on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including original footage once thought to be lost.

WPIX’s owners have allowed other stations across the country to air all four hours of cozy Yule log crackling. Check your local schedule for details. You can watch the Yule log the way it was meant to be seen by subscribing to a live TV streaming service.

How to Stream the Yule Log

Just as there are many video streaming services, there are many types of Yule logs. From cute kittens to hidden horror, here are just a few Yule log and Yule log alternatives available on the top services.

• A Happy and Friends Yule Log (Peacock)

• Adult Swim Yule Log (Apple TV)

• Christmas Fireplace (Prime Video)

• Christmas Moods by the Fireplace (Tubi)

• Fireplace for Your Home (Netflix)

• The Ghoul Log (Shudder)

• Happiest Season: Holiday Yule Log (Hulu)

• Yule Log Channel (Roku)

That’s just the tip of the Yule log iceberg. In addition, you can watch a perfectly fine fire without paying a dime. ABC streams its own Yule Log for free, and there are many lengthy Yule log videos on YouTube (though you may want to pay for YouTube Premium so ads don’t break the fireplace facade).

This holiday season you can either chop down a tree and set it ablaze in your fireplace, or sit back and stream comfy Yule log footage. The choice is yours. And you can add to the festivities by singing along to a tune streamed from one of our favorite music services.