Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg's new comedy Daddy's Home will be delivered by Santa Claus in time for Christmas.

The Adam McKay-produced movie will hit US cinemas on Christmas Day (December 25), Paramount has announced.

The Christmas Day release puts Daddy's Home in competition with the Jennifer Lawrence drama Joy, the remake of Point Break and Oliver Stone's Edward Snowden biopic.

December's crowded release schedule also includes Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's Sisters earlier in the month.

Daddy's Home stars Ferrell as a step-father trying his best to build a relationship with his wife's children just when their cool dad Wahlberg returns.