From the return of The Traitors and The Night Manager, and festive specials of all the soaps, to festive episodes of Amandaland, Mandy, All Creatures Great and Small, Bullseye, Call the Midwife, Death in Paradise, there's plenty to look forward to.
Of course, it wouldn't quite be Christmas without some fittingly heartwarming one-off specials either, and Julia Donaldson's The Scarecrow's Wedding is set to provide some animated fun for the family, as well as Guz Khan's Stuffed and another comedic offering from Brendan O'Carroll, Shedites.
But there's no use telling you everything to expect, scroll on to find out for yourself what shows will be airing over the festive period and where to watch them.
1. Amandaland Christmas special
Lucy Punch reprises her hilarious leading role as Amanda, with Joanna Lumley as her mother Felicity. But it's a very special reunion this time round as Lumley will be joined by her Absolutely Fabulous partner in crime Jennifer Saunders, who will play her on-screen sister Aunt Joan – described as "a ball of country-living, enthusiastic upper-class bluster [and] very, very different from Felicity".
"Anne’s in despair at being separated from her family, and Felicity is increasingly irritated by her sister’s constant high spirits. Meanwhile Mal sees a hidden photo that seems to reveal a deep family secret…"
The Amandaland Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 9:15pm.
2. The Night Manager season 2
Other returning faces include Olivia Colman (The Crown) as Angela Burr, Alistair Petrie (Sex Education) as Sandy Langbourne, Douglas Hodge (Joker) as Rex Mayhew, Michael Nardone (Traces) as Frisky and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) as Daniel Roper. New faces also include Camila Morrone (Daisy Jones & The Six), Indira Varma (Doctor Who), Paul Chahidi (Wicked Little Letters), and Hayley Squires (Adult Material).
The Night Manager season 2 will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on New Year's Day 2026 (Thursday 1st January) at 9:05pm.
3. All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special
Elsewhere, "Siegfried is back at Mrs Stokes's Farm to see Hilda the goat, who’s been up to more mischief," while Mrs Hall is determined to win the Drovers' darts competition and take home the top prize: a turkey, which are in short supply due to the war.
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 2025 will air on 5 on Christmas Eve at 9pm.
4. Call the Midwife Christmas specials
While plot details are under wraps for now, we do know that the episodes will feature a Poplar Christmas parade, several great costumes and things being more steady than ever between Trixie and Matthew.
Call the Midwife's two specials will air on BBC One and iPlayer at 8:15pm on Christmas Day and 8:30pm on Boxing Day respectively.
5. EastEnders
The EastEnders Christmas episodes will air on BBC One and iPlayer at 7:45pm and 9:45pm.
6. Death in Paradise Christmas special
This time round, the Christmas spirit will be unfolding in both Saint Marie and Swindon as an office Christmas party takes a very dark turn, with a stranger being found dead in their Caribbean villa.
The Death in Paradise Christmas Special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on 28th December at 8:30pm.
7. Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
The episode marks the final stint for long-running hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman but all the judges return once again, so we can expect plenty of praise and criticism from Head Judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 5:30pm.
8. The Scarecrow's Wedding
This year sees this tale of two devoted scarecrows get the animation treatment, with an all-star cast that includes Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey) as Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time) as Harry O’Hay and Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses) as the Narrator.
The Scarecrow's Wedding will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 3:10pm.
9. Beyond Paradise Christmas special
"When Esther discovers a man on the steps of the Shipton Abbott police station with no memory, holding a photo of Humphrey, the team gets to work to uncover who the mysterious man is while balancing a flurry of festive cases," the synopsis reads.
"But with an influx of unexpected visitors, a slew of holiday crimes to crack, and a heartwarming reunion on the line, can the team juggle it all and still be ready for a life-changing reveal?"
The Beyond Paradise Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on 21st December at 9pm.
10. Mandy Christmas special
But as ever, there’s a daft adventure on the horizon as Mandy ends up dabbling in global diplomacy.
The Mandy Who Knew Too Much will premiere on BBC Two and iPlayer on 22nd December 2025 at 10.25pm.
11. A Mary Berry Christmas
The beloved cook and presenter will explore the traditions that the nation likes to celebrate during the festive season, including delicious food, carols and picking out the perfect Christmas tree.
A Mary Berry Christmas will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on Wednesday 17th December at 9pm.
12. The Great British Sewing Bee
The festive episode will be presented by Sophie Willan, who'll be replacing Sara Pascoe as main host of the series next year.
The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Eve at 7.25pm.
13. Run Away
The new series assembles a great cast once more with Gavin & Stacey's Ruth Jones and James Nesbitt leading the cast as private investigator Elena Ravenscroft and confused father Simon Greene.
"So now when he finds her, vulnerable and strung out on drugs in a city park, he finally has the chance to bring his little girl home. But it turns out she’s not alone, and an argument escalates into shocking violence.
Run Away premieres on Netflix on 1st January 2026.
14. Coronation Street
Elsewhere, there's secrets and lies aplenty at the Rovers Return as Eva wrestles with the guilt of keeping a big secret, the Websters are set to be left reeling following a tragic death and also, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) edging closer to discovering the abuse that Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) is facing at the hands of his boyfriend Theo Silverton (James Cartwright).
The Coronation Street Christmas special will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Day at 7:15pm.
15. Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special
As per the synopsis: "Jean is invited to authenticate a newly acquired treasure – a rare Ormolu box once owned by Marie Antoinette. But the festive mood turns dark when Jean discovers a ticking bomb hidden inside.
The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special will air on 5 on 23rd December at 8pm.
16. Red Eye season 2
One of ITV's top 10 dramas of last year, this new season will follow DS Hana Li and Compston's guest character, who are forced to "set aside past differences to solve a new high-stakes conspiracy".
Red Eye will premiere on New Year’s Day on ITV and STV and will be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player.
17. Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 and finale
New characters have already been introduced for the final season, from Linda Hamilton's Dr Kay to Jake Connelly's Derek Turnbow, while Nell Fisher stuns in her role as Holly Wheeler. But what do the final four episodes have in store for the cast? We'll just have to wait and see.
Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 premieres on 25th December (26th December in the UK) on Netflix, with the finale premiering on 31st December (1st January in the UK).
18. The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off
Stars of the multi award-winning sitcom Peep Show are actually headed into the iconic tent as they swap awkward encounters for icing sugar as fan favourites David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman reunite for the first time since Peep Show wrapped in 2015.
The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off is coming to Channel 4 this Christmas.
19. Dear Father Christmas
With his dad (James Buckley) determined to “have the talk”, Chris’s mission to prove Father Christmas exists leads him on a hilarious and heartfelt adventure – complete with a star-studded ensemble cast including Greg Davies, Stephen Fry, Asim Chaudhry, Hannah Fry and more.
Dear Father Christmas will air on Channel 4.
20. The Hunting Wives
Based on the novel by Mary Cobb, the series follows a woman as she and her family move from Boston to Texas. There, she grows close to a socialite — maybe too close — and becomes consumed by obsession, seduction and murder.
The Hunting Wives will arrive on ITVX on Saturday 27th December 2025.
21. Amadeus
Paul Bettany (WandaVision) stars as the envious court composer Antonio Salieri, while Gabrielle Creevy (In My Skin, Black Doves) plays Constanze Weber, Mozart’s fiercely loyal wife.
Amadeus will launch on Sky and NOW on 21st December.
22. Two Doors Down Christmas special
Two Doors Down returns to BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas on Christmas Eve at 10pm.
23. The Masked Singer Christmas special
Joel Dommett returns as host of this year's Christmas episode, along with judges Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Maya Jama.
The Masked Singer Christmas special will air on ITV1 and ITVX.
24. Here We Go – Our New Year’s Fireworks Fantasaganza
The synopsis reads: "New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and this year Rachel is very keen to throw a massive party. Paul, less so: he’d much prefer a nice quiet holiday cottage with a sauna so he can sweat out the massive boil that’s recently appeared on his cheek; two quite different visions for seeing in the new year.
Here We Go – Our New Year’s Fireworks Fantasaganza will air on BBC One and iPlayer on New Year's Eve at 8pm.
25. Emmerdale
While fans of the series will be looking forward to plenty of action to unfold for many of the soap's characters, it looks as though times will continue to grow bleak for characters like Celia (Jaye Griffiths), Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) and Kim (Claire King). Charity's (Emma Atkins) secret is also set to come to light but will her pregnancy come to light?
The Emmerdale Christmas special will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Day at 6:15pm.
26. Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off
They'll have two tasks to impress, with the judges having also called in the help of last year’s Celebrity MasterChef winner, Vito Coppola.
Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Monday 22nd December at 8pm.
27. MasterChef Festive Extravaganza – Champion of Champions
This episode sees 2013 champion Natalie Coleman, 2023’s Chariya Khattiyot, 2020's Thomas Frake and 2024's Brin Pirathapan going head-to-head to see if they can come up with plates that will impress the judges and revered restaurant critic, Tom Parker Bowles.
MasterChef Festive Extravaganza – Champion of Champions will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Monday 29th December at 8pm.
28. Bullseye Christmas special
As of now, we don't know who will be competing but last year's special featured champion Luke Littler, so we'll just have to see who the show has under their sleeves.
Bullseye Christmas special will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Day at 8:15pm.
29. Stuffed
As per the synopsis: "His wife Hannah (Morgana Robinson), his two daughters and brother-in-law Jamie (Theo Barklem-Biggs) are all set for the ultimate festive adventure. However, when office worker Arslan discovers the bonus was a mistake and must be repaid immediately, Christmas chaos ensues - and disaster follows the family at every turn.
Stuffed will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Tuesday 23rd December at 9pm.
30. Amanda and Alan's Spanish Christmas
They're set to bring their usual chaos and hilarity as they dive into Spanish Christmas traditions, making homemade treats and more.
Amanda and Alan's Spanish Christmas will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 27th December at 5:45pm.
31. The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas special
Celebs taking on the task this year include TV presenter AJ Odudu, broadcaster Angela Scanlon, Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges, comedian Eddie Kadi, EastEnders actor Jake Wood and more.
The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on 29th December at 9pm, with the second and final episode coming the next day, also at 9pm.
32. The Good Ship Murder Christmas special
As per the synopsis, we're set to go to Alicante for this episode. It continues: "Donna, a woman claiming to suffer from a life-changing illness, boards the ship with her loyal friend Bernie. As the festive voyage begins, Donna charms fellow passenger Gary and yearning for a Christmas miracle, visits a remote monastery. There she meets Rodriguez, a mysterious man of the cloth, and Thomasina, an enigmatic nun. But the holiday cheer turns dark when Bernie is found dead.
"Meanwhile Jack, recently sacked from the ship, is lying low performing to half-empty rooms in a grimy dive bar. The monastery murder draws Kate back to him, and with Jamil’s help, will the two finally rekindle their romance?"
The Good Ship Murder Christmas special will air on 5 on 29th December at 9pm.
33. The Great Festive Pottery Showdown
While we'll just have to watch and see who has got what it takes when it comes to crafting amazing bowls, trinkets and the like, we do know that Siobhán McSweeney will host the celebrity festive edition. Judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller also return, tasked with deciding whether the results of the wheel should be displayed with pride or not.
The Great Festive Pottery Showdown will air on Channel 4 on 26th December at 7:45pm.
34. Taskmaster: Champion of Champions
This year, Sam Campbell, John Robins, Andy Zaltzman, and Mathew Baynton return to see if they have what it takes to concur a whole new batch of tasks, that will likely be a lot more difficult and far-fetched than their previous stints.
Taskmaster: Champion of Champions will air on Channel 4 on 22nd December at 9pm.
35. Taskmaster's New Year Treat
An eclectic mix of five famous faces from all corners of the entertainment world will take on a raft of challenges, with those including BAFTA-winning TV chef and musician Big Zuu, former footballer Jill Scott MBE, actress and presenter Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE, BRIT-nominated singer and musician Sam Ryder, as well as lexicographer, etymologist and presenter Susie Dent.
Taskmaster's New Year Treat will air on Channel 4.
36. The Family Next Door
This series follows enigmatic Isabelle as she moves into a small seaside cul-de-sac. There, her obsessive drive to solve a mystery casts suspicion on four neighbouring families but will she be able to get to the bottom of this case that she can't seem to let go of?
The Family Next Door will air on ITVX on 21st December.
37. Gladiators: Celebrity Special
The BBC series has continued to go from strength to strength since it was rebooted for the BBC and there's a reason it's known as the toughest show on TV. Who will come out triumphant after the selection of challenges? We'll have to see.
Gladiators: Celebrity Special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 3:35pm.
38. The Repair Shop at Christmas
Elsewhere, author Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon also want to repair toy farmhouse, which has helped inspire some of Julia’s best-loved books.
The Repair Shop at Christmas will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday 26th December at 7:30pm.
39. The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas
The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas will air on 22nd December at 8pm.
40. A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower
The dream itself involves an invitation to spend the night in the house of an acquaintance, where an unseen terror lurks and the figures who populate the dream seem to age in real time. However, as per the synopsis: "Nightmare and waking life seem to finally collide when an invitation to the dreaded room in the tower becomes all too real…"
A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower will air on BBC Two and iPlayer on Christmas Eve at 10pm.
41. Sister Boniface Christmas special
While plot details are currently under wraps, we can expect the kind of cosy crime plot that will leave us feeling all warm inside for the season. Last year's episode was centred around a fittingly festive panto but we'll just have to wait and see what Sister Boniface and her team are set to face.
Sister Boniface Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer.
42. Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year specials
As for the New Year episode, Stormin' Mammy, "tensions are high as Agnes and the gang prepare for an incoming storm. Buster’s flying high as he nervously awaits his birthday parachute jump. Winnie receives a shock to the system and a lost Nun looks for help".
Mrs Brown's Boys will air on BBC One and iPlayer at 10:15pm on Christmas Day and 10:05pm on New Year's Day.
43. Shedites
The synopsis reads: "It’s a place where men make themselves useful building and repairing things, and along the way find company through unlikely friendships, a sense of purpose, and a mug of strong tea. For many, the men’s sheds offer a new lease of life, and the Rathbowen shed is no exception."
Shedites will air on BBC One and iPlayer on New Year's Day at 10:35pm.
44. The Traitors season 4
Still, nothing quite beats seeing a raft of civilians trying to suss out who is a Traitor or Faithful in the fittingly moody castle setting, with Claudia Winkleman providing plenty of meme-able moments in due course, we're sure.
The Traitors season 4 will premiere on New Year's Day on BBC One and iPlayer at 9:05pm.
45. The Big Fat Quiz of the Year
This time, host Jimmy Carr is joined by Jonathan Ross, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed, Roisin Conaty and Lou Sanders.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
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