Drama
Amadeus
Sunday 21 December, 9pm, Sky Atlantic
Peter Shaffer’s decorated play about the rivalry between musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Will Sharp) and the lesser-known composer Antonio Salieri (Paul Bettany) makes its way to the small screen. It begins with Mozart’s arrival in Vienna, hoping to make waves with his rockstar ways – much to the disgust of devout, classically minded Salieri, who is determined to throw his nemesis out of court.
Beyond Paradise
Sunday 21 December, 9pm, BBC One
Christmas is a particularly busy time for the detectives of Shipton Abbott, but this year’s mystery is particularly confounding. When Esther (Zahra Ahmadi) discovers a man who seems to have lost his memory on the steps of the police stations, she’s surprised to find he’s clutching a photograph of DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall). Who could he be? Meanwhile, Martha (Sally Bretton) hatches a secret plan, and PC Kelby (Dylan Llewellyn) helps someone stuck in a snowman costume.
The Madame Blanc Mysteries
Tuesday 23rd December, 8pm, 5
Sally Lindsay is back as Sainte Victoire’s resident antique dealer-turned-amateur sleuth. Jean’s Christmas festivities get off to a good start when she’s invited to a Christmas Eve event at the local museum, where she will authenticate a box that was once owned by Marie Antoinette. But things take a turn for the dramatic when Jean finds a ticking bomb inside the box. With only 90 minutes to detonation, Jean must race against the clock to crack the code and defuse the bomb.
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special
Christmas Eve, 9pm, 5
The beloved, cosy adaptation of James Herriot’s country vet memoirs has reached Christmas 1945, the first peacetime festivities since the Second World War. But that doesn’t mean everything is easy – Christmas dinner is in short supply, Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) has forgotten he’s supposed to provide the Christmas tree, and – with Helen (Rachel Shenton) poorly – it falls to James (Nicholas Ralph) to organise the Nativity play. Sounds like a very chaotic Christmas – but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower
Christmas Eve, 10pm, BBC Two
Mark Gatiss’s eighth festive ghost story boasts the best cast yet, with none other than Dame Joanna Lumley and The Crown’s Tobias Menzies leading the fright fest. It’s adapted from one of E F Benson’s tales and tells the story of a man who has been haunted by the same scary dream for 15 years in which he is invited to spend the night in a room inhabited by an unseen terror. When an invitation to sleep in a tower in real life arrives, the dream becomes a living nightmare.
Call the Midwife
Christmas Day, 8.15pm and Boxing Day, 8.30pm
The festive episodes of Call the Midwife have once again been split into two episodes, but there is one major change this Christmas: one episode will be set in Hong Kong. Yes, you read that right. When the ground underneath the mission collapses in Hong Kong, the midwives of Nonnatus House hotfoot it over there to help look after the displaced orphans and mothers. Back in Poplar, the Christmas parade sees Trixie and co dressed up as angels atop a float before (uncharacteristically for some) letting their hair down.
Stranger Things
Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, Netflix
Stranger Things creators the Duffer brothers were very cruel to leave us on such a spectacular cliffhanger at the end of the first batch of episodes of season five. Thankfully, there’s not long to wait for the series to continue (and reach its ultimate conclusion). If those first four chapters are anything to go by, it’s going to be a heartstopping thrill ride to the very end – which, if all goes to plan for our buddies in Hawkins, will result in the death of Vecna and the destruction of the Upside Down. At least everyone is still alive… for now.
The Lowdown
Boxing Day, Disney+
You might not have heard of Lee Roy Chapman, but in certain circles he’s a legendary historian and citizen journalist responsible for exposing corruption and wrongdoing by those in power. He’s also the inspiration for Ethan Hawke’s character in The Lowdown, Lee Raybon, a self-proclaimed “truthstorian”, whose relentless pursuit of justice makes him a target for those who would rather he didn’t report those misdeeds.
The Hunting Wives
Saturday 27 December, ITVX
When Sophie (Brittany Snow) and her family move to East Texas after a traumatic event turns their life around, spiralling anxiety and jarring new surroundings threaten her fresh start. But then she meets the mystifying, enchanting Margo (Malin Åkerman), leader of the “Hunting Wives” – a pack of rich, privileged women so-called thanks to their love of shooting. As she is drawn into their inner circle, Sophie finds herself swept away by the glamour – until a local young woman is murdered and rumours start to spread that one of her new friends might be the culprit.
The Good Ship Murder
Saturday 27 December, 9pm, 5
Cruise ship singer Jack Grayling is in Alicante for the Christmas special of The Good Ship Murder – but loyal fans will know he’s not actually on the boat, having been sacked in the previous series. Instead, he’s performing for tourists in the city’s dive bars, but when an elderly cruiser is found murdered after visiting a remote monastery, Jack is pulled into the investigation by First Officer Kate (Catherine Tyldesley).
Death in Paradise
Sunday 28 December, 9pm, BBC One
If you’re dreading your work Christmas party, just be glad you don’t work in Saint Marie. DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his team are called in when four co-workers wake up after their office do with a dead stranger floating in the pool of the villa they’re renting. Before long they’ve identified the murder weapon – which just happens to be locked in a drawer thousands of miles away in Swindon. Quite the Christmas conundrum…
Run Away
New Year’s Day, Netflix
A new Harlan Coben series on the first day of the year has become quite the tradition – or is it just Netflix capitalising on us having to spend the day under the duvet with sore heads? Either way, Run Away stars James Nesbitt as a distraught father searching for his daughter, Paige, who has run away. But he’s not the only one looking for her – a private investigator (Gavin and Stacey’s Ruth Jones) is also on the hunt. As ever with a Coben thriller, things aren’t all they seem.
The Night Manager
New Year’s Day, 9pm, BBC One
The Night Manager was a mega-hit for the BBC when it premiered in early 2016 thanks to its incredible cast, twisty plot and stylish glamour. I’m surprised it’s taken so long for it to return for a second series – though since Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman have transformed into Hollywood darlings since then, I’d imagine it was tough to pin them down. Both reprise their roles for the new series, which will see Jonathan Pine dragged back into the murky world of the illegal arms trade – a journey that takes him to the sweltering heat of Colombia’s criminal underbelly.
Red Eye
New Year’s Day, 9pm, ITV1
Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharpe return to ITV’s high octane thriller, while Lone of Duty‘s Martin Compston replaces original star Richard Armitage. When a murder takes place inside the US embassy in London, the head of MI5 Madeline Delany (Sharpe) calls on DS Hana Li (Lusi) to work with the buildings’ head of security, Clay Brody (Compston) to find the killer. With the embassy on lockdown, it’s only a matter of time until there’s another victim, but Hana and Clay’s power struggle threatens to upend the investigation.
Comedy
Taskmaster
Monday 22nd December, 9pm and Friday 2nd January, Channel 4
Champion of Champions crowns the ultimate Taskmaster winner this month, with former winners Sam Campbell, John Robins, Andy Zaltzman, Mathew Baynton and Maisie Adam all competing for the title. And for those who can’t get enough of Greg Davies and Alex Horne, 2025’s New Year’s Treat is split into two episodes as Big Zuu, Jill Scott, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Sam Ryder and Susie Dent take on their increasingly zany challenges.
Mammoth
Monday 22 December, 10pm, BBC Two
There’s something delightfully old school about Mammoth – probably because its main character is a bloke stuck in 1979. It’s Tony Mammoth’s first Christmas since his resurrection and – despite his attempts to make it special – he ends up ruining it for everyone thanks to his typical selfishness. Mel (Sian Gibson) isn’t having a great time either, and her festive frustrations spill over into anger at the homeless shelter.
Mandy
Monday 22 December, 10.25pm, BBC Two
This Christmas, Diane Morgan’s absurdist creation Mandy is hoping to stay wrapped up warm inside watching TV. But this year she’s pulled into a spot of global diplomacy, a job that – like all the others she’s had a crack at – she presumes she’ll be a natural at. And why not? She certainly ends up making some sort of difference to the world’s balance of power…
Stuffed
Tuesday 23 December, 9pm, BBC One
Guz Khan plays Arslan, a family man who uses his Christmas bonus to pay for his mixed-faith family to go to Lapland. Once there, though, he finds out that the bonus was a mistake, and he has to pay it all back. Just one problem – it’s all gone. Arslan – a practicing Muslim – soon finds himself racing to save a Christmas he doesn’t even believe in for the sake of his family’s happiness.
Finding Father Christmas
Christmas Eve, 7.30pm, Channel 4
Sixteen-year-old Chris (Lenny Rush) still believes in Father Christmas, much to the dismay of his father (James Buckley), who wants him to be on the same page as his peers. Desperate to prove that he’s right, Chris sets out on a mission to prove that the man in red really does exist, and ends up discovering a conspiracy involving the world’s best thinkers and scientists (suitably played by Stephen Fry and Hannah Fry).
Gone Christmas Fishing
Christmas Eve, 9pm, BBC Two
Previous Christmas editions of Gone Fishing have taken Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer to France, Scotland and Norway, but this year they’re sticking to their homeland of England. Along with Ted the toothy dog, the comedians will be heading down to Devon and Cornwall, arriving in style by steam train. There, they’ll be joined by local Dawn French and have a bankside check-up with Dr Anand Patel.
Two Doors Down
Christmas Eve, 10pm, BBC One
Following the death of co-creator Simon Carlyle in 2023, I thought we’d never see a new episode of Two Doors Down on TV again. But here we are, with a festive special on the way and a live theatre show due to premiere in the new year. It’s a Christmas miracle! When Beth and Eric (Arabella Weir and Alex Norton) decide to put up their tree early, it irks the other residents of Latimer Crescent – but they’ll still ask for a mince pie, if they’re going.
Amandaland
Christmas Day, 9.15pm, BBC One
It’s all very exciting that Amandaland is getting a Christmas special, but even more wonderful is that it marks the first on-screen reunion between Ab Fab’s Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders. Here they play sisters, with Saunders appearing as Amanda’s Aunt Joan, a country-loving, eager toff who is miles away from Amanda’s mother Felicity (Lumley).
Mrs Brown’s Boys
Christmas Day, 10.15pm and New Year’s Day, 10.05pm, BBC One
Like it or not, to some people, new episodes of Mrs Brown’s Boys are as much of a festive tradition as paper crowns and charades. In the first of two specials, Agnes (Brendan O’Carroll) attempts to gather her family together for a Christmassy photo, while Cathy struggles to find presents for everyone. On New Year’s Day, there’s a storm brewing – just in time for Buster’s birthday parachute jump. There’s never a dull day round at the Browns.
Would I Lie to You? at Christmas
Boxing Day, 7pm, BBC One
Musician Jools Holland and radio presenter Swarzy Shire are on David Mitchell’s team for this year’s Christmas-themed round of porky telling, presided over by Rob Brydon. They face off against Helen George and David Walliams on Lee Mack’s side. This is the 13th Christmas special of Would I Lie to You – and long may it continue!
The Big Fat Quiz of the Year
Boxing Day, 9pm, Channel 4
Jonathan Ross, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed, Roisin Conaty and Lou Sanders are the quizzers answering Jimmy Carr’s questions about 2025’s biggest stories. As ever, Charles Dance, the children of Mitchell Brook Primary School and a raft of surprise guests are on hand to help ask about Katy Perry’s trip to space, Lily Allen’s divorce and that infamous Coldplay concert.
Here We Go
New Year’s Eve, 8pm, BBC One
Here We Go is one of the best family sitcoms in years. Paul (Jim Howick) had dreams of a relaxed New Year’s Eve, sweating out the boil that’s appeared on his chest in a soothing sauna. But his wife Rachel (Katherine Parkinson) has other ideas and wants to throw a huge party – which is why Paul finds himself procuring some dodgy fireworks from a police auction.
The Last Leg of the Year
New Year’s Eve, 9pm, Channel 4
If you’re after a laugh rather than a boogie on New Year’s Eve, then you could do worse than joining Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker for an irreverent recap of the year just gone. Joining them for their dive into the biggest headlines of 2025 are Sir Lenny Henry, Phil Wang, Maisie Adam, Dani Dyer, Pete Doherty, Alex James, Lucy Bronze and Hannah Botterman.
Shedites
New Year’s Day, 10.25pm, BBC One
The news that the team behind Mrs Brown’s Boys has a new sitcom on the horizon will elicit either cheers or groans. It’s set in and around the “men’s shed” in a rural Irish village – a place where blokes can meet to chat, drink tea and generally tinker about. In this pilot episode, the shedites – as they dub themselves – set out to build their own bicycle out of recycled parts, fit to compete in the upcoming “Santa Spin” race.
Entertainment
A Mary Berry Christmas
Wednesday 17 December, 9pm, BBC One
Mary Berry is a great lover of tradition, which is why she spends this hour of festive TV celebrating the customs of a Great British Christmas. She’s joined by Alison Steadman, Zoe Ball and Gladiators’ Harry Aikines-Aryeete to hear of their own traditions, all while teaching us her favourite classic recipes, from pigs in blankets cassoulet to a pear and ginger steamed pudding.
The Royal Variety Performance
Sunday 21 December, Time TBC, ITV1
![From Lifted Entertainment The Royal Variety Performance 2025 on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Jason Manford. This photograph is (C) Lifted Entertainment and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Publicity. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Publicity. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://londonnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SEI_277083753.jpg)
There’s an excellent reason to tune into this year’s Royal Variety Performance – and it’s not just the return of host Jason Manford. The talk of the West End, Paddington Bear, will be making an appearance at this year’s Royal Albert Hall show – a welcome chance for those who can’t afford those very expensive tickets to see the marvel for ourselves. There’s also performances from the cast of Les Mis, Jessie J and Britain’s Got Talent winner Harry Moulding.
MasterChef
Monday 22 December, 8pm and Monday 29 December, 9pm, BBC One
John Torode hangs onto his status as judge in these festive specials of the cooking competition, though they were thankfully filmed after Gregg Wallace’s departure. In the celebrity version, GK Barry, Kola Bokinni, Nikki Fox and Iain Stirling all hope to impress Torode and Grace Dent with their ultimate Christmas dinners, while the Champion of Champion competition welcomes back past winners to prove they’ve still got what it takes to reign over the MasterChef kitchen.
Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas
Monday 22 December, 9pm, BBC One
Fresh from his Celebrity Traitors win, Alan Carr is back in Spain with his pal Amanda Holden. They’re planning a Christmas feast at their house in Moclin before they put it on the market, blending English and Spanish traditions together. While Alan gets carried away with his maximalist decorating, Amanda is on pudding duty and learns how to make the traditional three kings’ cake at one of Granada’s oldest bakeries.
The Great British Sewing Bee
Christmas Eve, 7.25pm, BBC One
Sophie Willan (Alma’s Not Normal) takes her place as the new Sewing Bee host for the festive special as celebs try their hand at judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant’s challenges. Anton Du Beke, Lucy Beaumont, Susan Wokoma and Gladiator Hammer first have to make present sacks before transforming second-hand clothes into an outfit fit for a “12 days of Christmas-themed party”. Rather them than me.
Gladiators
Christmas Day, 3.35pm, BBC One
Joe Wicks, Sam Thompson, Nicola Adams and Vogue Williams are the celebrities showing off their bravery this Christmas by taking on the Gladiators – and each other. It’s the nation’s PE teacher Wicks vs Viper in the hair-raising Duel, while podcaster Thompson unveils his own gladiatorial alter ego: The Cockroach.
The Weakest Link
Christmas Day, 4.45pm and New Year’s Eve, 6.40pm, BBC One
The perfect show to test your general knowledge against your family is on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve – perfect for those who’d rather collapse in front of the TV than play board games. Lou Sanders, Ade Adepitan, and Martine McCutcheon are among the first eight to bank as much dosh as possible, while the “party special” features Patsy Palmer, Keith Brymer-Jones and H from Steps.
Strictly Come Dancing
Christmas Day, 5.30pm, BBC One
It might have been filmed weeks before the live final of the 2025 competition, but this is the last time we’ll ever see Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts of Strictly. Seeing them out on the dance floor are contestants Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Jodie Ounsley, Nicholas Bailey, Babatunde Aléshé, and Brian McFadden, while Blue will provide the musical entertainment. Tissues at the ready!
Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel
Christmas Day, 6.45pm, BBC One
The usual general knowledge topics (though is there any such thing as “usual” on The Wheel?) are swapped out for Christmassy subjects like reindeer and festive food on this special episode. This time it’s celebrities Richard Osman, Mel Giedroyc and Paddy McGuinness hoping to take home some cash for their chosen charities, and they’ll be helped by Gavin and Stacey themselves, Matthew Horne and Joanna Page, among other familiar faces.
The Great British Bake Off
Christmas Day, 8pm and New Year’s Day, 6.40pm, Channel 4
The Bake Off tent hosts a long overdue Peep Show reunion on Christmas Day, with David Mitchell (Mark), Olivia Colman (Sophie), Isy Suttie (Dobby), Matt King (Super Hans) and Sophie Winkleman (Big Suze) all taking on Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith’s bakes. And as is tradition in the new year, past contestants will return to the tent to prove their baking skills once and for all. This year, however, they’ll be competing in pairs.
Bullseye
Christmas Day, 8.15pm, ITV1
You can’t beat a bit of Bully – especially on Christmas day. Freddie Flintoff is back on hosting duties on Christmas Day following the first full series reboot of the iconic 80s darts competition. Darts superstar Luke Littler was on hand to help the contestants win some impressive prizes last year – I’d imagine this year’s throwers and knowers will be hoping he’ll be back to help them score again.
The 1% Club
Christmas Day, 9.15pm, ITV1
If you’ve got a brainbox around you at Christmas, don’t watch Lee Mack’s lateral thinking quiz show with them – unless you don’t mind feeling stupid. One hundred contestants hope to win up to £100,000 by answering confounding and deliberately confusing questions – the sort that make you shout “well obviously!” when the answer is finally revealed.
The Repair Shop at Christmas
Boxing Day, 7.30pm, BBC One
The Repair Shop might win the prize for the most impressive guest this year, as Dame Helen Mirren brings her beloved – but rather broken – cello to the barn. Previously owned by theatre director Martin Landau, who escaped the Nazis at 14, the cello now resides in a care home for retired members of the entertainment industries. Can luthier Becky Houghton fix the snapped neck in time to bring some festive cheer to the care home residents?
The Festive Pottery Showdown
Boxing Day, 7.45pm, Channel 4
Amber Gill, Colin Murray, Sarah Hadland and Tim Vine are the next celebrities to step up to the potter’s wheel in this new Christmas special, hosted by the ever-delightful Siobhán McSweeney. As well as hand-building their own North Pole scene, they must also race against the clock to throw as many reindeer water bowls as possible. Sounds messy.
The Masked Singer
Boxing Day, 7.30pm, ITV1
I usually can’t stand the rampant silliness of The Masked Singer, but there’s something about Christmas that softens my negativity towards it. Obviously, we don’t know which celebrities will be taking part – that’s the whole point – but we do know that the usual panel of detectives (Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Maya Jama) will be on hand to identify them by their (usually dodgy) singing.
Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Boxing Day, 9pm, ITV1
![Stellify Media Who Wants To Pe A Millionaire?: SR39: Ep1 on ITV1 Pictured: Jeremy Clarkson This photograph is (C) Stellify Media/Sony and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: liberty.warner@itv.com](https://londonnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SEI_277090065.jpg)
Ex-England rugby pro Joe Marler was grossly underestimated on this year’s Celebrity Traitors – will the same happen in this festive edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Also sitting in the hot seat opposite host Jeremy Clarkson for the celebrity Christmas special is comedian Katherine Ryan, who will be hoping to take as much money home for charity as possible.
Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win
Saturday 27 December, 8.30pm, ITV1
Anything Ant and Dec touch turns to gold – and their quiz show Limitless Win is no different. The show has given away more than £3.5 million in prize money since it began in 2022 and has been watched by more than 25 million viewers. If you aren’t one of them, the show gives contestants the chance to climb a limitless money ladder by answering questions where every answer is a number. Get it right and they can take home millions – but if they go over by just one, they end up with nothing.
The Celebrity Apprentice
Monday 29 December, 9pm, BBC One
Lord knows that The Apprentice needs an injection of fun, and hopefully introducing celebrities into the mix will make it watchable again. AJ Odudu, Rob Rinder, Jake Wood and previous Apprentice wannabe Tom Skinner are among those competing to raise the most money for Children in Need. The task sees them creating Christmas biscuits (along with jingles and adverts) in Lapland before heading back to London to pitch their festive treats to major supermarkets.
DIY SOS: Gladiators Special
Tuesday 30 December, 8pm, BBC One
There’s nothing more heartwarming than watching Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team transform the lives of people who need a helping hand – particularly at Christmas. And who better to help them than the impossibly strong Gladiators? Together, they’re building a new youth centre for the youngsters of Beverley, giving them a warm and safe place to play after their previous home was turned into a food pantry during the pandemic.
The Graham Norton New Year’s Eve Show
New Year’s Eve, 10.30pm, BBC One
Graham has a very packed sofa for his annual New Year’s Eve show. Tom Hiddleston is there to chat about the return of spy drama The Night Manager, the star of Adolescence Owen Cooper will reflect on his breakout year, and Oscar winner Laura Dern are just a handful of the famous faces paying him a visit. There’ll also be music from Alison Limerick, whose dance hit “Where Love Lives” is the soundtrack to the John Lewis Christmas ad.
The Traitors
New Year’s Day, 8pm, BBC One
Arguably, the most anticipated show in the Christmas schedules is the return of the civilian version of The Traitors. Whether it will be able to live up to the chaos and skullduggery of this autumn’s excellent celebrity iteration remains to be seen – but with £120,000 going to the players rather than charity, the stakes are certainly higher. All we can expect is the unexpected…
Family
The Famous Five
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
The newest episode of Enid Blyton’s beloved series is an adaptation of Big Trouble on Billycock Hill. When a Spitfire crash lands near Kirrin Cottage, George (Diaana Babnicova), Julian (Elliott Rose), Dick (Kit Rakusen), Anne (Flora Jacoby Richardson) and Timmy the dog can’t help but investigate. There they find the injured pilot and race to get him help before his enemies return.
Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
Adam Kay is best known for his unwavering and surprisingly hilarious account of his time as an NHS doctor. That sense of humour is obvious in his new children’s show about the world’s youngest doctor, Dexter Procter. His first day working in the hospital is going well – until he meets his colleague Dr Drake (Peter Serafinowicz), who doesn’t believe that children should be doctors and wants to get him fired.
Dodge’s Pup School
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
When Miss Collie asks Dodge to direct the school’s Christmas show, he can’t help but go all out. His puppy classmates are soon singing while roller-skating, playing their instruments super-fast and dancing in ridiculous costumes. Perhaps bigger isn’t always better.
The Weasy Family
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
Weasy the weasel is certain that Santa Claus won’t visit him and his adopted ducklings this Christmas. But when he wakes up on Christmas morning, he’s shocked to find that their stockings have a present in them – which he wastes no time stealing for himself, hoping the ducklings won’t notice.
Go Get Arty
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
Christmas must be wonderful in the Kwapong household – all homemade decorations and family fun. We get a glimpse into their crafty world in this Christmas special as they teach us how to make our own festive crackers and cosy snowglobe jumpers. There’s also a lesson from illustrator Rob Biddulp on how to draw a cheery Christmas pudding.
The CBeebies Panto: Cinderella
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
The CBeebies gang are performing the ultimate classic pantomime this year. Presenter Evie Pickerill plays Cinderella, while Blue Peter host Joel Mawhinney is her best friend Buttons. Featuring original songs and plenty of fun, this is one way to enjoy the magic of panto without even leaving your house.
Shaun the Sheep
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
The world’s cheekiest sheep wants to help Farmer Ben create the perfect Christmas card – by knitting everyone festive jumpers from his wool. It turns out that’s the easy part; getting everyone to pose for the picture is the biggest challenge when creating the best card Mossy Bottom Farm has ever sent.
Spidey and His Amazing Friends
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
Spidey and his gang of superheroes want to give Aunt May a very special Christmas present this year – a snow day. But it turns out to be more difficult than they imagined, and they first must help Santa with his deliveries. Meanwhile, Aunt Petunia’s latkes are stolen on Hannukah and it falls to The Thing and Spidey to find them.
I Spy, You Spy
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer and Christmas Day, 10.35am, CBeebies
Elsee invites you to join a Christmassy edition of her favourite game, I Spy. She’s joined by her new friend Seb, and together they take turns spotting stars and presents while sitting under a beautiful Christmas tree. Listen closely and you might even be able to hear Santa’s sleigh.
Pudsey and the Thread of Hope
Christmas Eve, 10.20am, BBC One
Surprisingly, Children in Need’s iconic bear Pudsey has never been brought to life in his own animation before – but that’s about to change. This charming, heartwarming story is written by McFly’s Tom Fletcher and follows Jai, a young boy who learns how to cope with the loss of his father with Pudsey’s help. It’s got an impressive cast, too, with Ashley Banjo, Jessica Gunning and Nikesh Patel all lending their voices to the show.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding
Christmas Day, 3.10pm, BBC One
It simply wouldn’t be Christmas Day without a new animation inspired by one of Julia Donaldson’s delightful children’s books. Betty O’Barley (Jessie Buckley) and Harry O’Hay (Domhnall Gleeson) are the scarecrow couple in question, whose wedding plans are put at risk when Harry plans a grand gesture at the last minute. Narrated by Sophie Okonedo, this is a typically touching and funny dive into Donaldson’s world.
Factual
Inside M&S at Christmas
Tuesday 16 December, 9pm, ITV1
![From South Shore Inside M&S at Christmas on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Alice. This photograph is (C) South Shore and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Publicity. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Publicity. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://londonnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SEI_277100496.jpg)
It’s time to go behind the scenes of Marks and Spencer as it once again ramps up its Christmas experiments. On the menu this year is a classically festive panettone, a Christmas cracker-themed Colin the Caterpillar cake and – my personal favourite – mini fish and chip shop-inspired canapés.
Steve Backshall’s Royal Arctic Challenge
Thursday 18th December 8.30pm, ITV1
![This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 Thursday 4th December 2025 From Fresh Start Media Steve Backshall's Royal Arctic Challenge on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Steve approaching Coronation Glacier. This photograph is (C) Fresh Start Media and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Publicity. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Publicity. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://londonnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SEI_277100375.jpg)
In 1975, King Charles went on a trip to the Canadian Arctic. Now, adventurer Steve Backshall is following in his footsteps in the hope of drawing awareness to the devastation of climate change over the past 50 years. As well as following Backshall’s journey, this documentary also hears from the King himself, who reminisces on his original trek through the snow.
Hidden Treasures of the National Trust
Friday 19 December, 9pm, BBC Two
If you’ve ever been to a National Trust house at Christmas time, you’ll know just how spectacular the decorations are. In this festive edition of the series, the teams at Cragside in Northumberland, Cotehele in Cornwall and Coleton Fishacre in Devon reveal just how much work goes into making the magic.
Wild Horses, The Rockies and Me
Sunday 21 December, 7pm, BBC Two
Wildlife documentarian Gordon Buchanan is in the North American Rocky Mountains this Christmas, searching for a glimpse of its herds of wild horses. When he comes across two stallions battling for dominance, he works to gain their trust and immerse himself in their untamed world.
The Yorkshire Vet
Monday 22 December, 8pm, 5
Christmas is famously a rough time for turkeys, so it’s only right that Yorkshire vet Peter Wright attends to one in the festive edition of his beloved series. Meanwhile, fellow vet Julian searches for a lost parrot before he and Peter have the honour of turning on Thirsk’s Christmas lights.
Secrets of the Conclave
Monday 22 December, 9pm, BBC Two
The conclave was a huge story this year, partly thanks to the recent Oscar-nominated film about the process of choosing the next Pope. This documentary tells the inside story of the collective decision to elect Pope Leo XIV, with unprecedented access to the Vatican and exclusive interviews with the cardinals who were there.
All Creatures Great and Small: Behind the Magic
Boxing Day, 8pm, 5
Graeme Hall (AKA The Dog Father of Dogs Behaving Badly fame) travels to Yorkshire to go behind the scenes of filming for the latest series of All Creatures Great and Small. How do they get the animals to behave on set? And who eats all the food cooked by Mrs Hall? There’s only one way to find out.
Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: Is There Life Beyond Earth
Sunday 28 December, 7pm, BBC Four
Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock delivers three lectures pondering whether we’re really alone in the universe. Her opening lesson focuses on the moon and the viability of life on its surface, before she opens up her search to the planets of our solar system. The final lecture goes even further – is there really a possibility of living things in alien universes?
Titanic Sinks Tonight
Sunday 28 December, 9pm, BBC Two
This four-part series uses dramatised scenes to retell the tragic story of the Titanic and how the apparently “unsinkable” ship ended up at the bottom of the Atlantic. Created from eye-witness testimony and various enquiries into the disaster alongside analysis from contributing experts, it’s a heartbreaking yet insightful recounting of the reality of that fateful night in April 1912.
Torvill and Dean: The Last Dance
Sunday 28 December, 9pm, ITV1
Olympic champion ice skaters and Dancing on Ice judges Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean have been travelling the country on a farewell tour, performing for fans for one last time. This one-off documentary follows their emotional journey to retirement – and, of course, sees them performing their iconic Bolero for the last few times.
Wild London
New Year’s Day, 6.30pm, BBC One
Where is David Attenborough’s favourite place on Earth? No, it’s not the exotic islands of the Galapagos or the nature rich plains of Tanzania. It’s his hometown of London. This new programme features pigeons commuting on the tube, snakes slithering along Regent’s canal and even beavers building a home next to a shopping centre. What a lovely reminder of the magic of nature right on our doorsteps.
Arts and music
Jingle Bell Ball
Saturday 13 December, 4.50pm, ITV1
![From Global Capital?s Jingle Bell Ball on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Sian Welby, Jordan North and Chris Stark. This photograph is (C) Global and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Publicity. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Publicity. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://londonnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SEI_277103803.jpg)
Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby swap their Capital Breakfast studio for The O2 as they host this year’s annual pop concert. On the line-up are Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, Raye, Cat Burns, Anne-Marie and loads more.
Persuasion: The Read with Monica Dolan
Thursday 18 December, 8pm, BBC Four
Bafta-winning actor Monica Dolan (Appropriate Adult, Mr Bates vs the Post Office) is the first of BBC Four’s festive readers this year. She’ll be reading a passage from Jane Austen’s 1817 novel Persuasion.
Country Music Christmas
Friday 19 December, 10pm, BBC Four
Lady A, Megan Moroney and Riley Green are among the country stars celebrating the festive season in this musical celebration. Hosts Jordan Davis and Lauren Daigle will also perform their own country-fied versions of Christmas classics.
Tea with Judi Dench
Monday 22 December, 9pm, Sky Arts
The iconic Dame Judi Dench is joined by her longtime friend, frequent collaborator and fellow actor Kenneth Branagh in the garden of her home for a spot of tea and conversation. Together, they reminisce over her life and illustrious career.
The Nutcracker from the Royal Ballet
Christmas Day, 11.25am, BBC Two
A trip to the ballet in London can be expensive – and even then you might be sat so far away you need binoculars to see “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”. But on Christmas Day, you have the best seat in the house for the Royal Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker: your couch.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Read with Steffan Rhodri
Christmas Day, 7pm, BBC Four
A well-deserved break from the Christmas chaos arrives in the early evening with actor Steffan Rhodri reading from C S Lewis’s first novel in the Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. With any luck, it’ll send the whole family off to dreamland.
Inside Classical: A Classical Christmas
Christmas Day, 8pm, BBC Four
No arguing over the Christmas evening playlist when the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Singers are on hand to deliver our festive favourites. Petroc Trelawny plays host as they perform “White Christmas”, “The Carol of the Bells” and more.
Biggest Night of Musicals by the National Lottery
Saturday 27 December, 6.45pm, BBC One
Wondering which musicals to book in the new year? Look no further than this showcase of the best shows to hit the West End compered by Jason Mandford. Expect to enjoy hits from Wicked, Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, The Bodyguard and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical.
Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party
New Year’s Eve, 11.30pm, BBC One
Taking the reins from Sophie Ellis-Bextor is Ronan Keating, who hosts his own New Year’s Eve party on BBC One. He’ll be performing some of his biggest hits from his solo career and his years in Boyzone, and there’ll also be music from some very special guests before and after the annual firework display.
Jools’ Annual Hootenanny
New Year’s Eve, 11.30pm, BBC Two
Olivia Dean returns to Jools Holland’s party after making one of the albums of the year, The Art of Loving. Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones is also on hand to lend his guitar skills to Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, while Lulu, Jessie J, Heather Small and The Kooks also keep the party going.
