Yahoo News The best TV to watch for Christmas 2024
BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and more have some gems lined up for this festive season. Here's our guide to the best Christmas TV shows on offer.
What can we look forward to for Christmas TV in 2024? There are some corkers already confirmed this year, with returning sitcoms, drama specials, and of course, soaps.
The most talked about Christmas special so far this year is the final ever episode of Gavin and Stacey, which was confirmed for Christmas Day on BBC One all the way back in May.
Families can also look forward to some new animations set to become kids' classics, while specials of drama and entertainment favourites have also been announced early - including an ITV reboot of Bullseye with Freddie Flintoff at the helm.
Keep checking back as more Christmas treats are added to the schedules for BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and more.
Saturday-Friday, 14-20 December
19 December, 8:30pm: For the Love of Dogs Christmas Special - ITV1
The late Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dogs was much-anticipated Christmas viewing for animal lovers each year, and now his successor Alison Hammond takes the lead.
She visits Battersea to tell heartwarming stories of its furry residents and hopefully find some of them the best Christmas present of all - a forever home.
Saturday, 8:35pm: Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped - BBC Two
Saturday, 9pm: Game of Throws: Inside Darts - Sky Documentaries
Sunday, 7pm: The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth - Sky Arts
Sunday, 9pm: John Lewis at Christmas - Channel 4
Monday, 4pm: Chateau DIY at Christmas - Channel 4
Monday, 9pm: Strike: The Ink Black Heart - BBC One
Monday, 9pm: The Young Offenders Christmas Special - BBC Three
Tuesday, 7pm: Sports Personality of the Year 2024 - BBC One
Tuesday, 9pm: Hotel Chocolat at Christmas - Channel 4
Tuesday: The Yorkshire Vet: A Donkey for Christmas - Channel 5
Wednesday, 8pm: Mary Makes Christmas - BBC One
Wednesday, 8pm: The Dog House at Christmas - Channel 4
Wednesday, 9pm: Stacey Solomon's Crafty Christmas - BBC One
Wednesday, 9pm: A Very British Hotel at Christmas - Channel 4
Wednesday, 9pm: The Good Ship Murder Christmas Special - Channel 5
Wednesday, 9pm: Never Mind the Buzzcocks Christmas Special - Sky Max
Thursday, 9pm: The Great Christmas Sewing Bee Celebrity Special - BBC One
Thursday, 9pm: First Dates at Christmas - Channel 4
Thursday, 9pm: Miracles - Sky Max
Friday, 8pm: Sister Boniface Mysteries Christmas Special - UKTV
Friday, 9pm: Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby Christmas special - BBC Two
Saturday, 21 December
6pm: The Chase celebrity special - ITV1
7pm: Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years - BBC One
Sunday, 22 December
6pm: Bullseye - ITV1
Classic gameshow Bullseye is set for a comeback Christmas special, fronted by cricketing legend Freddie Flintoff.
He said: "I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid. Can't quite believe I'll get to host this Christmas special. You can't beat a bit of Bully!"
7:30pm Bad Tidings - Sky Max
Chris McCausland and Lee Mack star in this heartwarming festive comedy about rival neighbours who must put their differences aside to save Christmas for their street.
8:30pm Death in Paradise - BBC One
The Death in Paradise Christmas special is set to be even more exciting this year as it introduces brand new lead detective DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet.
He'll move into his first full series in the new year, but the feature-length Christmas episode will be fans' first chance to check out DI Neville Parker's (Ralf Little) successor as he arrives on Saint Marie from London, but is unimpressed by his idyllic surroundings.
1:15pm: Songs of Praise Candlelit Christmas - BBC One
5:30pm: A Countryfile Christmas at Highgrove - BBC One
6:30pm: Inside the Factory Christmas special - BBC One
7pm: An Alpine Train at Christmas - Channel 4
7:30pm: Antiques Roadshow at Christmas - BBC One
7:30pm: My Epic Camel Adventure with Gordon Buchanan - BBC Two
7:45pm: A Christmas Carol: The Read with Anne-Marie Duff - BBC Four
8pm: Sounds Like it's Christmas - Channel 4
9pm: Inside No. 9: The Party's Over - BBC Two
Monday, 23 December
7pm: Would I Lie To You Christmas Special - BBC One
8pm: Christmas at Lapland UK - Channel 4
8pm: Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet - Sky Arts
9pm: The Hairy Bikers: You'll Never Ride Alone - BBC Two
9pm: The Big Quiz: Coronation Street vs Emmerdale - ITV
Christmas Eve
4:15pm: The Snowman - Channel 4
A Christmas classic that no festive season is complete without, you can bank on The Snowman being back at Channel 4 this December. The timeless adaptation never loses its magic for audiences young and old.
8pm: The Great Christmas Bake Off - Channel 4
It's a soap star extravaganza in the festive tent as Dean Gaffney, Natalie Cassidy, Shobna Gulati, Sheree Murphy and Chris Bisson break out the mixers and compete to be Star Baker.
Midnight Mass from St Mary's Church, Warwick - BBC One
Carols from King's - BBC Two
4:10pm: Doctor Who at The Proms 2024 - BBC Two
4:45pm: Mog's Christmas - Channel 4
5:20pm: The Snowman and the Snowdog - Channel 4
7:30pm: Royal Carols: Together at Christmas - ITV
8:15pm: The Repair Shop at Christmas - BBC One
9:15pm: Gone Christmas Fishing - BBC Two
9.15pm: Gogglebox 2024 - Channel 4
10:15pm: A Ghost Story for Christmas: Woman of Stone - BBC Two
Christmas Day
2:30pm: Tiddler - BBC One
Parents looking for a little mid-afternoon downtime from the Christmas toys and sweets will be pleased to see another Julia Donaldson adaptation back on the schedules.
This year, it's the turn of Tiddler, the boy-who-cried-wolf tale of a little fish who always has an excuse for being late to school - until one day, he really does get waylaid by a risky adventure. It's narrated by Hannah Waddingham and voiced by Lolly Adefope, Jayde Adams, and of course Rob Brydon.
3pm: The King's Christmas Message - BBC One
It's been a rough 12 months for the royals - the King and the Princess of Wales have both been through cancer treatment, while the awkwardness with Harry and Meghan rumbles on from across the pond.
We can probably expect a very personal message from the King this year as he's sure to make reference to his family's health woes, while also offering an uplifting message.
3:55pm: Strictly Come Dancing - BBC One
It wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of Strictly sparkle, and despite the toughest year of its two-decade run, Tess, Claudia and co will be shrugging off the bad press to raise some festive cheer in the ballroom.
This year's celebrity cast includes Josh Widdicombe, Tayce, Vogue Williams, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Tamzin Outhwaite and Billy Monger.
5:10pm: Doctor Who - BBC One
Ncuti Gatwa is back as the Doctor for a much-anticipated Christmas special titled Joy to the World and starring Bridgerton and Derry Girls' Nicola Coughlan.
She plays Joy, who meets the Doctor in a hotel room before they set out on a time-travelling adventure from former showrunner Steven Moffat that takes in World War II and the Orient Express.
6:10pm: Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl - BBC One
A new Aardman adventure arrives on the BBC this festive season, with Gromit becoming increasingly concerned about Wallace's reliance on his inventions.
Chief amongst his concerns is a new smart gnome, while super villain Feathers McGraw, who has been locked up since the 90s, is also set for a vengeful return.
The voice cast includes Peter Kay, Reece Shearsmith, Diane Morgan, Lenny Henry and Adjoa Andoh.
7:55pm: Call the Midwife - BBC One
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Call the Midwife is a sure-fire ratings hit on Christmas Day, so fans can expect another snow-covered instalment from Nonnatus House. For the first time ever, there will be two Christmas specials of the heartwarming drama.
As well as their usual rounds delivering babies, the midwives will face a seasonal struggle with a nasty flu in their patients this year. Plus, there's an escaped convict on the loose leaving the residents of Poplar feeling a little wary. Fan favourite Trixie also makes a brief visit to Poplar.
9:00pm: Gavin and Stacey – BBC One
Back in 2019, Gavin and Stacey fans were left on a Christmas cliffhanger as the beloved sitcom returned after 10 years off air, only to leave Nessa's proposal unanswered by Smithy.
It looked as though we might never find out what happened, until May this year when James Corden and Ruth Jones announced that they would be coming back for one last hurrah, holding up a script titled "Gavin & Stacey: the finale".
The writers and stars captioned their photo: "Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James."
So this time, we really will need to see loose ends tied up. Did Smithy say yes? Are Gavin and Stacey still happily married? And are we finally about to discover what happened on the fishing trip?
Whatever the last episode brings us, Gavin and Stacey is sure to be the jewel in the crown of the BBC's Christmas Day schedules. Fans should also look out for documentary Gavin and Stacey: A Fond Farewell.
12:50pm: Swan Lake from English National Ballet - BBC Two
3:10pm: The Weakest Link Christmas Special - BBC One
4:50pm: Alternative Christmas Message - Channel 4
6:30pm: Emmerdale - ITV1
7pm: Coronation Street - ITV1
7:05pm: The Piano at Christmas - Channel 4
7:25pm & 10:30pm: EastEnders - BBC One
8pm: The Chase: Celebrity Special - ITV
8pm: The Merry Widow from Glyndebourne - BBC Four
9pm: From Roger Moore, With Love - BBC Two
Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands - Sky Arts
Christmas Morning Service from Halifax Minster - BBC One
On Christmas Night - BBC One
11:05pm: Mrs Brown's Boys - BBC One
Boxing Day
7:30pm: The Masked Singer Christmas Special - ITV1
Everyone's favourite family TV show has a brand new special in this festive-costumed guessing game where four mystery celebrities take the stage.
It's the perfect warm-up act to the new series, arriving early in the new year, where Maya Jama will join the judging panel.
9:40pm: Outnumbered - BBC One
The Brockmans decide to get their now-adult children, plus a grandchild, back together for a family Christmas, but as usual, nothing goes to plan.
Hugh Dennis said: "I can’t wait for the Brockmans to be back together again. Pete and Sue have downsized, the children are no longer children, but I’m sure family life will prove to be just as chaotic as ever."
6pm: Expedition Killer Whale - BBC Two
7:30pm: Call The Midwife - BBC One
9pm: Blankety Blank - BBC One
9pm: The 1% Club Christmas special - ITV1
Squid Game s2 - Netflix
Friday, 27 December
9pm: Beyond Paradise - BBC One
The UK-based spin-off of Death in Paradise is building up a dedicated following and will have its own Christmas special this December, starring Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman and Sally Bretton as Martha.
It leads up to a third full season of the show, which is expected to be on its way to our screens in the early part of 2025.
6pm: Top Of The Pops: Review of the Year 2024 - BBC Two
10pm: Tsunami: The Wave that Shook the World - ITV
Saturday, 28 December
9:15pm: Casualty - BBC One
The A&E-set drama might not seem like the most likely candidate for festive cheer, but a Christmas special has been confirmed for this year that will fuse drama with real-life tales of medical miracles.
It’s Christmas Day and the A&E team are faced with an emergency blood shortage in episode All I Want for Christmas, which will also feature real-life testimonies from people who’ve been directly impacted by UK blood donation, as well as interviews with key workers who form the country’s blood service.
6pm: Deal or No Deal Christmas Special - ITV1
7pm: Wheel of Fortune Christmas Special - ITV1
Sunday, 29 December
9pm and 10pm: Archie - ITV
Period mini-series Archie stars Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant, taking viewers from his humble beginnings and troubled family life in Bristol, through his music hall days, failed marriages, and into rebranded Hollywood superstardom.
8pm: Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Christmas special - ITV1
9pm: The Split: Barcelona - BBC One
9pm: Maria Callas: The Final Act - BBC Two
Monday, 30 December
9pm: Cunk on Life - BBC Two
9pm and 10pm: Archie - ITV
New Year's Eve
5:45pm: National Lottery New Year's Eve Big Bash - ITV1
Party time is back for New Year - or at least, it's been pre-recorded and will air in the run up to midnight and the dawn of 2025. The worlds of pop, theatre and TV collide as we hurtle towards the end of year countdown.
9pm: The Last Leg of the Year - Channel 4
The Graham Norton New Year's Eve Show - BBC One
11:30pm: Sophie Ellis-Bextor's New Year's Eve Disco - BBC One
11:30pm: Jools' Annual Hootenanny - BBC Two
New Year's Day
6pm: Gladiators: Celebrity special - BBC One
The reboot returns with a one-off special ahead of season two, which sees four brave celebrities step into the arena.
Rob Beckett, Joel Dommett, Louise Minchin and Ellie Taylor take on the Gladiators, but will any of the well-known contenders triumph?
7pm: The Traitors s3 - BBC One
TV's most gripping reality contest is back, with Claudia Winkleman hosting season three of the elaborate murder mystery game from the Scottish Highlands.
Whether you back the Faithfuls or the Traitors, it's hard not to become instantly addicted to the show which is also getting a celebrity version later in 2025.
8pm: Vera - ITV1
Bittersweet news for Vera fans - the long-running North East detective drama is heading into its 14th and final season, with Brenda Blethyn's character taking on two new feature-length murder mystery cases.
It's not quite goodbye yet, though, as there's also an accompanying documentary, Vera...Farewell, Pet to look forward to.
New Year's Day Concert: Live from Vienna 2025 - BBC Two
9pm: SAS: Rogue Heroes s2 - BBC One
10:30pm: Mrs Brown's Boys - BBC One
Missing You - Netflix
Festive TV by channel - schedules TBC
BBC
More BBC festive programming also available on iPlayer:
3 January, 8:30pm: Have I Got Sport For You
16 and 17 December, 10:45am: Animal Park Christmas
21 December, 1:15pm: Bargain Hunt
Weekdays, 7pm: Festive House of Games
22 December, 10:30pm: QI Christmas Special
17 December, 9:45pm: Live at the Apollo Christmas Special
2 December, 9pm: Renaissance: The Blood and the Beauty
13 December, 9pm: Alan Bennett 90 Years On
29 November, 9pm: The Making of Do They Know It's Christmas?
1, 8, 15 December, 10:30am: My Life at Christmas with Anita Rani
29, 30, 31 December, 9pm: The 2024 Christmas Lectures from The Royal Institution
7 December, 9:40am: CBeebies Presents: Beauty and the Beast
ITV
More ITV festive programming:
15 December, 5:35pm: Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball
16 December (ITVX): NOS4A2
18 December, 9pm: Inside M&S at Christmas
TikTok Top 100 2024
17 December, 9pm: Gino & Fred: Emission Impossible
Fletcher's Farm Christmas
17 December, 8pm: Martin Lewis: How to Win at Board Games
5 January, 9pm: Playing Nice
January: Out There
Channel 4
More Channel 4 festive programming:
Taskmaster's New Year Treat
8 December, 8pm: Jamie Cooks Christmas
9 December, 5:30pm: Kirstie's Handmade Christmas
9 December, 8pm: Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide with Josie Gibson
9 December, 9pm: Christmas Travels with Mum and Dad
30 December, 7:30pm: 2024: The Year from Space
Channel 5
More Channel 5 festive programming:
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special
Aldi v M&S : Who Does Xmas Best ?
Christmas Cruising with Susan Calman
Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special
Supermarket Own Brands : The Big Taste Test
The Christmas Taste Test Restaurant
Disney+
29 November: Nutcrackers
Ben Stiller stars in this heartwarming Christmas comedy where his character is about to close the biggest deal of his career, but is pulled away to Ohio to spend time with his four recently-orphaned nephews.
As the boys cause chaos, he must decide whether to go back to his successful life in the city or be the uncle that his nephews need.
15 November: An Almost Christmas Story
An owl makes an unexpected trip to the big city in a tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza, and joins forces with a lost girl as they try to make their way back home at Christmastime.
13 December: Elton John: Never Too Late
This documentary from Sir Elton John's husband David Furnish follows the superstar in the run-up to his final North America show as he looks back on the highs and lows of his career and life.
11 December: Dream Productions
Inside Out gets a TV series, set in the time between the events of the first and second films as the Core Emotions work hard to help Riley process her dreams each night.
