Christmas TV guide 2017: What to watch on BBC, ITV, and Channel 4

After another turbulent year — dominated by Brexit, a General Election, and Donald Trump’s tweets — we could all use a break.

Luckily, Christmas has come, giving everyone an excuse to finally relax. And what better way to stop than watching some good Christmas television.

What will us Brits be watching this year? From the BBC’s numerous dramas to Channel 4’s The Great Christmas Bake Off, here are the best shows on around the Christmas period.

Christmas run-up

Mary Berry’s Christmas Party, Monday 18th December, 8.30pm, BBC One

Since leaving Bake Off, Mary has been particularly busy. Over the Christmas we’ll be seeing the baker multiple times, first off hosting a multitude of guests, including Fearne Cotton, Darcey Bussell, Adil Ray, and Alex Jones.

The League Of Gentlemen Anniversary Specials, 18th, 19th, 20th December, 10pm, BBC Two

The League are back! Enjoy the witty humour of Mark Gatiss, Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton and Jeremy Dyson as they return for three special episodes.

Christmas Eve

Mary, Mel And Sue’s Big Christmas Thank You, 7pm, BBC One

The former Bake Off trio are back together on the BBC, travelling to South Wales to host a party, with Mary doing the cooking while the pair of presenters stage the dinner.

Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show, 8.30pm, BBC One

Bill Bailey and musician Seal join Britain’s beloved comic for a night of laughs as he performs some brand new material.

Maigret in Montmartre, 8.30pm

Returning as Georges Simenon’s famous Frenchman, Rowan Atkinson’s character is tasked with solving a new case.

Christmas Day

The Highway Rat, 4.45pm, BBC One

With David Tennant voicing a rat and Rob Brydon narrating, this brief one-off animation tells the story of a animal following his cravings for buns. Unfortunately, that sweet tooth may lead to his sticky end.

Doctor Who, 5.30pm, Christmas Day

Probably the most highly-anticipated episode of Doctor Who for quite some time, the Christmas special ‘Twice Upon A Time’ will be Peter Capaldi’s last as the titular character, Jodie Whittaker taking over. We also say goodbye to Steven Moffatt as showrunner, who will no doubt want to leave the series with a bang.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Christmas Special, 6.30pm, BBC One

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return to host the special Strictly, which sees past contestants Colin Jackson, Jeremy Vine, Judy Murray, Katie Derham, Kimberley Walsh and Robbie Savage back on the dancefloor. Kaiser Chiefs will also be performing.

The Great Christmas Bake Off, 7.40pm, Channel 4

An all-star Bake Off featuring some of the series most beloved bakers. 2016’s Selasi Gbormittah and Val Stones return, as does Beca Lyne-Pirkis from the 4th series and 6th series’ Lion-sculptor, Paul Jagger.

Call The Midwife, 7.40pm, BBC One

While last year’s festive special took the show to South Africa, this year sees the midwives dealing with the Big Freeze of 1962.

Upstart Crow, 8:25pm, BBC2)

David Mitchell's Will Shakespeare invites some famous faces to his Stratford house for Christmas dinner, including Elizabeth I, played by Emma Thompson.

Victoria, 9pm, ITV

A bumper two-hour festive special that sees Albert decorating Buckingham Palace as Victoria — played by the ever-wonderful Jenna Coleman — prepares to give birth to their fourth child.

Eastenders, 9pm, BBC One

Every year, the Eastenders Christmas special manages to surprise, this year looking to do so as Max Branning’s story reaches an explosive finale.

300 Years of French & Saunders, 10:35pm, BBC One

Three decades after pairing up together, the Absolutely Fabulous duo are celebrating with a special anniversary show, featuring some never-before-seen footage.

Boxing Day

Snow Bears, 6.30pm, BBC One

Telling the true story of a family of polar bear cubs as they traverse the North Pole, hoping to reach seal-packed ice before spring arrives.

Little Women, 8pm, BBC One (part two on Wednesday 27, part three Thursday 28)

A three-part series from the BBC and adapted by Call The Midwife’s Heidi Thomas, Louisa May Alcott’s novel about four sisters growing up as their father heads to war comes to life.

Travel Man: 48 Hours in Hong Kong, 8pm, Channel 4

Richard Ayoade’s Travel Man returns, this year taking John Hamm on a trip to Hong Kong, trying out all the best eateries. Despite the Mad Men actor’s stern appearance, expect plenty of laughs.

The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, 9pm, Channel 4

Jimmy Carr brings together some quizzical celebrities to answer some questions about the year that has flown past.

The Miniaturist, 9pm, BBC One (part two on Wednesday 27 December)

With an exciting cast, the BBC’s two-part period drama — based on the Jessie Bruton Novel — tells the tale of an 18-year-old girl who moves to Amsterdam with her new husband. After receiving a certain wedding gift, things take a dark turn.

Wednesday 27th December

Alan Partridge: Why, When, Where, How and Whom?, 9pm, BBC Two

With 2018 seeing the loveable radio personality return for an entire series, this documentary looks back at Partridges long career. Steve Coogan, of course, reprises the titular role.

Miranda Does Christmas, 9pm, Channel 4

Miranda returns to our Christmas schedules! The comedian looks set to host a rowdy Christmas party, showing us how to survive family members and friends.

Saturday 30th December

A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, 7:10pm, BBC1

From the people behind The Play That Goes Wrong comes a unique take on the Charles Dickens classic, bring much-needed laughter to the Christmas schedule.

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve Live’ with Nile Rodgers and Chic, 11.20pm, BBC One

What better way to see in the new year than listening to Chic legend Nile Rogers as the guitarists plays through the hits.

New Year’s Day

The Great Festive Bake Off, 9pm, Channel 4

For the second Bake Off special, Rav Bansal and Benjamina Ebuehi from the 7th series are coming back, as are Rob Billington, best known for accidentally dropping a pristine chocolate cake on the floor during the second series, and ‘wobble dancer’ Sandy Docherty.

McMafia, 9pm BBC One (part two on Tuesday 2 January

Centring on War & Peace’s James Norton, this two-part drama, see an exiled Russian son struggling to live an honest life due to his parent’s mafia connections. Mexican cartels, Balkan smugglers, and Pakistani drug lords all hunt him down.

Grandpa’s Great Escape, BBC One, 6.55pm

An adaptation of David Walliams’ children’s book that stars the Little Britain comedian and Jennifer Saunders and Samantha Spiro.