Christmas TV Guide: What to Watch This Festive Season

Gavin & Stacey: The Finale

BBC One, Christmas Day
Following its much-anticipated return five years ago, Gavin & Stacey is back again this Christmas, this time with its long-awaited conclusion. The family favourite finished with a cliff-hanger ending leaving viewers wanting to find out how Smithy responded to Nessa’s impromptu proposal. However, this year, fans are promised an answer, along with all the usual Shipman-West family fun. Don’t miss it.

The Outnumbered Christmas Special

BBC One, Christmas Day
Another family favourite returning this Christmas is the hit sitcom Outnumbered. Since finishing in 2014, the show has returned just once more for a festive special in 2016. This year it’s back, nearly a decade after it left our screens. With the kids all grown up, viewers are guaranteed a new set of family calamities as the Brockmans navigate another Christmas Day.

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

BBC One, Christmas Day
This brand-new Wallace and Gromit adventure is set to premiere on Christmas Day. This feature-length film follows the iconic pair as they battle evil gnomes and Wallace’s out of control inventions. With new characters to meet and perhaps the reappearance of old ones, this festive hit is one for everyone.

EastEnders

BBC One, Christmas Day
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a fair share of drama from EastEnders. The annual event has a long-standing reputation of shocking viewers with its various twists and betrayals. The highly-anticipated special this year promises an explosive reveal of Cindy’s affair. Tune in to catch all the chaos this Christmas.

Death in Paradise & Beyond Paradise’s Christmas Specials

BBC One, date yet to be confirmed
Follow the new Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson as he makes his debut in the festive special. Ahead of the brand new series, this feature length episode will introduce Wilson to the many mysteries and twists of the beautiful Saint Marie. If you fancy a watch closer to home, why not tune into Beyond Paradise’s Christmas special this year? Recently recommissioned for a new season following huge success, watch as DI Humphrey Goodman solves two new cases in idyllic Shipton Abbott.

Strictly Come Dancing

BBC One, Christmas Day
Head to the ballroom for Strictly’s annual Christmas special. Watch as the dance floor transforms into a winter wonderland, with endless amounts of festive fun, sparkles and magical routines, Strictly is a must-watch of the festive season. Amongst those competing for the Glitterball this Christmas are comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag artist Tayce and Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

The Great Christmas Sewing Bee

BBC One, 19th December
In a festive special of this much-loved competition, watch as host Sarah Pascoe puts celebrities to the test with a range of Christmas-themed tasks. With guests including actress Kellie Bright, comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri and more, make sure to tune in for some feel-good festivities.

Taskmaster New Year’s Treat

Channel 4, date yet to be confirmed
Follow five new celebrities as they battle it out to win the favour of hosts Greg Davies and Alex Horne. From actress Sue Johnston to finance expert Martin Lewis, this year’s special is set to be packed with all the hilarity viewers have come to expect.

All Creatures Great and Small

Channel 5, 23rd December
Ahead of the brand new series, expected late 2025, fans have the annual festive special of All Creatures Great and Small to look forward to. Return to the idyllic village of Darrowby, filmed in the Yorkshire Dales, to follow all your favourite characters through the festive period. Fans can expect surprises along the way.

Vera

ITV, from 1st January
In this highly anticipated special, viewers have been promised an emotional finale for the much-loved series. With two feature length episodes, Inside and The Dark Wives, watch Vera unravel two murder mysteries, whilst working through some struggles of her own past. Alongside these features, ITV is set to air Vera… Farewell Pet, a documentary with exclusive behind the scenes content on 3rd January.

Nutcrackers

Disney+
In the brand new festive comedy-drama, Nutcrackers, follow Mike (Ben Stiller) as his life is turned upside down. From his life as a bachelor with a high-flying career, to a farm in rural Ohio with his four, recently orphaned nephews, Mike faces many challenges. Will he stay and be the uncle his nephews need or return to his life in the city? Tune in to find out.

Tiddler

BBC One
In the festive tradition of reimagining Julia Donaldson’s much-loved books, this year’s special is based on Tiddler. For the 12th animated special, viewers follow the titular character, Tiddler, and his big imagination on his journey through the ocean after getting lost. Expect a stellar cast, with characters being voiced by Hannah Waddingham, Rob Brydon, Lolly Adefope and more. Settle in over Christmas for this special the entire family can enjoy.

Ronald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

BBC One
With a star-studded cast including Emma Thompson and Lashana Lynch, this film adaptation follows the incredible story of Matilda. Jam packed with fun, magic and more, make sure to add this to your Christmas movie marathon.