Festive TV highlights - what to watch on Christmas Eve, Day and Boxing Day
With Christmas just days away, those of us lucky enough to be taking a well-earned break next week are in for a treat in front of the box.
Whilst the soaps promise their most explosive storylines of the year, festive film favourites return with the likes of Home Alone. Toy Story 4 makes its free-to-air debut, whilst Casablanca and Chariots of Fire are amongst the classics on offer.
Elsewhere, King Charles III makes his second Christmas speech, whilst fans of the Royal Family also have Royal Carols and the king's The Coronation Year sandwiched either side of his address. As ever, several shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Great British Bake Off are back with their Christmas specials, which always go down a storm.
Children, meanwhile, have Mog's Christmas and Tabby McTat to look forward to in the pick of 2023's animated offerings, and big kids can enjoy Dr Who and and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. Join us as we pick out the best of the best on what the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have to offer on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Christmas Eve
Mog’s Christmas promises fun for all the family (Channel 4)Royal Carols – Together At Christmas (ITV, 7.45pm) The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children host their annual carol service at Westminster Abbey.
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Mog’s Christmas (Channel 4, 7.45pm) This adaptation of Judith Kerr’s beloved children’s book by the animation team behind The Tiger Who Came To Tea features a voice cast including Adjoa Andoh, Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy.
The Great Christmas Bake Off (Channel 4, 8.15pm) Stars of previous series return to the tent for a set of seasonal challenges from Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith, including mince pies, cinnamon snowflake loaves and redemption cakes.
Beyond Paradise (BBC 1, 9pm) The Death In Paradise spin-off’s first Christmas special is a twist on A Christmas Carol and sees DI Humphrey (Kris Marshall) and DS Esther (Zahra Ahmadi) investigate a series of break-ins where nothing is stolen.
Get Britain Singing (ITV, 9pm) Hosted by Roman kemp, this unmissable TV event sees some of the UK's biggest celebrities go head-to-head in a spectacular sing-off, undoubtedly bringing sparkle to the screens.
A Ghost Story For Christmas – Lot No 249 (BBC 2, 10pm) The latest festive ghost story from Mark Gatiss is an adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1892 short story and stars Kit Harington and Freddie Fox.
Not Going Out Christmas Special (BBC, 10pm) Lee Mack is back with a Not Going Out Christmas Special. But will he win Lucy round to his dubious charms? And if he does, mishaps and pratfalls mean it's unlikely to be domestic bliss.
The Jonathan Ross Show on Christmas Eve (ITV, 10.15pm) Chat show host Jonathan Ross is back with a Christmas Eve special. His guests include Boy George, Katherine Jenkins, Willem Dafoe, Kevin Bridges and Romesh Ranganathan
Christmas Day
Strictly Come Dancing returns for its annual Christmas specialTabby McTat (BBC One 2.35pm) Animated adaptations of the books of Gruffalo creator Julia Donaldson have become a Christmas tradition and this story about a busker’s cat features the voice talents of Sope Dirisu and Rob Brydon.
The King’s Christmas Broadcast (BBC 1, 3pm) The first Christmas speech from the King attracted bumper viewing numbers last year, and the same is likely to be true this year.
Toy Story 4 (BB1, 3.10pm) Straight after the King's speech, fans can tune into Toy Story 4. The first time it has been shown on TV.
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Strictly Come Dancing (BBC One, 4.40pm) Dan Snow, Keisha Buchanan and Sally Nugent are among the famous faces taking a turn round the dancefloor in the hope of lifting the Christmas glitterball.
The Alternative Christmas Message with Stephen Fry (Channel 4, 5.10pm) Stephen Fry is the famous face delivering Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message this year. He is expected to call for solidarity across the UK following the recent rise in antisemitism.
Doctor Who (BBC One, 5.55pm) The first Christmas Day special for the sci-fi staple since 2017, The Church On Ruby Road sees Russell T Davies back at the helm and the full debut of Ncuti Gatwa, the first black Time Lord. It also marks the introduction of his companion, Ruby, played by Millie Gibson.
Home Alone (Channel 4, 5.30pm) This Christmas classic which sees Macaulay Culkin accidentally left behind at home when his family go to France is being shown on TV on Christmas Day.
Emmerdale (ITV, 6.30pm) In a dramatic Christmas Day episode, Tracey Metcalfe and Caleb Milligan will finally have their affair exposed.
Coronation Street (ITV, 7pm) Corrie fans can tune into this shorter 30-minute Christmas Day episode. Peter has a gift for Carla, Bernie makes a surprise appearance and there's a shock courtesy of Paul and Billy.
The Masked Singer Christmas Special (ITV, 7.30pm) Host Joel Dommett is back with a festive special before the new series of The Masked Singer kicks off on December 31. Famous faces will be hiding in a Sprout, Reindeer and Partridge (in a pear tree).
Call The Midwife (BBC One, 8.15pm) A trip to the midwives of Nonnatus House is a seasonal staple and in this extended episode the gang hatch a plan to lift an elderly nun out of depression.
The Piano at Christmas (Channel 4, 8.45pm) One of the sweetest series of 2023 is back for a Christmas special. Highlights include 13-year-old visually impaired and neurodivergent prodigy Lucy, joined at the piano by Grammy-winning star Gregory Porter.
EastEnders (BBC1, 9.45pm) In a much later episode than usual, EastEnders will finally reveal the killer and victim as six matriarchs surround the body of a mystery male on Christmas Day.
Barrie Humphries: The Last Laugh (ITV, 10pm) Tribute to Australian comedian Barrie Humphries, most famous for his drag queen character Dame Edna Everage, who died earlier this year aged 89.
Caroline Aherne: Queen of Comedy (BBC2, 10.25pm) A special film charting the life of Mrs Merton and The Royle Family creator Caroline Aherne, who died aged 52 in 2016 after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Mammy's Mare (BBC1, 22.45pm) Christmas special of Mrs Brown's Boys. All Mrs Brown wants is a nice, peaceful Christmas, but the family have other ideas!
Boxing Day
Charles III – The Coronation Year is essential Boxing Day viewing (Getty Images)Charles III – The Coronation Year (BBC 1, 6.50pm) Helena Bonham Carter narrates a documentary about the first year of the King’s reign.
Emmerdale (ITV, 7pm) This Boxing Day episode will see drama unfold after Tracey's affair with Caleb is made public. Twists and turns are also expected in the love triangle storyline between Chloe, Mac and Charity.
Coronation Street (ITV, 7.30pm) Fans might be in tears for this one, as it's the hour-long episode Peter Barlow will leave the soap after 23 years after a heart-to-heart with wife Carla.
Vera Christmas Special (ITV, 8pm) Brenda Blethyn is back as the unflappable DCI, investigating a suicide while the office is distracted by Secret Santas.
Death In Paradise Christmas Special (BBC1, 9pm) As always, Neville (Ralf Little) and his team have a new murder to solve - and a very special guest has flown over to the Caribbean to spend the most wonderful time of the year with the detective.
Big Fat Quiz Of The Year (Channel 4, 9pm) Richard Ayode, Katherine Ryan, Mel Giedroyc and Mo Gilligan are among those joining host Jimmy Carr for a funny look back on the year.
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