The snow is falling, the mulled wine is steaming and our weekly supermarket visits are filled with festive music which can only mean one thing… it’s nearly Christmasssss! So surely you’re going to want some suggestions of what to watch to get you in that festive spirit! From fantastic foodie recommendations to the highly awaited new Christmas dramas as well as some of our favourite specials from previous years, we’ve assembled it all right here for you!
Holly jolly drama
Call the Midwife
BBC One, Christmas Day at 8:15pm and Boxing Day at 8:30pm
We are receiving an absolute treat, of not one but TWO Christmas specials from Call the Midwife. Grab a brew and crack open a tub of Quality Streets and follow Nonnatus House crew on their mercy mission to Hong Kong following a disastrous building collapse whilst the younger midwives remain on the cobblestones of Poplar. Get ready for all the cosy festive feels with a maybe a few tissues on standby.
Starring: Helen George, Jenny Agutter, Laura Main, Stephen McGann and Judy Parfitt
Death in Paradise
BBC One, 28th December at 8:30pm
Forget your heated blankets, we’re off to our fave Caribbean island of Saint Marie! Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) is on the case, after an office Christmas party turns deadly, a body is found floating in a villa pool. But the twist? The murder happened in Swindon!? Luckily, a familiar face is on hand to help.
All Creatures Great and Small
Channel 5, 24th December at 9pm
Get ready to be transported back to Christmas 1945 where James (Nicholas Ralph) has been given the monumental task of taking control of the Darrowby Nativity play whilst Mrs Hall (Anna Madely) is hyping up the Skeldale darts team in order to win the no1 prize a Christmas turkey. Count us in!
Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Specials
Channel 5, 24th December at 9:15pm
Nothing says Christmas spirit like… opening a box with a ticking bomb inside. Jean’s (Sally Lindsay) need to solve the puzzle before the holiday goes boom!
Entertainment worth unwrapping
Amandaland
BBC One, Christmas Day at 9:15pm
Calling all Motherland fans!! We are soooo excited to be reunited with our bestie Amanda (Lucy Punch) and her snobbish mother Felicity (Joanna Lumley), but we’re not in stylish SoHa, aka South Harlesden, but rather Aunt Joan’s Country house for Christmas festivities. And guess who is playing Aunt Joan!? The one and only dazzling Jennifer Saunders of Ab Fab. Saunders will playing Joanna Lumley’s on-screen sister; and we expect this reunion to be nothing short of fabulous.
Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel
BBC One, Christmas day at 6:45pm
Buckle up and strap in as we spin right round for Michael McIntrye’s Christmas Wheel. Are you ready to test your festive knowledge with this star studded cast? Hold on to your hats, as we’re about to name drop a lottttt.
Celebrity contestants spinning on the wheel for their chosen charities are Richard Osman, Mel Giedroyc and Paddy Mcguiness.
Celebrity experts on the wheel to use their knowledge of all things merry are Gyles Brandreth, Josie Gibson, Big Narstie, Tim Vine, Zara McDermott, Nitro, Matthew Horne and Joanna Page.
The Masked Singer Christmas Special
ITV1, 26th December at 7:30pm
A singing mystery under the mistletoe? We’re in! Celebs are belting out festive hits in outrageous costumes. The celebs are pitted against one another and forced to sing cover songs in front of a live audience and judging panel. The judges and audience guess who they might be based on their singing voice, the hints and also, weirdly, how tall they are; they then vote for their favourite performance. Get a mince pie in hand and snuggle up!
The 1% Club Christmas
ITV1, 26th December at 10pm
Comedy legend Lee Mack is backkkkk, but this time it’s festive! The legend hosts a quiz show with a twist. Forget obscure trivia and random facts, The 1% Club is all about logic, reasoning, and common sense. 100 contestants start, but only the sharpest make it through to the final question, the one only 1% of the country can answer for a big cash prize.
The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off
Channel 4, Christmas Day at 7:40pm
You’re seeing this right, it's not a Jezza Christmas joke! The Peep Show cast reunites for the first time since 2015 in the Bake Off marquee. Whipping up festive treats are David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman under Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood’s watchful eye. We cannot wait!
Taskmaster Champion of Champions
Channel 4, 22nd December at 9pm and Friday 2nd January at 9pm
Greg Davies and his trusty sidekick Alex Horne are back to sleigh the festive season! They’re gifting us not one, but TWO Taskmaster specials this Christmas. Five celebs, festive chaos and ultimate challenge. Nothing says Christmas like some fierce competition.
First Dates Christmas Special
Channel 4, 23rd December at 9pm
Looking for a sprinkle of romance this Christmas? The First Dates restaurant is decking the halls and opening its doors to singles searching for love under the mistletoe. Nothing like finding the ‘one’ over a Christmas feast!
Now if you're looking for even moreeee recommendations this Christmas season then why not check out our 25 days of films article!
