The Christmas spirit is officially upon us, and the perfect way to wind down in December is in front of the TV with copious amounts of food (and a cheeky drink or two).
Many shows and specials are now announced for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. With that in mind, what’s to enjoy about the glasses box this festive season? Plenty. Here is a selection of the best.
What’s on TV before Christmas?
Inside No 9 Christmas Special
BBC Two/BBC iPlayer – December 22, 2022 – 9 p.m.
The mystery anthology series Inside No 9 returns for a spooky special called The Bones of St Nicholas. The last time Inside No 9 had a Christmas special was in 2016, so it’s a real treat. In the episode, guests who spend the night at a church clash, and things spiral even further out of control when paranormal activity kicks in.
Homeland: Last Christmas
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – December 23, 2022 – 9:30 p.m.
The entire cast of Motherland is back for festive celebrations. Both Kevin and Liz show up at Julia’s when their own plans fail – meanwhile, Amanda and Meg deal with their own family dramas.
What’s on TV this Christmas Eve?
The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – December 24, 2022 – 4:55 p.m.
Charlie Mackesy’s bestselling novel has been adapted into a short animation, featuring an all-star voice cast that includes Idris Elba, Tom Hollander, Gabriel Byrne and Jude Coward Nicoll. The story follows an unlikely friendship between a boy and three animals as they search for a new home.
The Great Christmas Bake
Channel 4/Channel 4 website – December 24, 2022 – 8:25 p.m.
As usual, Bake Off is back for a festive special, with a slew of celebrities competing for that all-important star baker crown. Bakers this year include Gaby Roslin from The Big Breakfast, Sir Tony Robinson from Blackadder, Steph’s Packed Lunch presenter Miquita Oliver, Terry Christian from The Word and Claire Sweeney from Brookside.
Christmas Comedy Club with Lost Voice Guy
ITV1/ITVX – December 24, 2022 – 10:40 p.m.
Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy won Britain’s Got Talent award a few years ago. Now he has his own special festival, and he’ll be joined by fellow comedians Paul Zerdin, Josie Long and Dara O’Brian.
What’s on TV this Christmas Day?
Smeds and Smoos
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – December 25, 2022 – 2:30 p.m.
The book by Julia Donaldson (best known for The Gruffalo) and Axel Scheffler has been adapted into a 3D special, featuring the voices of Adjoa Ando and Bill Bailey. Two feuding families must reunite when a child from each household runs away.
The Chase Celebrity Christmas Special
ITV1/ITVX – December 25, 2022 – 5 p.m.
It wouldn’t be Christmas Day without a festive quiz, and The Chase is back with a special Alice in Wonderland theme. Expect the Chasers to be fully dressed and an all-star cast to take on the brainiacs. As you’d expect, Bradley Walsh is back to present his duties.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – December 25, 2022 – 5:10 p.m.
After a tense finale the previous weekend, Strictly will be back for its annual celebratory episode. Typically, the contestants dance to Christmas classics, and we see the 10 paddle come out more than unusual thanks to the cheerful atmosphere.
Call the special Christmas midwife
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – December 25, 2022 – 7:55 p.m.
The Call the Midwife Christmas special will run for an hour and 29 minutes this year, with the Mullucks family making a reappearance as Rhoda once again deals with another pregnancy.
Ant & Dec’s Christmas Unlimited Win
ITV1/ITVX – December 25, 2022 – 8 p.m.
The Newcastle duo are back from their I’m a Celebrity run presenting a festive version of their quiz show, Limitless Win. The pair promised it would be as nerve-wracking as ever, with big money up for grabs.
Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas Special
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – December 25, 2022 – 10:25 p.m.
Yet another BBC Christmas staple, Mrs Brown’s Boys, is back. In it, Cathy’s creepy boyfriend is introduced to the family, while Agnes has a celebratory scare. This is the first of two special offers – there will be another on New Year’s Day.
What’s on TV this Boxing Day?
The biggest snowman
Channel 4/Channel 4 website – December 26, 2022 – 7:30 p.m.
Sue Perkin’s Snowman Building Competition returns to Channel 4 on Boxing Day. Celebrities will have their snowy creations judged by Swedish sculptor sisters Sara and Emilie Steele as well as British artist Taslim Martin.
Death in Paradise Christmas Special
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – December 26, 2022 – 9 p.m.
The Season 11 cliffhanger will be resolved in this Death in Paradise Christmas special, with Ralf Little, Don Warrington, Orla Brady and more returning for the episode.
The big quiz of the year 2022
Channel 4/Channel 4 website – December 26, 2022 – 9 p.m.
Think you can remember all the big events from this year? You can see if you’re up to the challenge with Jimmy Carr’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year. He will be joined by contestants Stephen Merchant, Katherine Ryan, Richard Ayoade, Maisie Adam, Jonathan Ross and Rose Matafeo.
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