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Best Christmas and New Year’s TV for 2024: from EastEnders to Cunk on Life and more
Get ready for the best Christmas TV of 2024! From drama shows like EastEnders to hilarious comedies such as Cunk on Life, there's something for everyone this holiday season. These shows are sure to add excitement and laughter to your festive nights.
But what if you can't access these Christmas TV shows and specials because you're traveling or living in a region outside of the United Kingdom where they are not available? There's a simple solution: use NordVPN to unblock UK TV Channels, bypass regional restrictions, and access the Christmas TV Specials and Shows available. You can do all this while avoiding malicious sites and intrusive ads. So, you will get to enjoy a cleaner, faster, and secure internet experience.
If you want to just check out what BBC Christmas specials to watch in 2024, we have a list for that as well. Stay tuned for all the latest updates as we continue to share the top picks for Christmas TV!
Full list of End of the Year and New Year's TV Shows/ Movies
Horror’s Greatest Season 2
Release date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024
Where to Watch: Shudder/ AMC+
Horror's Greatest season 2 takes an in-depth look at everything that makes horror captivating — from new perspectives on classic films to discovering hidden gems.
The series brings together a range of horror experts, including actors, directors, writers, composers, and special effects artists, to explore key questions: Which films define horror’s sub-genres? Why are certain horror tropes so compelling, and how are filmmakers today twisting our expectations? What does horror look like around the world?
The Graham Norton Show New Year’s Eve
Release date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024
Time: 10:25 pm GMT
Where to Watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
The BAFTA Award-winning The Graham Norton Show returns for its traditional New Year's Eve edition on BBC One, bringing sparkling chat, jokes, and music. Graham and his star-studded guests reflect on the highlights of 2024, while members of the audience share their end-of-year stories in the iconic Big Red Chair.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s New Year's Eve Disco
Release date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024
Time: 11:30 pm GMT
Where to Watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Queen of the dancefloor, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, brings all the disco fun and energy to New Year’s Eve in this dazzling TV event. As the nation gears up to welcome 2025, Sophie will perform her global hits and surprise tracks, joined by all-star guests for a night of glamour, glitz, and unforgettable celebrations.
SAS Rogue Heroes Season 2
Release date: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
Time: 9 pm GMT
Where to Watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Steven Knight’s hit BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes returns for a thrilling second series. Set in Spring 1943, Paddy Mayne (Jack O’Connell) steps into the leadership of the SAS after David Stirling’s (Connor Swindells) capture, shifting focus from North Africa to mainland Europe. As doubts grow over the regiment’s future and a second unit is created, the men must prove their worth in a high-stakes battle to secure their place in the war.
Have I Got Sport For You
Release date: Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
Time: 8:30 pm GMT
Where to Watch: BBC One
Hosted by Jason Manford, Have I Got Sport For You is a special looking back at an exciting year of sports. Team captains are joined by a panel of comedians and sporting stars to reflect on the highlights of 2024.
Gladiators: Celebrity Special
Release date: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
Time: 6 pm GMT
Where to Watch: BC One and iPlayer
In this thrilling one-hour special of Gladiators, four celebrities step into the arena to face one of the toughest game shows on Earth. Hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, comedian Rob Beckett takes on TV presenter Joel Dommett, while Breakfast TV’s Louise Minchin faces comedian Ellie Taylor. The stars will test their speed and strength against the mighty Gladiators before going head-to-head in the iconic Eliminator.
Lucy Worsley Investigates
Release date: Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
Time: 9 pm GMT
Where to Watch: BBC Two
Lucy Worsley returns to explore dramatic chapters of British history, starting with the Jack the Ripper case. She examines how the shocking murders influenced true crime coverage and the rise of sensationalist journalism. Worsley delves into the impact on Victorian society and its vulnerable citizens, showing how the case set the stage for modern true crime media. Future episodes will explore The Gunpowder Plot, Bloody Mary, and 1066.
Cunk on Life
Release date: Monday, Dec. 30, 2024
Time: 9 pm GMT
Where to Watch: Netflix
Following the success of Cunk on Earth, Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) returns for her most ambitious quest yet, exploring the meaning of life. In this one-off special called Cunk on Life, she tackles complex topics like Quantum Physics, Existentialism, and Nihilism, while exploring the big bang, biology, art, and AI. Cunk meets experts and delves into history's greatest thinkers, from Dostoyevsky to Van Gogh, seeking answers to life’s big questions—while never forgetting to ask, "When’s lunch?"
Blankety Blank
Release date: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024
Time: 12:15 am GMT
Where to Watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
The iconic gameshow Blankety Blank returns for a festive special on BBC One, with Bradley Walsh hosting. Six big-name celebrities—Jane McDonald, Joel Dommett, Jonathan Ross, Oti Mabuse, Sara Pascoe, and The Vivienne—join the panel to help four contestants fill in the missing BLANKS and win some of telly’s most unique prizes. It's a festive night of fun and laughs!
The Split: Barcelona
Release date: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024
Time: 9 pm GMT
Where to Watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Two years after the conclusion of the third series, powerhouse lawyer Hannah Defoe (Nicola Walker) returns with her family for a stunning wedding at a vineyard in Catalonia’s wine region. The weekend introduces new faces, including Toby Stephens as Archie Moore, and the glamorous hosts Alvaro (Manu Fullola) and Valentina (Romina Cocca). The Split: Barcelona is your go-to show to watch this New Year!
Full list of Christmas TV Shows/Movies
Explore the list of shows airing on their respective channels, with all shows and specials also available on BBC iPlayer.
BBC One
Call the Midwife
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, and Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024.
Time: 8 pm GMT on Christmas Day and 7:30 pm GMT on Boxing Day
In this Christmas special, Poplar gets a burst of color and excitement with the arrival of a traveling funfair, but the frosty landscape is also visited by influenza and the Hong Kong flu. Adding to the tension, the neighborhood prepares for a carol concert while grappling with fears of an escaped prisoner on the loose after a spate of break-ins.
Strictly Come Dancing
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Time: 3:55 pm GMT
In this Christmas special, Six dazzling couples will take to the dance floor, performing festive-themed routines to impress judges, along with the voting studio audience. The ultimate question remains: who will shine brightest and claim the coveted Christmas trophy?
Tiddler
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Time: 2:35 pm GMT
Adapted from Julia Donaldson's beloved picture book, Tiddler follows a little fish with a big imagination. Every day, Tiddler spins fantastical tales about why he's late for school, from riding seahorses to being captured by a squid. When he gets lost in the vast ocean, his storytelling skills become the key to finding his way home.
EastEnders
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm GMT
This Christmas special, secrets and lies unravel within the Beale family as Cindy's shocking past is exposed. A tape revealing her love for ex-husband George and an affair with his son, Junior, sends shockwaves through the family, sparking fury and accusations. Meanwhile, Denise Fox receives an unexpected gift from an unlikely source, setting her on a very different path from last Christmas. Don’t miss out on watching EastEnders.
Casualty Christmas Special
Release date: Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024
Time: 9:15 pm GMT
The BBC’s BAFTA-winning medical drama Casualty returns with a format-breaking Christmas special that celebrates the spirit of giving. On Christmas Day in the ED, the team faces a critical blood shortage. As Stevie (Elinor Lawless) works tirelessly to save lives, Iain (Michael Stevenson) puts his own life on the line to ensure the hospital has the resources it needs. It’s a heart-pounding holiday episode that shows the true meaning of sacrifice.
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Time: 9 pm GMT
Five years after Nessa's proposal to Smithy, a lot has changed. In Barry, Bryn's preparing for a trip, Stacey and Gavin are spicing up their marriage, and Nessa's launched a new business. Meanwhile, over in Billericay, Pam's stressed about hosting, Mick's practicing golf indoors, and Pete and Dawn's relationship has its ups and downs. Join the Shipmans and the Wests one last time and maybe discover what really happened on that fishing trip in this Christmas special. This is one of the most anticipated Christmas TV shows of 2024!
Outnumbered Christmas Special
Release date: Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024
Time: 9:40 pm GMT
The Brockmans are back in the Outnumbered Christmas Special! Written and directed by the show's creators, Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton, this festive episode finds Pete and Sue Brockman struggling to adapt to their grown-up kids' new lives. The original cast returns, including Hugh Dennis as Pete, Claire Skinner as Sue, and their kids Jake, Ben, and Karen. As they attempt to celebrate a traditional Christmas and share some unwelcome news, they’re interrupted by mishaps, neighbors, and even hyenas.
Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Specials
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Time: 11:05 pm GMT
It’s Christmas in Finglas once again in this special holiday episode, and Agnes is struggling to shake her grumpy reputation! Meanwhile, Cathy unites the community for a festive cause, and Buster works hard to find a sustainable Christmas tree. This is one of the most awaited Christmas TV of 2024!
The Weakest Link
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Time: 3:10 pm GMT
Romesh Ranganathan brings festive cheer to a star-studded Christmas Special of The Weakest Link, where eight celebrities compete to win up to £50,000 for charity. In each round, one player is voted The Weakest Link and leaves with nothing. Who will be crowned The Strongest Link and take the prize ho-ho-home? The festive lineup includes Shaun Ryder, Kerry Katona, Phil Tufnell, Sally Lindsay, Big Has, Tim Vine, Heather Peace, and Indiyah Polack. This is one of the most anticipated Christmas TV shows of 2024.
The Repair Shop
Release date: Tuesday, Dec. 24
Time: 8:15 pm GMT
The Repair Shop Christmas Special 2024 is brimming with festive magic as the expert team works on heartwarming restorations. Highlights include Dominic Chinea and Brenton West reviving beloved puffins for a children's bookshop and Will Kirk, Kirsten Ramsey, and Mark Stuckey restoring a miniature Christmas village cherished by a foster family.
Would I Lie To You?
Release date: Monday, Dec. 23, 2024
Time: 7 pm GMT
Rob Brydon returns as host for a festive edition of the award-winning comedy panel show Would I Lie to You?. With David Mitchell and Lee Mack as the quick-witted team captains, celebrity guests share incredible stories, but are they true or just made up? David’s team features Jimmy Carr and Laura Smyth, while Lee’s team includes Rustie Lee and Lenny Rush.
CBBC
The Famous Five
Release date: Monday, Dec. 23, 2024
Time: 5:25 pm GMT
The Famous Five, based on Enid Blyton’s classic stories, follows the daring young explorers through thrilling adventures, mysteries, and danger. In the first episode, Mystery at the Prospect Hotel, set in summer 1940, the Five reunite at a grand hotel on Cragstone Ridge. Their old foe, Thomas Wentworth, warns them of a murder foretold: jazz singer Cab Vee is in danger. With numerous suspects, each with their own motives, can the Five uncover who’s behind the plot before it’s too late?
BBC Four
Doctor Who - The War Games
Release date: Sunday, Dec. 23, 2024
Step into the excitement of The War Games, now colourised and enhanced for modern audiences. Originally aired in 1969, the story follows the Second Doctor (Patrick Troughton) and his companions as they uncover a sinister game involving soldiers from different eras. This newly updated version features updated visual effects, sound, and a new score, alongside the Second Doctor's never-before-seen regeneration into the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee). A must-watch for both fans and newcomers!
BBC Two
Maria Callas: The Final Act
Release date: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024
Time: 9 pm GMT
Maria Callas, the legendary opera diva, redefined classical music with her powerful voice and trailblazing spirit. Despite rumors of her being a victim, especially after her romance with Aristotle Onassis, this film reveals the true story of her struggle as her voice gradually failed. Celebrating her brilliance, it explores her revolutionary impact on opera and how she brought forgotten roles to life.
A Ghost Story for Christmas: Woman of Stone
Release date: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024
Time: 10:15 pm GMT
Mark Gatiss adapts E. Nesbit’s chilling tale Man-Size in Marble for his seventh Ghost Story for Christmas. This Christmas special drama follows newlyweds Jack and Laura, who move into a quiet cottage, only to be haunted by the legend of two marble knights that rise from their tombs on Christmas Eve. As Jack dismisses the warnings, he is drawn to the church, leaving Laura alone at home. This should be on your Christmas TV shows 2024 list!
Doctor Who at the Proms
Release date: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024
Time: 4:10 pm GMT
Catherine Tate hosts Doctor Who at the Proms 2024, a thrilling blend of music, monsters, and mayhem at the Royal Albert Hall. The event features iconic soundtracks performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, dramatic alien appearances, and stunning visuals from the series.
Channel 4
The Great Christmas Bake Off
Release date: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024
Time: 8 pm GMT
The Great British Bake Off 2024 Christmas special features a star-studded lineup of soap actors from EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and more, as they showcase their baking skills. The contestants, including Natalie Cassidy, Dean Gaffney, Shobna Gulati, and Chris Bisson, are tasked with baking a signature yule log, completing a tricky technical challenge, and creating a festive soap scene out of biscuit. They’ll be aiming for a "doof, doof" moment and the coveted title of star baker. The episode also includes a musical performance from Paloma Faith, singing Christmas Prayer.
The Piano
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Mika, Lang Lang, and Claudia Winkleman are bringing the festive spirit with them to the Battersea Power Station in London in this The Piano Christmas special. Guest stars from Season 2 are back with seasonal favorites like O Holy Night, Walking in the Air, and also a rendition of Joni Mitchell's River. But that’s not all. Season 2 winner Brad Kella will perform his brand new single as well.
Channel 5
The Madame Blanc Mysteries
Christmas Eve at the Saint Victoire market turns dark when a festive puppet show takes a deadly turn 😨 What starts with family fun quickly spirals into something far more sinister 👀
— Channel 5 (@channel5_tv) December 18, 2024
📺 #TheMadameBlancMysteries Christmas Special, Christmas Eve 9.15pm @sally_lindsay… pic.twitter.com/vNUrSNJVaz
Release date: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024
Time: 9:15 pm GMT
In The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special 2024, Jean White returns to investigate a chilling mystery. The festive mood at Sainte Victoire's Christmas market takes a dark turn when father and son puppeteers, Frederick and Christian, entertain the crowd.
Frederick misses his cue, and moments later, his lifeless body is discovered, still holding a blood-soaked Guignol puppet. As Jean delves deeper into the investigation, her suspicions about Frederick's family grow, and she begins to suspect his death may have been no accident.
ITV
The Masked Singer Christmas Special
Release date: Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm GMT
The Masked Singer returns for a one-off Christmas special, where four celebrities will don dazzling Christmas-themed costumes. The festive characters Star, Turkey Crown, Nutcracker, and Christmas Cracker will go head-to-head in two exciting battles. But who will be crowned the Christmas champion? These characters will be performing a range of holiday classics, including A Sleigh Ride Together With You, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You), Driving Home For Christmas, and more.
Emmerdale
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm GMT
This Christmas special in Emmerdale unfolds dramatic moments as April Windsor goes missing, leaving her family frantic. Ruby Miligan is pushed to the edge, threatening her father with a knife after hiding a devastating secret. In a rare moment of joy, Belle Dingle reunites with her beloved dog, Piper, in a heartwarming twist.
Coronation Street
Release date: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Time: 7 pm GMT
In this special Christmas episode of Coronation Street, Gail’s wedding plans hang in the balance as family secrets come to light, threatening her big day. Amid the festive chaos, producer Kate Brooks teases lots of bombshells as Gail grapples with betrayals from her closest loved ones, including shocking lies from her own family.
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