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Best Christmas 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 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 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
Tiddler
Release date: Thursday, 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, 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 watching EastEnders.
The Split: Barcelona
Release date: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024
Time: 9 pm GMT
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 Christmas.
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.
SAS Rogue Heroes Season 2
Release date: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
Time: 9 pm GMT
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.
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. 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, 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!
Gladiators: Celebrity Special
Release date: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
Time: 6 pm GMT
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.
The Graham Norton Show New Year’s Eve
Release date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024
Time: 10:25 pm GMT
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
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.
Blankety Blank
Release date: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024
Time: 12:15 am GMT
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 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.
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.
Have I Got Sport For You
Release date: Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
Time: 8:30 pm GMT
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.
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
Lucy Worsley Investigates
Release date: Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
Time: 9 pm GMT
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.
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. The story 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!
Cunk on Life
Release date: Monday, Dec. 30, 2024
Time: 9 pm GMT
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, 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?"
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