As the festive season approaches, British broadcasters are rolling out a glittering array of special programming to keep the nation entertained. From cherished carol services and royal appearances to comedy specials and gripping dramas, the Christmas TV schedule for 2024 is packed with must-see moments across BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and streaming services.
A Festive Feast of Television: The Main Event Days
The celebrations kick off in earnest in the days leading up to Christmas. On Monday 22nd December, viewers can enjoy a Celebrity Masterchef: Christmas Cook Off on BBC One at 8pm, followed by Taskmaster: Champion of Champions on Channel 4 at 9pm. BBC One also offers Amanda and Alan's Spanish Christmas at 9pm.
Tuesday 23rd December features Richard Osman's Festive House of Games on BBC Two at 7:30pm. Channel 4 presents a behind-the-scenes look at A Very British Christmas: Kensington Palace at 8pm, while BBC One airs the Christmas comedy Stuffed, starring Guz Khan, Morgana Robinson, and Sue Johnston, at 9pm.
Christmas Eve: Carols, Crafts, and Drama
Christmas Eve offers a blend of tradition and entertainment. The timeless Carols from King's airs at 5:45pm on BBC Two. Later, BBC One at 7:25pm broadcasts The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Special, while ITV1 at the same time hosts the Royal Carols: Together at Christmas service, presented by the Princess of Wales.
Channel 4 offers festive drama with Finding Father Christmas, featuring Lenny Rush and James Buckley, at 7:30pm. The evening continues with the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special on Channel 5 at 9pm, and a chilling Mark Gatiss drama, A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower, on BBC Two at 10pm.
Christmas Day: From The King's Speech to Soap Dramas
Christmas Day viewing is a British institution. It begins with The King's Speech at 3pm on BBC One. Family-friendly animation Shaun the Sheep: Fleece Navidad follows at 4:35pm, leading into the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special at 5:30pm, both on BBC One.
The soaps dominate the evening, with Emmerdale on ITV1 at 6:15pm and Coronation Street at 7:15pm. BBC One counters with EastEnders at 7:45pm and 9:45pm. Other highlights include Call the Midwife on BBC One at 8:15pm, The Christmas Great British Bake Off on Channel 4 at 8pm, and the Amandaland Christmas special on BBC One at 9:15pm.
Boxing Day and Beyond: Streaming and Quiz Specials
Boxing Day starts early for streaming fans, with Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 dropping on Netflix from 1:30am. Traditional TV picks up with Would I Lie To You? on BBC One at 7pm, followed by The Repair Shop at Christmas at 7:30pm and the continuation of Call the Midwife at 8:30pm. Channel 4's Big Fat Quiz of the Year rounds off the night at 9pm.
Looking ahead to the New Year period, specials include Death in Paradise on BBC One on 28th December, The Celebrity Apprentice on 29th and 30th December on BBC One, and Here We Go on New Year's Eve at 8pm, also on BBC One.
With such a diverse and star-studded line-up, viewers are guaranteed a festive period filled with entertainment, tradition, and high-quality storytelling from the UK's leading broadcasters.
