The greatest Christmas TV specials of all time have been ranked, with the UK's own The Office taking a top spot. The 2003 two-part finale of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's mockumentary is hailed as a festive masterpiece, featuring David Brent finding a date for the Wernham Hogg party and finally standing up to his frenemy Finchy. The episode's emotional climax, with Tim and Dawn finally kissing to Yazoo's 'Only You', prompted air punches nationwide.
Other British classics include the 2008 Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, where Stacey's family travels from Barry to Billericay, leading to proposals, punches, and drama queen Pam pretending to be vegetarian. The 1986 EastEnders episode, watched by 30 million people, saw Dirty Den hand wife Angie divorce papers, setting a tradition for festive misery in soapland.
Animated favourites like The Snowman (1982) and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993) also make the list, alongside The Simpsons debut episode from 1989. The Black Mirror 2014 special 'White Christmas' is noted for its dystopian twist, while Only Fools and Horses 1989 seaside outing in Margate delivers disastrous dinners and punch-ups.
From Schitt's Creek to The X-Files, the selection spans genres and eras, ensuring there's something to thaw the heart of any small-screen Scrooge this festive season.
