Television viewers across the UK are in for a festive treat this year, with broadcasters unveiling a packed schedule of special episodes and one-off programmes for Christmas and Boxing Day 2025. From dancing celebrities and baking reunions to dramatic cliffhangers in the nation's favourite soaps, the holiday lineup promises something for everyone.
Christmas Day Highlights: From Ballroom to Bake Off Tent
The festive day kicks off with family-friendly animation. BBC One will air The Scarecrows' Wedding, a half-hour animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson's book, at 3.10pm. Featuring voices from Sophie Okonedo, Rob Brydon, Jessie Buckley, and Domhnall Gleeson, it tells the tale of scarecrows Betty and Harry's wedding plans going awry.
The sparkle continues with the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on BBC One at 5.30pm. This year's pre-recorded contest features six celebrities, including Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, and Brian McFadden, vying for the glitterball trophy. It also marks the final hosting appearance of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly together.
Later, Channel 4 serves up a treat at 8pm with The Great British Bake Off festive special. In a unique twist, the cast of the cult sitcom Peep Show – including Olivia Colman and David Mitchell – will reunite in the tent for a series of seasonal baking challenges judged by Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.
Soap Operas Promise Festive Fireworks
Christmas wouldn't be complete without drama on the cobbles and squares. EastEnders delivers a double bill on BBC One. The first episode at 7.45pm centres on a tense combined family dinner at The Queen Vic, dealing with the fallout from a recent fire. The second at 9.45pm focuses on the Mitchell family's efforts to support Nigel Bates.
Over on ITV1, Coronation Street's hour-long special at 7.15pm puts the new Driscoll family at the heart of the drama, while Emmerdale at 6.15pm sees Kim Tate alone and Charity Dingle fearing her secret will be exposed.
Boxing Day & Comedy Specials
The entertainment continues on Boxing Day. Call The Midwife concludes its two-part special on BBC One at 8.30pm, following the midwives' mission in Hong Kong. The Repair Shop Christmas Special at 7.30pm on BBC One features Dame Helen Mirren and Julia Donaldson seeking help for cherished items.
For laughs, the Amandaland Christmas special, a Motherland spin-off starring Lucy Punch with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, airs on BBC One at 9.15pm. Later, Mrs Brown's Boys returns at 10.15pm on the same channel.
Quiz fans are catered for with The 1% Club Christmas Special on ITV1 at 9.15pm and Romesh Ranganathan's Parents' Evening at 10.15pm. Channel 4 rounds off the day at 9pm with Jimmy Carr hosting the annual Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2025.
With this extensive selection of programming, families across the UK can look forward to settling in for a festive period filled with entertainment, drama, and laughter.
