Christmas TV specials over the festive period
There’s nothing better than relaxing on the couch with a mince pie and enjoying some seasonal treats on the radio and television. We run down some of the best Christmas specials you can tune into this year.
From one-off specials to seasonal episodes of our favourite shows, there are some fantastic programmes on to enjoy over Christmas this year.
Christmas Eve
Carols from King’s – 5.25pm, BBC2
The extraordinary voices of the Cambridge King’s College choristers mark the start of the Christmas specials in this annual concert.
Happy Holidays with Bing and Frank – 8pm, BBC4
Tune in for a golden oldie on Christmas Eve and listen to two of the best crooners from the silver screen in this charming and old-fashioned Christmas special.
The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm – 8.30pm, BBC1
Get ready for some family friendly comedy based on Norman Hunter’s popular books. Harry Hill is almost unrecognisable in the title role, and supported by an excellent cast.
All is Calm – The Story of the Christmas Truce – 10pm, BBC Radio 2
John Hurt narrates this moving account of the 1914 Christmas Day ceasefire.
Christmas Day
With Great Pleasure at Christmas – 5pm, BBC Radio 4
A radio highlight of the festive season has to be this special on Ian Hislop’s special writings, from modern pieces read by actors to archive clips and comedy.
Strictly Come Dancing – 5pm, BBC1
Get set for sparkles and a panto theme in this Christmas special, which has Bruce Forsyth back with Tess Daly to present popular contestants from previous series.
Doctor Who – 6.15pm, BBC1
This year’s much anticipated Doctor Who Christmas special sees the Doctor and Clara battle monsters with Santa (guest star Nick Frost) at the North Pole.
Call The Midwife – 7.50pm, BBC1
Tune in for a tear jerking and festive themed episode of this heart-warming show.
Downton Abbey – 9pm, ITV
Get ready for scandal, reminiscence and a touch of festive charm in the Christmas special of this beloved British programme.
After Christmas
Afternoon Drama: Blithe Spirit – Boxing Day, 2.15pm, BBC Radio 4
Join the cast of The Archers for a Christmas production of this fantastic Noël Coward comedy about wartime socialites, an eccentric medium, and temperamental ghosts.
That Day We Sang – Boxing Day, 9pm, BBC2
Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball woo each other in this wonderful musical penned by Victoria Wood.
The Haunting of Radcliffe House – 27 December, 9.35pm, Channel 5
Jumps and shocks are in store in this feature length ghost story set on the Yorkshire moors.
News Review of the Year – 28 December, 10pm, BBC Radio 4
Sarah Montague looks back at some of the major stories that have been in the headlines in 2014.
The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures – 29 December, 8pm, BBC4
Learn how you can make everyday items become extraordinary objects, in the first of three Christmas lectures.
Mapp and Lucia – 29, 30 and 31 December, 9pm, BBC1
This charming comedy focuses on the rivalry between Mapp (Miranda Richardson) and Lucia (Anna Chancellor) as they vie for supremacy in a 1930s seaside town.
What Christmas special are you most looking forward to?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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