What to watch on TV on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
There is a whole array of festive offerings
Animated cats, Strictly Come Dancing, Call the Midwife and the Christmas Day address from the King are among the TV highlights this festive season.
Here is a look at the best television on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
– Christmas Eve
Royal Carols – Together At Christmas (ITV, 7.45pm). The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children host the annual carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Mog’s Christmas (Channel 4, 7.45pm). This adaptation of Judith Kerr’s beloved children’s book by the animation team behind The Tiger Who Came To Tea features a voice cast including Adjoa Andoh, Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy.
Mog’s Christmas
A Ghost Story For Christmas – Lot No 249 (BBC 2, 10pm). The latest festive ghost story from Mark Gatiss is an adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1892 short story and stars Kit Harington and Freddie Fox.
Beyond Paradise (BBC 1, 9pm). The Death In Paradise spin-off’s first Christmas special is a twist on A Christmas Carol and sees DI Humphrey (Kris Marshall) and DS Esther (Zahra Ahmadi) investigate a series of break-ins where nothing is stolen.
The Great Christmas Bake Off (Channel 4, 8.15pm). Stars of previous series return to the tent for a set of seasonal challenges from Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith, including mince pies, cinnamon snowflake loaves and redemption cakes.
– Christmas Day
Tabby McTat (BBC One 2.35pm). Animated adaptations of the books of Gruffalo creator Julia Donaldson have become a Christmas tradition and this story about a busker’s cat features the voice talents of Sope Dirisu and Rob Brydon.
Tabby McTat
The King’s Christmas Broadcast (BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV). The first Christmas address from the King attracted bumper viewing numbers last year and the same is likely to be true this year.
Strictly Come Dancing (BBC One, 4.40pm). Dan Snow, Keisha Buchanan and Sally Nugent are among the famous faces taking a turn round the dancefloor in the hope of lifting the Christmas glitterball.
Doctor Who (BBC One, 5.55pm). The first Christmas Day special for the sci-fi staple since 2017, The Church On Ruby Road sees Russell T Davies back at the helm and the full debut of Ncuti Gatwa, the first black Time Lord. It also marks the introduction of his companion, Ruby, played by Millie Gibson.
Call The Midwife (BBC One, 8.15pm). A trip to the midwives of Nonnatus House is a seasonal staple and in this extended episode the gang hatch a plan to lift an elderly nun out of depression.
Call The Midwife
– Boxing Day
Charles III – The Coronation Year (BBC 1, 6.50pm). Helena Bonham Carter narrates a documentary about the first year of the King’s reign.
Vera (ITV, 8pm). Brenda Blethyn is back as the unflappable DCI, investigating a suicide while the office is distracted by Secret Santas.
Big Fat Quiz Of The Year (Channel 4, 9pm). Richard Ayode, Katherine Ryan, Mel Giedroyc and Mo Gilligan are among those joining host Jimmy Carr for a funny look back on the year.
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