The Ultimate Guide to 2024’s Christmas TV Specials: What to Watch This Festive Season
The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and with it comes an exciting array of festive TV specials guaranteed to keep you glued to the screen. Whether you’re a fan of family classics, heartwarming dramas, or thrilling mysteries, this Christmas, TV has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best shows to watch this holiday season.
1. Gavin & Stacey: The Finale – A Comedy Farewell
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Gavin & Stacey returns for one final, 90-minute special on Christmas Day. After a five-year hiatus since the last Christmas special, this highly anticipated episode promises to deliver the laughs and surprises we’ve come to love from the hit series. The special will jump ahead in time, checking in on Gavin (Mathew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page) as they navigate married life and family dynamics. Fans will also get a glimpse of what’s happened in the lives of beloved characters like Bryn (Arthur Mathews), Jason (Shaun Dooley), and, of course, the iconic duo of Nessa (Ruth Jones) and Smithy (James Corden). With a cliffhanger unresolved since 2019, many are eagerly awaiting to see if Nessa and Smithy finally confront their complicated past. Will it be a joyful reunion, or is there still tension between them? Expect heartfelt moments, plenty of comedy, and emotional farewells. Gavin & Stacey: The Finale airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 9:00 PM on Christmas Day.
2. Outnumbered – The Brockmans Are Back
After a five-year hiatus, the Outnumbered family is back for a Christmas special, and it’s sure to be full of chaos and laughter. Pete (Hugh Dennis) and Sue (Claire Skinner) are now empty-nesters, but with their grown-up children returning home for Christmas, things get hilariously out of control. The family’s home is smaller than before, but the same level of chaos is present as Pete and Sue try to navigate the challenges of raising adult children. Jake (Tyger Drew-Honey) is a university graduate, Ben (Daniel Roche) is still dealing with his quirky personality, and Karen (Ramona Marquez) is as unpredictable as ever. In this special, we’ll see how the kids have grown (or not) and whether the Brockman family dynamics have evolved. Expect plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and some heartwarming family moments. Outnumbered airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday, December 26, at 9:40 PM.
3. Doctor Who: Joy to the World – A Futuristic Festive Mystery
No Christmas would be complete without a Doctor Who special, and this year’s offering, Joy to the worldpromises to take us on another mind-bending journey through time and space. This special marks the return of Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, along with Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan as the character Joy. The plot is being kept under wraps, but showrunner Steven Moffat has teased a fascinating concept: a hotel chain in the far future that uses time travel to sell unsold nights in their hotels across history. The story will undoubtedly feature plenty of twists, turning what seems like a simple concept into something far more complex, as the Doctor faces a new, intriguing mystery. Fans of the show will be excited to see how the new dynamic between the Fifteenth Doctor and his companion plays out. Doctor Who: Joy to the World airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 5:10 PM.
4. Sister Boniface Mysteries – A Festive Murder Mystery
Fans of Sister Boniface Mysteries are in for a festive treat this Christmas. The special takes us back to the charming town of Great Slaughter, where the amateur dramatics group is gearing up for their production of Cinderella. However, things take a darker turn when one of the cast members is found dead. Sister Boniface (Lorna Watson), with the help of her trusty colleague Sam (Max Brown), must use her unique skills to crack the case. This feature-length episode promises to be a perfect blend of festive cheer and classic murder mystery, as the close-knit community comes together to solve the crime before another tragedy strikes. Expect plenty of quirky characters, amusing interactions, and an expertly crafted mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Sister Boniface Mysteries airs on UKTV’s U&Drama on Friday, December 20, at 8:00 PM.
5. All Creatures Great and Small – A Heartwarming Christmas Return
If you’re looking for something heartwarming, All Creatures Great and Small‘s Christmas special will be the perfect addition to your festive TV list. The Channel 5 drama, set in the Yorkshire Dales, follows the life of veterinarian James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) and his team at Skeldale House. While plot details for this Christmas special remain under wraps, fans can expect a wholesome mix of beautiful landscapes, touching moments, and of course dramatic, veterinary cases. Last year’s special introduced the birth of baby Jimmy, adding a new layer of depth to the characters’ lives, and this year’s episode is sure to continue exploring the emotional and professional challenges of the Herriot family. Whether it’s a life-changing case or a quiet moment of joy, this special is guaranteed to warm your heart. All Creatures Great and Small airs on Channel 5 during the festive period.
6. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl – A classic stop-motion sequel
The world’s favorite stop-motion duo is back with a brand new adventure. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is a sequel to The Wrong Trouserswhere we first met the villainous Feathers McGraw. Now, Feathers is back, looking for revenge on Wallace and Gromit after they thwarted his plans in the past. This time, it’s a feathered villain that’s determined to make life difficult for the dynamic duo, with plenty of slapstick humor and clever animation that fans love. With appearances from comedy legends such as Peter Kay, Diane Morgan, and Sir Lenny Henry, this festive adventure will be as fun and charming as ever. Whether it’s solving a crime or just getting into trouble, Wallace and Gromit will keep audiences of all ages entertained. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 6:10 PM.
7. Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – A Glittering Holiday Dance-Off
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the sparkle and glamor of Strictly Come Dancing‘s Christmas special. Each year, the show brings together a group of celebrities who take to the dance floor for a one-off competition, and this year’s line-up is full of exciting names. Comedian Josh Widdicombe, EastEnders legend Tazmin Outhwaite, TV presenter Vogue Williams, drag artist Tayce, and other star-studded contestants will battle it out for the coveted Silver Star trophy. With a dazzling array of performances, festive-themed dances, and a generous sprinkle of Christmas magic, this special will bring the usual Strictly charm to your holiday celebrations. Watch as the celebrities show off their dancing skills, and perhaps a few unexpected moves. Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 3:55 PM.
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From side-splitting comedies to thrilling mysteries and heartwarming dramas, this year’s Christmas TV lineup is a festive treat for all. So, gather your loved ones, grab some snacks, and get ready to indulge in some top-tier holiday entertainment. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or solving crimes, 2024’s Christmas TV specials are sure to make your season bright!