Some of our night time saviours are getting a festive makeover, with a number of Christmas TV specials set to grace our screens this month. So grab your festive tipple of choice, turn on those Christmas tree lights and read on for our top picks for the 2022 festive season.
1. Call The Midwife
Will Matthew and Trixie be getting engaged this Christmas? We’ll have to wait and see if he pops the question this Christmas special. Plus, we’ll see Fred’s Poplartunity Knocks talent contest.
Showing on Christmas Day at 7.55 pm on BBC One.
2. Mrs. Brown’s Boys
This year Brendan O’Carroll will once again become Agnes Brown for two Christmas specials, one for Christmas and another for New Year. The two episodes will see Agnes try to figure out Cathy’s new boyfriend, about which she has plenty of absurd reservations.
Showing on Christmas Day at 10.25 pm and January 1 at 10 pm on BBC One.
3. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
This wholesome 2D animated adaptation of Charley Mackesy’s bestselling novel by the same name will be loved by the whole family this Christmas.
It follows four friends – a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse as they search for the little boy’s home and features big names like Idris Elba and Tom Hollander. If you enjoyed that, then you can also head out to a pop-up exhibition by Charlie Mackesy himself in London over the next month!
Showing Christmas Eve at 4.55 pm on BBC One.
4. The Great Festive Bake Off
Now here’s something that will get you excited for Christmas Eve! The Great Festive Bake Off is back this year, starring Gaby Roslin, Tony Robinson, Miquita Oliver, Terry Christian and Claire Sweeney.
The five stars will compete to be crowned Star Baker with their bakes judged by Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. As usual, Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas will host the festive affair.
Showing Christmas Eve at 8.25 pm on Channel 4.
5. Strictly Come Dancing
The ever popular Strictly Come Dancing will be there to entertain you this Christmas, and this year Nicole Roberts, George Webster, Larry Lamb, Rosie Ramsey, Ricky Haywood-Williams and Alexandra Mardell will be competing to win the Christmas special.
As always, it will be hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly and you can expect a spectacular show full of festive footwork.
Showing Christmas Day at 5.10 pm on BBC One.
6. Eastenders Christmas Special
A special, hour long episode of Eastenders will air on Christmas Day, in addition to the usual bi-weekly episodes and, of course, there’s gunna be some drama on the square this year!
Lies, proposals, gas leaks and a dramatic storyline for Mick are all predicted for these festive episodes and for Eastenders fans (guilty) these episodes are set to be unmissable.
Showing Christmas Day at 9.25 pm on BBC One.
7. Big Fat Quiz of the Year
This golden favourite is back for another installment this year, with comedy legend Jimmy Carr taking the reins once more. Teams consist of Stephen Merchant, Katherine Ryan, Richard Ayoade, Maisie Adam, Jonathan Ross and Rose Matafeo, and they’ll be answering all the questions they can with plenty of humour thrown in throughout the show.
Showing on Boxing Day at 9pm on Channel 4.
8. 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown
It’s official: 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown will have a Christmas special this year! Although the Christmas specials are usually filmed in the spring, this could be the first special without Sean Lock. It’s unclear as of yet who will be competing but we know that it’s set to air on December 23.
Showing December 23 at 9 pm on Channel 4.
9. Jool’s Annual Hootenanny
Ringing in 2023 in style, Jools Holland’s annual Hootenanny sees Andy Fairweather Low, Tom Odell, Cat Burns, Ruby Turner and The Real Thing all join and help to get the party started.
Showing on New Year’s Eve at 11.25pm on BBC One.
10. The Weakest Link
Romesh Ranganathan has taken over as the host of The Weakest Link and the first episodes will be aired just in time for Christmas! The Christmas episode will feature panto stars and we reckon we can trust Romesh to bring the laughs.
Showing on December 23 at 6.30 pm on BBC One.