Christmas Day 2025 brings a spectacular line-up of festive television, designed to entertain from afternoon to late evening. The schedule is packed with special reunions, beloved adaptations, and live sporting action, offering something for every member of the family.
Festive Specials & Celebrity Reunions
The highlight of the evening is undoubtedly The Great Christmas Bake Off at 8pm on Channel 4. This fun-filled special sees Oscar-winner Olivia Colman joined by her former Peep Show co-stars Isy Suttie, Matt King, David Mitchell, and Sophie Winkleman for a baking challenge with a twist. The cast will attempt to create shortbread, turkey pies, and even famous scenes from the iconic sitcom rendered in cake. While Robert Webb is absent, the chaos is guaranteed, especially with speculation about what mischief Super Hans might cause in the tent.
Later, at 9.15pm on BBC One, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley share the screen for the first time since Absolutely Fabulous in the Amandaland Christmas Special. Saunders plays eccentric Aunt Joan, whose country pile – smelling of "damp, dogs and desperation" according to Felicity – becomes the setting for a major family secret to spill as Amanda and her family visit for Christmas Day.
Family Favourites & Afternoon Treats
The festive programming begins early with adaptations for younger viewers. At 3.10pm on BBC One, The Scarecrows’ Wedding brings Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved children’s story to life. The sweet tale, narrated by Sophie Okonedo, features the voices of Jessie Buckley and Domhnall Gleeson as scarecrows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, whose wedding plans are disrupted by the villainous Reginald Rake, voiced by Rob Brydon.
Animation fans are treated to the Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl at 11.40am on BBC One. This long-awaited return, sixteen years after their last outing, sees the duo face their old nemesis Feathers McGraw. The silent penguin villain manipulates Wallace’s latest invention, the cheerful robot gnome Norbot (voiced by Reece Shearsmith), in a plan of revenge. Ben Whitehead seamlessly takes over from Peter Sallis as the voice of Wallace.
For dance enthusiasts, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special returns at 5.30pm on BBC One, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. This year’s celebrity contestants include Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Brian McFadden, Babatunde Aléshé, Nicholas Bailey, and Gladiator star Jodie Ounsley (Fury).
Evening Drama & Live Sport
Drama continues with the Call the Midwife Christmas Special at 8.15pm on BBC One. This festive two-parter splits the action, with most of the Nonnatus House team facing an emergency mobilisation after a building collapse in Hong Kong, while a skeleton crew handles a series of crises back in a snowy Poplar.
On ITV1 at 8.15pm, the Bullseye Christmas Special continues the revival of the classic darts game show, hosted by Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff. While darts sensation Luke Littler is absent, Dutch world champion Michael "Mighty Mike" van Gerwen steps in to try and win cash for charity.
For sports fans, live Ashes cricket resumes with Australia v England from Melbourne, starting at 10.30pm on TNT Sports 1.
Film Choices for Christmas Day
The film schedule offers a wide range, from new releases to timeless classics. A Minecraft Movie (2025) directed by Jared Hess airs on Sky Cinema Premiere at 7.10am and 6.15pm. This adaptation of the popular video game stars Sebastian Hansen, Emma Myers, Jason Momoa, and Jack Black in a surreal, right-angled world.
The musical classic White Christmas (1954) is a BBC Two staple at 1pm, featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Vera-Ellen. Later, at 6.30pm on E4, Disney's 2023 live-action The Little Mermaid stars a luminous Halle Bailey as Ariel in an emotionally complex and vibrant underwater retelling.
With this diverse and star-studded line-up, Christmas Day 2025 promises to be a television event filled with nostalgia, laughter, drama, and excitement for viewers across the UK.
