If you’re planning on enjoying a cozy Christmas season indoors with lots of food, you’ll need some great shows to keep you entertained between the holiday tunes and bubbly drinks. Not all festive TV is worth your time, so we’ve gathered the best shows to watch. Whether you’re into comforting classics or thrilling dramas, we’ve got you covered – no need for streaming subscriptions. This article covers the period leading up to Christmas all the way through to New Year’s.
Taskmaster’s Champions of Champions
Channel 4/Channel 4 website – Monday 22 December – 9:00pm
Greg Davies and Little Alex Horne are back to kick off your Christmas with a bang by bringing back some of the most iconic winners from previous seasons. This special episode will feature Andy Zaltzman, John Robins, Maisie Adam, Mathew Baynton, and Sam Campbell competing in the familiar quirky house to determine the ultimate champion.
If one episode of Taskmaster isn’t enough for you, there’s an extra treat with the New Year special airing on January 2nd and 3rd at 9pm, featuring Big Zuu, Jill Scott, Sam Ryder, Susie Dent, and Rose Ayling-Ellis. Each episode will also be available on the Taskmaster YouTube channel for international fans at 5pm EST/2pm PST.
The Scarecrow’s Wedding
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – Thursday 25 December/Christmas Day – 3:10pm
If you’re looking for a family-friendly option this Christmas, check out the adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s novel on BBC. This heartwarming film follows scarecrows Betty O’Barley (voiced by Jessie Buckley) and Harry O’Hay (Domhnall Gleeson) as they prepare for their wedding, only to face unexpected challenges.
The narration for this story will be done by Sophie Okonedo.
Gladiators Celebrity Special
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – Thursday 25 December/Christmas Day – 3:35pm
On Christmas Day, watch your favorite celebrities take on elite athletes in the Gladiator arena, including challenges like the infamous Duel. This year’s contestants include Joe Wicks, Sam Thompson, Nicola Adams, and Vogue Williams.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – Thursday 25 December/Christmas Day – 5:30pm
Get ready for the annual festive episode of Strictly Come Dancing, where contestants dance to Christmas classics and the 10 paddle comes out more frequently thanks to the joyful atmosphere. This year’s contestants include Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Jodie Ounsley, Nicholas Bailey, Babtunde Aléshé, and Brian McFadden.
The Great Festive Bake Off
Channel 4/Channel 4 website – Thursday 25 December/Christmas Day – 8pm
The Bake Off double bill tradition continues with a Peep Show special featuring David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King, and Sophie Winkleman. Then on New Year’s Day at 6:40pm, past contestants return to showcase their baking skills once again. Judges and presenters Prue, Paul, Allison, and Noel will be overseeing the baking fun.
Call the Midwife
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – Thursday 25 December/Christmas Day – 8:15pm
Don’t miss the two-part Christmas special of Call the Midwife, filled with drama. Violet and Fred travel to Hong Kong, Cyril faces an unexpected request, and Rosalind and Joyce host a Christmas gathering.
Amandaland Christmas Special
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – Thursday 25 December/Christmas Day – 9:15pm
Enjoy a Christmas special of Motherland’s spin-off Amandaland, featuring an Absolutely Fabulous reunion with Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders. Saunders plays Amanda’s Aunt Joan, bringing plenty of squabbles and cringe-inducing moments.
The Celebrity Apprentice
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – Monday 29 December – 9pm
Pass the time between Christmas and New Year watching celebrities head to Lapland to create unique gingerbread biscuits, all under the watchful eye of Lord Alan Sugar. Expect roastings, cringy TV adverts, and festive fun in the name of charity.
The Traitors series 4
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – Thursday 1 January/New Year’s Day – 8pm
While not a festive show, don’t miss the start of The Traitors season 4 on New Year’s Day. The first episode will introduce the chosen player for Claudia’s wicked game, setting the stage for many memorable moments.
Episodes two and three will follow on January 2nd and 3rd.
The Night Manager series 2
BBC One/BBC iPlayer – Thursday 1 January/New Year’s Day – 9:05pm (expected, time TBC)
After eight years, Tom Hiddleston returns in the second series of The Night Manager as MI6 officer Jonathan Pine. Pine is thrust into a conspiracy to destabilize the nation when he clashes with Colombian businessman Teddy Dos Santos. Trust becomes a rare commodity in this high-stakes drama.
The Night Manager series 2 will be available on Amazon Prime Video for international viewers on January 11, 2026.
