As the release of Christmas adverts seems to happen earlier each year, we are already counting down the days until we can have cosy nights on the sofa, watching some Christmas TV with our favourite festive snacks to hand, of course!
There are so many exciting appearances on television, and we’ve got you covered! From the Call the Midwife Christmas Special to family favourites like Doctor Who, here are our top picks for what to tune into this festive season.
The best Christmas TV 2024:
Gavin and Stacey, BBC One, Christmas Day
James Corden shared this snap of him and co-creator Ruth Jones holding a script to break the news that the super popular Gavin and Stacey will be back on our screens for a final episode. So, we should finally get to find out if Nessa said yes to Smithy in that festive special cliffhanger back in 2019.
He said: "It's official! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James".
Call The Midwife, BBC
It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a trip to Nonnatus House now would it? Filming began in April. Here's a detailed synopsis of the Call The Midwife Christmas special from BBC: "All the regular, well-loved characters will return for a Christmas set in 1969 where the Nonnatus midwives are in their element, all busy delivering babies and doing the job they are most dedicated and committed to.
"The funfair comes to Poplar, adding a burst of colour and excitement to the frosty landscape but there are other visitors to the borough - including influenza and the Hong Kong flu. As Poplar also prepares for a carol concert, the neighbourhood is gripped by the news of an escaped prisoner and fears grow that he may be in the local area after a spate of break-ins.
"The Turner children are caught up in the fever surrounding the Blue Peter Christmas appeal to collect dinky cars and scrap metal. Trixie makes a fleeting visit to Nonnatus House and is delighted to see her brother Geoffrey, and Miss Higgins has her grandson Harry stay for Christmas. Violet hosts a mince pie competition but the Buckles’ preparations for Reggie’s homecoming are thrown into turmoil."
Writer and Executive Producer Heidi Thomas OBE says: "We begin our filming season in Christmas 1969, before we move on to the new year, and our new series of 14 episodes. This yuletide marks a poignant turning point - as it's the last time we'll be filming in the swinging sixties! Next stop: the supersonic seventies!!!"
All Creatures Great and Small, Channel 5
Back in February 2024 it was announced that All Creatures Great and Small would be getting not just a Christmas special, but two new seasons as well!
Paul Testar, the commissioning editor said: "The show has captured the hearts of our audiences and we are committed to bringing even more of James Herriot’s unforgettable stories to our viewers. We can’t wait to share this next chapter.”
Outnumbered, BBC
This year there seems to be a trend of bringing back popular sitcoms and we couldn't be happier! Family sitcom Outnumbered is returning and we'll get a glimpse into life for the Brockman's now that the kids are all grown up.
Here's the official synopsis from the BBC: 'In a moment of adversity, Sue and Pete gather all their offspring (including one grandchild) to try and celebrate a traditional family Christmas. But fate, neighbours, hyenas and bus replacement services get in their way.'
Doctor Who, Joy to the World
Every Christmas TV schedule wouldn't feel complete without Doctor Who, would it? This year, writer Steven Moffatt returns to the show, with 'Joy to the World', which will be his 50th full-episode for the revival era.
Not much is known bout the episode yet, except for that it's set during the Second World War and stars Bridgerton lead Nicola Coughlan as Joy, a one-off, guest-companion to Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Supervillain Feathers McGraw is back for revenge in Vengeance Most Fowl this Christmas. The 70-minute feature film will be premiering on BBC and BBC iPlayer and will also have a global release on Netflix.
Here's the official synopsis from the BBC: 'Gromit’s growing concern as Wallace becomes over-dependent on his inventions - which proves justified when Wallace invents a ‘smart gnome’ that seems to develop an evil mind of its own. But who or what could be the cause? As events begin to spiral out of control, it’s up to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces, or Wallace may never be able to invent again!'
Beyond Paradise, BBC One
After the end of series two, the BBC have recommissioned Beyond Paradise for a third series, as well as a 2024 Christmas special episode. We wonder what's instore for the characters, as the show ended last time with Humphrey and Martha nearly getting married and welcoming a foster son, Ryan into their home.
The Good Ship Murder, Channel 5
Coronation Street castmates Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward will be back in Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder. For those that haven't seen the show, it's about a retired detective-turned-cabaret singer who solves murders on board a luxury Mediterranean cruise ship.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024, BBC
We'll be tuning back into the ballroom for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. We'll have more news on the celebrity contestants, professional dancers and musical performers soon!
Emmerdale, 2024
"This Christmas, there is a huge surprise arrival on Christmas Day," Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod told Digital Spy.
"As well as some life or death jeopardy on Christmas Day – but obviously there will be festive brilliance as we do every year – but I think it is one of the most exciting Christmases that I can remember on Emmerdale this year!"
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV and film. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking and spending time with her many pets.