What's on TV today: Christmas Day highlights include The King, Call the Midwife, Strictly, Bake Off, Amandaland and The 1% Club festive specials
Trixie is at the heart of ChristmasChristmas Day TV is the jewel in the festive crown – there’s nowhere better to be as the evening comes around than on the sofa, stuffed and a little glassy-eyed, staring at the box, but what is on? Look no further for the essentials to watch today!
Highlights include the traditional Call the Midwife special, plus a festive outing of Amandaland. And, there’s a lovely animation for all the family to enjoy, plus specials of your favourite game shows.
We have guides to the best BBC Christmas TV shows and the best ITV Christmas shows where you can find everything on over the festive period.
But back to the big day itself: relax and enjoy these crackers…
Call the Midwife Christmas special part 1 (BBC One, 8.15 pm)
Call the Midwife has become the flagship show of the BBC Christmas Day TV schedule. The action this year is split between Hong Kong and Nonnatus House.
The senior members of the team head to Hong Kong on a mercy mission, leaving the younger ones behind in London. Sister Julienne suddenly finds herself excited about the Order’s future after years of battling change.
Teasing the Call the Midwife Christmas special, Helen George, who plays Trixie, says: “It’s a really fun Christmas special because the nurses and midwives are left at home alone without the grown-ups.
“And it all goes a bit wrong. Trixie, for once, isn’t part of the party, which is so frustrating, but she has to come home and clean it all up after a hard night’s work. The rotters!”
The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off (Channel 4, 7.40 pm)
The cast of Peep Show reunite for the first time since 2015 in this festive edition. David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman will compete. But Peep Show’s Robert Webb sadly isn’t taking part.
Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will be keeping a careful eye on them as they work on their Yuletide bakes. Hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond will be adding some humour to the mix.
Amandaland Christmas Special (BBC One, 9.15 pm)
You know a sitcom has arrived when it’s given the BBC Christmas Day TV prime slot. Last year it was the final ever episode of Gavin & Stacey, a hard act to follow, and this year we join Amanda (Lucy Punch) and family for a festive outing. They go off to a country house owned by Aunt Joan, who’s played by Jennifer Saunders in hilarious fashion!
But when Mal and Anne tag along Amanda struggles to recreate the magical Christmas she spent there as a child. Meanwhile, Felicity (Joanna Lumley) is annoyed by the constant high spirits of her sister, Joan. Plus, Mal finds a photo that seems to reveal a deep family mystery…
Christmas Day TV: The Scarecrows’ Wedding (BBC One, 3.10 pm)
Writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s children’s books have become a traditional part of the BBC’s Christmas Day TV line-up. This half-hour special follows two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are preparing for their wedding day.
But trouble arrives in the form of smooth-talking Reginald Rake. Sadly there’s no Gavin & Stacey Christmas special this year. But Gavin & Stacey star Rob Brydon is voicing “vain” Reginald.
“I’ve been lucky enough to appear in every Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptation so far. And Reginald Rake has to be one of the most enjoyable characters yet,” he said.
Oscar-nominated star Sophie Okonedo narrates, with Jessie Buckley voicing Betty, and Domhnall Gleeson voicing Harry.
Julia Donaldson fans can also watch repeats of The Snail and the Whale (9.am) and Stick Man (9.30 am) on BBC One on Christmas morning.
Christmas Day TV: Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025 (BBC One, 5.30pm)
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special airs in the late afternoon just at the point everyone is getting sleepy after a vast dinner. So, hopefully watching the celebs take to the dance floor will liven everyone up! This year six stars will compete to become the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas champion 2025.
I’m A Celebrity winner Scarlett Moffatt was the first name announced for this year’s special. She said: “Strictly has always held a special place in my heart, so being part of the Christmas Special feels truly magical. It’s the show that brings everyone together around the TV, and being part of that is a genuine personal and career highlight.”
Scarlett will be paired with Vito Coppola in the Christmas Day TV must-watch. All Saints singer Melanie Blatt was the second star to be revealed. She’s partnered with Kai Widdrington, who won last year’s festive show with drag artist, Tayce. Melanie said at the time: “I’m so excited to meet Kai and start training to make this a dance to remember.”
The final names announced for the special are Jodie Ounsley, aka Fury in Gladiators, EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey, comedian Babtunde Aléshé and Westlife’s Brian McFadden.
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will be on judging duty. Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will oversee the festivities for their final time.
Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel (BBC One, 6.45 pm)
Michael McIntyre’s show is always good for a laugh. It’s great fun finding out which celebs know anything and which ones, erm, don’t! Gavin & Stacey stars Matthew Horne and Joanna Page are among those taking part. Joining them on the wheel are Gyles Brandreth, Josie Gibson, Big Narstie, Tim Vine, Zara McDermott and Gladiator star Nitro.
Being the Christmas special, all the questions are festive-themed. Can any of the contestants crack the wheel and take home a huge sum of cash?
Christmas Day TV: Bullseye Christmas Special (ITV1, 8.15 pm)
Relax and enjoy a Christmas edition of the classic darts quiz show fronted by ex England cricket star Andrew Flintoff.
As normal Freddie is joined by three pairs of contestants each made up of a keen darts player (the “thrower”) and their partner (the “knower”). The teams combine their skills as they compete for prizes under the watchful eye of official scorer “Little” Richard Ashdown.
In a Bullseye bonus, Freddie is joined by former darts world champion “Mighty” Michael van Gerwen. They team up to try and win money for charity.
The 1% Club Christmas Special (ITV1, 9.15 pm)
Lee Mack hosts the one-off featuring Christmas based questions to a fresh batch of 100 contestants. Can you work out the 1% question?
The beauty of the show is that you don’t need any general knowledge just an ability to think quickly. Although thinking quickly might be a challenge on Christmas Day!
Play along at home and just hope you’re not the first out.
Christmas Day TV: Mrs Brown’s Boys (BBC One, 10.15 pm)
Mrs Brown’s Boys has consistently been a ratings winner over the years for the BBC as part of its Christmas Day TV line-up. The first of two specials starring Brendan O’Carroll is called Mammy’s Bottles.
We know Mrs B will once again be tormented by her Christmas tree. The BBC teases: “Mrs Brown rediscovers the meaning of family as she gathers those closest to her together for a Christmas photo. Buster unveils another of his signature Christmas trees with maximum impact, and Cathy frets about what presents to buy everyone.”
Brendan has talked about how he’s proud to have followed in the footsteps of greats such Morecambe and Wise in having specials on Christmas Day. And speaking of Morecambe and Wise, BBC Two is showing a classic episode from 1968 at 7.30 pm and the 1975 Christmas Show at 8.10 pm.
Christmas Day TV: The King (BBC One/BBC Two/ ITV1, 3pm)
There’s nothing more traditional on Christmas Day than the monarch delivering a Christmas message. It’s also in some years the most watched show on Christmas Day.
King Charles III’s great-grandfather, King George V, began the tradition via a live radio broadcast on December 25, 1932 at 3pm. King Charles will deliver his Christmas message in the traditional 3pm slot.
Read more: Call the Midwife Christmas Special filming chaos as cast hit by typhoon
