TV Show Schedule and Listings for Christmas Day, December 25th

It’s Christmaaaassss! The big day has finally arrived, and with it all the usual TV sweets we’ve come to expect.

Whether you spend your day mainly unwrapping presents or sitting around the dinner table, don’t forget that there are still plenty of great specials, returning shows, and family favorites that air throughout the day.

If you’re a fan of comics, you’re in luck, with specials from Ghosts and Mrs Brown’s Boys as well as the ultimate Doc Martin in store.

Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing and Call the Midwife are back to get their celebratory gifts, Julia Donaldson returns with a new animated short adaptation and there’s of course also The King’s Speech at 3pm, while Channel 4’s alternative Christmas message will kick off at 5:00. 25 m.

Not sure what to watch or when it plays in full? We’ve got you covered. Read on for the top TV highlights for Christmas Day 2022.

TV broadcast schedule and listings for December 25th

The Smeds and The Smoos – 2:30pm, BBC One

In what has become a recent Christmas tradition, there’s a new animated adaptation by Julia Donaldson, this time recreating her book The Smeds and The Smoos. It tells the story of two young aliens from warring families who fall in love and run away, leading their relatives on a chase through outer space. It stars Sally Hawkins, Bill Bailey, Adjoa Andoh, Mira Syal and Rob Brydon in voice roles.

The King’s Speech – 3pm, BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1

At 3 p.m. on Christmas Day 2022, King Charles III will deliver the first annual Christmas message to the nation and the Commonwealth since his accession to the throne earlier this year. The title is set to last for about 10 minutes, a Christmas tradition since 1932.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2022 – 5:10pm, BBC One

We took to the rigorous dance floor at this year’s Christmas show a whole new batch of celebrities, hoping to raise a Glitterball Christmas Ball – there’s Alexandra Mardell, George Webster, Larry Lamb, Nicola Roberts, Ricky Haywood-Williams, and Rosie Ramsey. Judges Craig, Mutsy, Shirley, and Anton will all be back for some festive fun, in this hour-and-a-quarter special.

More like that

Alt Christmas Message – 5:25 p.m., Channel 4

We don’t yet know what form this year’s alternative Christmas message will take, or who will deliver it, but it is set to air again on Channel 4 this Christmas Day, starting at 5:25pm. Last year’s speech was hosted by Tom Daly, whose speech was filled with a heartfelt message of inclusion.

Ghosts: It’s Behind You – 7:25 pm, BBC One

This final Christmas special from the BBC sitcom finds Pat questioning his identity after a festive trip down memory lane, while the ghosts come up with a surprise Christmas present for Alison, whose family lunch is not planned. Expect plenty of fast-paced action in this half-hour special starring the regular cast including Jim Howick, Charlotte Richie, Lolly Adefope, and more.

Call the midwife 2022 The Christmas Show – 7:55pm, BBC One

This year’s Midwife’s Invitational Special is scheduled for December 1967 and finds midwives moving the birthing clinic to new locations. They are visited by Rhoda Mollux, who is heavily pregnant and nervous after giving birth to her last child with limbs affected by thalidomide. Other storylines see Nurse Crane taking care of a pregnant single mother recently released from prison, and Fred looking to raise money for families still affected by the train accident through a talent show.

Doc Martin – 9:05pm, ITV1

18 years after Doc first appeared on screen, we’re finally saying goodbye to Portwenn, in this hour-and-a-half Christmas special. In the episode, Martin closed the grotto because he feared Santa might catch something contagious. To James’ disappointment, Louisa takes matters into her own hands and arranges a Christmas parade.

EastEnders – 9.25pm, BBC One

Of course, the biggest moment in the soap calendar this year has to be Danny Dyer’s departure from EastEnders’ Mick Carter. The character has been in a devastating love triangle with ex-wife Linda (Kelly Bright) and pregnant new wife Janine (Charlie Brooks) but now the secrets are due to be revealed on Christmas Day and it will all build up to a car chase and cliff-top showdown. The rest is under wraps, but how will Mick leave Albert Square?

Mrs. Brown Boys: Shining Mami – 10:25pm, BBC One

In the first of two Mrs Brown’s Boys specials set to air over the festive period, Cathy’s boyfriend Burris causes a stir, with everyone unsure if he’s right for her (and even suspecting he might be a vampire). However, Agnes has left babysitting to Boris’s twins while he and Cathy go for a quiet romantic drink.

Check out more of our entertainment coverage or visit our TV guide and broadcast guide to see what’s on.

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