Christmas TV highlights 2025: Stranger Things, Amandaland and Strictly Come Dancing

Bake Off, Strictly or Amandaland? The TV highlights over Christmas With Mariah Carey fully defrosted and mince pies disappearing at an alarming rate, families everywhere are poring over surely the most important item in any household - the Christmas TV listings guide. Actress Olivia Colman (pictured with Alison Hammond) will take part in a Peep Show edition of Bake Off We won't sugarcoat things - this year's offering isn't as strong as 2024's, when new material from Gavin, Stacey, Wallace and Gromit sleighed the schedule. Nonetheless, there is plenty to look forward to as many of our favourite shows get a festive makeover, while some major new releases launch on streaming. Here's a selection of highlights to help tide you over until series four of The Traitors launches on 1 January, when O Come All Ye Faithful will take on a whole new meaning. Christmas Eve Two Doors Down Two Doors Down, the delightful Scottish comedy about a group of eccentric neighbours, is back for a Christmas special ahead of what we hope will be a full series return (the show took a break in 2023 following the death of co-creator Simon Carlyle). In a new episode by co-writer Gregor Sharp, Michelle and Alan prepare for the arrival of their first child, while Beth and Eric inadvertently kick off the Christmas celebrations early on Latimer Crescent when they put their tree up in November. On BBC One and iPlayer at 22:00 Finding Father Christmas One of the many new festive films being screened this year is Finding Father Christmas, which follows 16-year-old Chris (played by Lenny Rush) who still believes in Santa. When his dad (Inbetweeners star James Buckley) tries to tell him his bearded hero doesn't exist, Chris and his cousin set out to prove him wrong. Also starring Stephen Fry, Hannah Fry and Maggie Aderin-Pocock. On Channel 4 at 19:30 Royal Carols: Together at Christmas The Princess of Wales hosts her fifth annual carol service at Westminster Abbey, which champions individuals and organisations in the UK who have provided support to local communities. The programme promises "some of the nation's most beloved carols" (they rolled out some proper bangers last year such as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing) as well as readings from special guests including Katie Melua and Chiwetel Ejiofor. On ITV at 19:25 Goodbye June Two decades after Kate Winslet starred in Christmas staple The Holiday, she is now directing and appearing in a brand new festive film. Goodbye June, written by her son Joe Anders, follows siblings trying to put their disputes aside to unite for the sake of their mother (played by Dame Helen Mirren), who is undergoing palliative care at Christmas. On Netflix from 00:01 Christmas Day Amandaland Motherland spin-off Amandaland was a roaring success when it arrived in February, and its Christmas makeover will see guest actress Jennifer Saunders reunite with her former Absolutely Fabulous co-star Joanna Lumley. Saunders plays Aunt Joan, who is hosting Christmas at her country house for the...

Preview: ~500 words