The Top TV Shows And Films To Watch On Christmas Day & Throughout The Week (22nd - 26th Dec 2025)

Christmas is the best time of the year when it comes to watching TV! This December, I have gathered the ultimate shows to watch on the big day and throughout the week leading up to and after the main event. Sit back, relax and make sure not to miss out on these five festive wonders…

The Scarecrows Wedding, 3:10pm, BBC One: Every year, the amazing Julia Donaldson allows for her books to be turned into one of the most heartwarming moments of Christmas. This year, her sweet novel about two scarecrows planning their wedding, will keep the whole family entertained after dinner.

Gladiators: Celebrity Special, 3:35pm, BBC One: Forget the family fights, it is all about watching the Gladiators taking on four scared but feisty celebrities, including Sam Thompson and Vogue Williams, in the ultimate Christmas battle. Do not do any of the stunts at home, even if your uncle starts.

Strictly Come Dancing: Christmas Special, 5:30pm, BBC One: It wouldn’t be Christmas without the festive Strictly special. With some of the stars possibly showing their skills before starring in the main series next year, the main reason to watch this is actually for the hosts. Marking the last appearance of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the show's presenters, it is going to be an emotional one.

The Great Christmas Bake Off 2025, 8pm, Channel Four: After spending most of the day in the kitchen, it is now time to forget any failures that may have occurred, by watching the mistakes that the cast of Peep Show create in this GBBO special. Reuniting for the first time in a long while, this is essential viewing for the classic comedy’s fans.

Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents’ Evening Christmas Special, 10:15pm, ITV One: Spend the last few moments of Christmas Day laughing at the stars and their parents or kids being put to the test in this fantastic quiz show. Look out for Josh Widdecombe and more, who are certain to bring a smile to your face after a very hectic day.

And The Rest Of The Week…

Hamley’s Top 100 Toys Of All Time, 7:30pm, Channel Four, Monday 22nd December: What toy did you always want when you were little? Did you get it? In this special, a number of comedians are being sent to explore the floors of Hamley’s to see what toys from now and then we all love and want at Christmas.

Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Christmas, 9pm, BBC One, Monday 22nd December: Back at the start of the year, Alan Carr and Amanda Holden travelled to Spain to do up a 99p house to sell for a profit to raise money for charity. Now, the pair are travelling back to celebrate the festive season with all of those that helped to make the house a real home.

Inside The Christmas Factory With Paddy And Cherry, 8pm, BBC One, Tuesday 23rd December: Anyone who loves a festive gingerbread biscuit will want to watch this, as Cherry and Paddy are going behind the scenes of one at one of the biggest manufacturers of the delicious biscuit. This is definitely one to watch with that festive biscuit box next to you.

Stuffed, 9pm, BBC One, Tuesday 23rd December: In this one off festive special, a family is faced with having to raise the money they spent on a luxury Lapland trip, after a work mishap. Highlighting the importance of family and the little moments at Christmas that mean so much, it is a real joy to watch. Especially when snuggled up with loved ones.

The Masked Singer: Christmas Special, 7:30pm, ITV One, Friday 26th December: Before the hit series returns in the new year, four famous faces are going undercover to see if the judging panel and audience can guess who they are. Prepare to shout, “Take It Off,” whilst also hoping that a family argument won’t break out from all the guesses.

Let us know what you have been watching and what you are most looking forward to catching over the course of the week, via our social media pages or in the comments below, as we would love to know!