Christmas TV specials are one of the highlights of the festive season, and 2019 has plenty of unmissable moments coming to the small screen. From the eagerly anticipated Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special [1] to new adaptations of Charles Dickens's classic A Christmas Carol [2] and Bram Stoker's Dracula, there are plenty of treats in store across all the major TV channels — as if all those Christmas specials on Netflix [3] weren't exciting enough.
As well as annual favourites, like the Queen's Speech, the shocking soap storylines, and the Strictly Come Dancing special, we'll be treated to new additions, such as Cinderella: After Ever After starring David Walliams and baking royalty meeting actual royalty in A Berry Royal Christmas, starring the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, alongside Mary Berry [4]. Ahead, take a look at 24 TV moments you won't want to miss this Christmas, and start planning your festive telly fest.
Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special
Catch up with Gav-a-lar, Stace, Smithy, and Nessa as we reunite with the Shipmans and the Wests in the Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special.
Airs at 8.30 p.m. on Christmas Day on BBC One.
Cinderella: After Ever After
Sky's big Christmas special this year is an original drama starring David Walliams, Sir Tom Courtenay, Sian Gibson, and Celia Imrie. In Cinderella: After Ever After, the action picks up where the tale we all know and love ended.
Airs on Sky One.
A Christmas Carol
Guy Pearce steps into the famous role in this latest adaptation of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. He's joined in this three-parter by Andy Serkis, Stephen Graham, Charlotte Riley, and Vinette Robinson.
Airs at 9 p.m. from Dec. 22 to 24 on BBC One.
Kylie’s Secret Night
Kylie Minogue [5] is taking over Channel 4 late on Christmas Day, kicking off with her TV special filmed with Alan Carr in front of an audience of fans in Kylie's Secret Night. It's followed at midnight by the TV premiere of her Golden Live Tour.
Airs at 10.30 p.m. on Christmas Day on Channel 4.
Worzel Gummidge
Everyone's favourite scarecrow is back in a new guise in Worzel Gummidge. Mackenzie Crook is the eponymous character this time round, as the classic kids' show gets two hour-long episodes.
Airs at 6.20 p.m. on Boxing Day and 7 p.m. on Dec. 27 on BBC One.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
The Strictly-shaped hole in your life after the regular series ends will be filled nicely by the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. This year sees previous contestants, including Gemma Atkinson and Joe Sugg, returning to the dance floor.
Airs at 4.40 p.m. on Christmas Day on BBC One.
Call The Midwife
Sisters Julienne, Monica Joan, and Hilda, along with Nurse Crane, all star in this year's Call The Midwife festive special, which sees the team heading to a Scottish island. Miriam Margoyles is also back for the period drama's Christmas edition.
Airs at 7 p.m. on Christmas Day on BBC One.
The Great Christmas/Festive Bake Off
If you can bear to look at food on the telly after consuming huge amounts of it IRL, then you'll be treated to a great lineup on The Great Christmas Bake Off. The first festive edition stars previous contestants, and then there's a The Great Festive Bake Off special with the Derry Girls [6]. Paul, Prue, Noel, and Sandy will proceed over the tasty proceedings.
Airs at 8 p.m. on Christmas Day and 7.40 p.m. on New Year's Day on Channel 4.
The Snail And The Whale
A highlight for fans of Julia Donaldson's picture books, The Snail And The Whale is the seventh of her tales to get the small-screen treatment by Magic Light Pictures. Rob Brydon lends his dulcet tones once more and is joined Sally Hawkins and Cariad Lloyd to tell the animated tale of the two unlikely friends.
Airs at 2.30 p.m. on Christmas Day on BBC One.
Mrs Brown’s Boys
Since Mrs Brown's Boys ended in 2013, fans have been given a festive treat each year with a Christmas special on the Beeb.
Airs at 10.30 p.m. on Christmas Day and 10.30 p.m. on New Year's Day on BBC One.
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon
And yet another children's book adapted for the screen, Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is based on Michael Morpurgo's work. The animation features a score by Oscar winner Rachel Portman.
Airs at at 3.20 p.m. on Boxing Day on BBC One.
The Queen's Speech
You can set your clocks by it — The Queen's Speech at 3 p.m. on Christmas Day is as much of a festive institution as mince pies.
Airs at 3 p.m. on Christmas Day on BBC One and ITV.
A Berry Royal Christmas
Mary Berry cooking with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge [7] — where do we sign up? Watch as Kate and William get festive with the baking legend on A Berry Royal Christmas.
Airs at 8.30 p.m. on Dec. 16 on BBC One.
Coronation Street
An hour-long special of Coronation Street is rumoured to involve characters being held at gunpoint in the Rovers Return.
Airs at 8 p.m. on Christmas Day on ITV.
EastEnders
The Mitchells are the focus of EastEnders' hour-long special, with Phil out for revenge following the fallout from Sharon and Keanu's revelation. You know it's going to be full-on when it's postwatershed.
Airs at 9.30 p.m. on Christmas Day on BBC One.
Emmerdale
Emmerdale also has an hour-long special with drama afoot for the Tates. Get ready for Graham Foster to drop a bombshell and ruin Andrea, Jamie, and Kim's Christmas.
Airs at 7 p.m. on Christmas Day on ITV.
Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show
Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show gives a festive makeover to his usual offering. Sharon Osbourne is the victim of the Send to All segment, while Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood is the celeb taking part in Midnight Gameshow.
Airs at 6 p.m. on Christmas Day on BBC One.
Ball and Boe: A Very Merry Christmas
Ball and Boe: A Very Merry Christmas brings Michael Ball and Alfie Boe together for festive tunes, celeb guests, and a generally feel-good, easy listening slice of entertainment.
Airs on ITV.
The Trial of Christine Keeler
While away those days between Christmas and the New Year by getting engrossed in a new drama from the Beeb — The Trial of Christine Keeler, about the infamous Sixties scandal, the Profumo Affair.
Airs at 9 p.m. on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30 on BBC One.
Doctor Who
Although there isn't a Christmas special of Doctor Who this year, don't fret — series 12 is set to get 2020 off to a cracking start, with the first episode airing on Jan. 1.
Airs at 6.55 p.m. on New Year's Day on BBC One.
Miranda: My Such Fun Celebration
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the show, the cast are reuniting for an hour-long show to reminisce about their best bits in Miranda: My Such Fun Celebration.
Airs at 5.45 p.m. on New Year's Day on BBC One.
Dracula
Start the New Year with a modern update on Dracula, created by the team behind Sherlock. Claes Bang is the eponymous character in this latest adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic.
Airs New Year's Day to Jan. 3 on BBC One.