The countdown to Christmas is officially on and with it comes a whole host of holiday highlights that’ll keep you entertained well into 2025, from Sister Boniface Mysteries: Once Upon A Time, Gavin & Stacey: The Finale and Big Fat Quiz Of The Year to Taskmaster’s New Year Treat, Vera and The Traitors. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With all this plus our usual sport and movie picks of the week, there’s something for all tastes across the service. And don’t forget, with Virgin TV Go, you can take your telly on the move with you.

There’s so much good stuff on this week that we’ve compiled a list of the best TV shows to watch. Bookmark this page to keep up to date with the latest changes.

Wednesday 18 December

Pick of the day: Stacey Solomon’s Crafty Christmas

9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Look no further for some ingenious inspiration that would even impress Father Christmas’ elves, as presenter and mum-of-five Stacey Solomon spreads family festive cheer in her annual instalment of Crafty Christmas. Join Stacey as she shares clever ways to cut costs and upcycle at home to help you save money over the holidays and avoid blowing your budget.

What else to watch:

• Only Fools And Horses Christmas Special – 7pm, U&GOLD HD (CH 124)
• Mary Makes Christmas – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• The Dog House At Christmas – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• A Very British Hotel At Christmas – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• The Good Ship Murder Christmas Special – 9pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas Special – 9pm, Sky Max HD (CH 111)

Thursday 19 December

Pick of the day: Miracles

9pm, Sky Max HD (CH 111)

He’s back. The man formerly known as Dynamo, who blew us away with his 2023 show Dynamo Is Dead, is returning to our screens to sprinkle some magic this Christmas. Join Steven Frayne as he returns to his street magic roots by stunning crowds across the country and meeting everyday heroes, while preparing for one of his biggest and most death-defying stunts yet.

What else to watch:

• Celebrity Escape To The Country – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• The Chelsea Detective Christmas Special – 8pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)
• The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas Special – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• First Dates At Christmas – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• Dalgliesh – 9pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• Kevin Bridges: The Overdue Catch-Up – 10.40pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Friday 20 December

Pick of the day: Sister Boniface Mysteries: Once Upon A Time

8pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)

She’s behind you! Lorna Watson is reprising her role as super-sleuthing nun Sister Boniface in this hilarious Christmas special. And there’s no rest for the wicked (or holy!) at Christmastime, as Sister Boniface uses all her smarts to catch a serial killer who’s targeted Great Slaughter’s Cinderella Pantomime. Les Dennis (Coronation Street), Ed Birch (The Witcher) and series regular Sarah Crowden co-star.

What else to watch:

• Return To Paradise – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Junior Taskmaster – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• Celebrity Gogglebox – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• Dalgliesh – 9pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• The Young Offenders Christmas Special – 9.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Charlie Cooper’s Myth Country: Winter Solstice – 10pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107/113)

Saturday 21 December

Pick of the day: Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years

7pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

2024 marks 20 years since Strictly first shimmied onto our screens and to celebrate this milestone, series hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are planning a sparkling celebration. The dynamic duo revisit some of the show’s most iconic performances and unforgettable moments, plus there are exclusive interviews with former contestants, pro dancers and Strictly judges.

What else to watch:

• The Weakest Link: Strictly Special – 6.15pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Katy Perry: Night Of A Lifetime – 6.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• Royal Palaces At Christmas – 7.30pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• A Very Brassic Christmas – 9pm, Sky Max HD (CH 111)
• The 12 Disasters Of Christmas – 9pm, Sky Sci-Fi HD (CH 122)
• Paul Simon: In Restless Dreams – 9pm, Sky Documentaries HD (CH 188)

Sunday 22 December

Pick of the day: Inside No. 9: The Party’s Over

9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

Christmas has come early for Inside No. 9 fans with this fly-on-the-wall documentary that celebrates a decade of one of TV’s most loved comedies. Step behind the scenes of the award-winning series with candid moments from the writers’ room, make-up trailer and set design workshop that were captured during the show’s final run, as well as exclusive interviews with series creators Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton.

What else to watch:

• Bullseye Christmas Special – 6pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• My Epic Camel Adventure With Gordon Buchanan – 7.30pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• Bad Tidings – 7.30pm, Sky Max HD (CH 111)
• A Christmas Carol: The Read With Anne-Marie Duff – 7.45pm, BBC Four HD (CH 108/107)
• Sounds Like It’s Christmas With Ken Bruce – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• Death In Paradise Christmas Special – 8.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Monday 23 December

Pick of the day: All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special

9pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)

It’s Christmas 1941 and the festivities are in full swing at Skeldale House as James (Nicholas Ralph) and Helen (Rachel Shenton) prepare for their son Jimmy’s first birthday. However, when Mrs Hall’s world is turned upside down by some worrying news, she finds an unexpected connection with an abandoned fox cub that’s brought to the surgery.

What else to watch:

• The Famous Five – 5.25pm, CBBC HD (CH 701)
• Junior Taskmaster: The Final – 7pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• Only Connect: Royal Special – 8pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• Christmas At Lapland UK – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• The Hairy Bikers: You’ll Never Ride Alone – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• The Big Quiz: Coronation Street V Emmerdale – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Christmas Eve

Pick of the day: Royal Carols: Together At Christmas

7.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Nothing says Christmas Eve quite like carolling and we’ve been invited to the swankiest service in town at Westminster Abbey. Join HRH The Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family for an unforgettable evening that celebrates everyday heroes from across the UK, plus performances from Westminster Abbey Choir, Paloma Faith and Gregory Porter.

What else to watch:

• Doctor Who At The Proms – 4.10pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• The Snowman – 5.10pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• The Great Christmas Bake Off 2024 – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• TikTok: Top 100 2024 – 9.15pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• Gogglebox Best Of 2024 – 9.15pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special – 9.15pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• A Ghost Story For Christmas: Woman Of Stone – 10.15pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

Christmas Day

Pick of the day: Gavin & Stacey: The Finale

9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

What’s occurring? A lot has happened since we left Barry five years ago when Nessa proposed to Smithy, and we can’t wait to catch up with the Shipmans and friends in the last ever episode of Gavin & Stacey. Plus, don’t miss new documentary Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell airing on New Year’s Day, which tells the 17-year story of this beloved sitcom from series creators Ruth Jones and James Corden. Tidy!

What else to watch:

• Tiddler – 2.35pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• The King – 3pm, BBC One HD (CH 101) + ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• Doctor Who: Joy To The World – 5.10pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Wallace And Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl – 6.10pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• The Piano Christmas Special – 7.05pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• Call The Midwife Christmas Special – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special – Christmas Day, 11.05pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Boxing Day

Pick of the day: The Masked Singer Christmas Special

7.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Four mystery voices are contained within the garish and colourful acts of Turkey Crown, Christmas Cracker, Star and Nutcracker. But who is hiding beneath the masks? It’s up to Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, who are reuniting for their first TV project in nearly two years, as well as Mo Gilligan and Jonathan Ross to suss it out as each act sings their little festive heart out. At home, we’ll be given some teasing clues to help us out. Joel Dommett hosts.

What else to watch:

• Expedition Killer Whale – 6pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• Call The Midwife Christmas Special – 7.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• The Festive Pottery Throw Down 2024 – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• The Serial Killer’s Wife – 9pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• Micky Flanagan: If Ever We Needed It – 9pm, Sky Comedy HD (CH 112)
• Outnumbered Christmas Special – 9.40pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Friday 27 December

Pick of the day: Big Fat Quiz Of The Year

9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

If you’re run out of things to talk about this yuletide, then you’ve probably dipped into the board games and quizzes to kill some time. But it’s more fun to let some funny people do the quizzing for you as Jimmy Carr looks back at the past 12 months alongside the likes of Katherine Ryan and Chris McCausland. Will any of the comedians take it seriously? No. But it’ll still be the best pub quiz you’ll attend this year.

What else to watch:

• The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse – 2.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101) 
• Top Of The Pops Review Of The Year – 6pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• Christmas Cruising With Susan Calman – 8pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• Beyond Paradise Christmas Special – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• White Lies – 9pm + 10.05pm, More4 HD (CH 147)
• Tsunami: The Wave That Shook The World – 10pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Saturday 28 December

Pick of the day: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

9pm, Sky Documentaries HD (CH 188)

With a new Superman movie due out in 2025, this critically acclaimed documentary looks back at the man who made cinemagoers believe a man really could fly: Christopher Reeve, star of the original 1978 movie and its sequels. Alongside his film career, this story goes beyond the tights and cape, detailing the bravery and heroism in his own personal life. It’s a tender, powerful and important piece of film-making. Bring tissues.

What else to watch:

• Lives Well Lived – 6pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• Deal Or No Deal Celebrity Special – 6pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• Maggie Smith At The BBC – 7pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• The Weakest Link – 7.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  
• Monsters Of The Deep: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea – 8pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)

Sunday 29 December

Pick of the day: Taskmaster’s New Year Treat

9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

There has been a lot of Taskmaster on in 2024 – two series, the previous New Year Treat and the Junior series – but if you’re complaining… you can’t sit with us. Joining Greg Davies and his assistant “Little” Alex Horne are ex-England goalkeeper David James, academic Hannah Fry, All Saints singer Melanie Blatt, penny-pinching chief Martin Lewis and The Royle Family’s Sue Johnston. Let the silliness commence.

What else to watch:

• Airborne – 8pm, Sky Nature HD (CH 189)
• The Split: Barcelona – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Maria Callas: The Final Act – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• Archie – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: The Truth About Food – 9pm, BBC Four HD (CH 108/107)
• Anatomy Of Lies – 9pm, Sky Documentaries HD (CH 188)

Monday 30 December

Pick of the day: Cunk On Life

9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

We’ve seen her deliver the definitive verdicts on Shakespeare, Christmas, Britain and Earth, but now Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) is here to tackle the big one – life itself. Experts including Brian Cox and Jim Al-Khalili are on hand to answer the essential questions, such as: if God knows everything, is that a data privacy nightmare? And did the universe really emerge from a big bag? You’ll scream with laughter as Cunk discovers the secrets of our souls. We said our souls.

What else to watch:

• 2024: The Year From Space – 7.30pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• The Split: Barcelona – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Archie – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• Tommy Cooper: The Lost Tapes – 9pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• Becoming Madonna – 9pm, Sky Documentaries HD (CH 188)

New Year’s Eve

Pick of the day: Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s NYE Disco

11.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Who better to see out the year all the cool kids dubbed “2024” than the OG disco queen, Sophie Ellis-Bextor? For this NYE, she’s swapping the kitchen for a glitzy spectacular that will have you dancing all around the house. She’ll be joined by some special guests before handing over to Big Ben, those famous gongs and a few fireworks to signal a brand new year. Happy New Year, everyone!

What else to watch:

• The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash – 5.45pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• The Last Leg Of The Year – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• Rob & Romesh Vs… Darts – 9pm, Sky Max HD (CH 111)
• Live At The Apollo Christmas – 9.45pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• Jools’ Annual Hootenanny – 11.30pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

New Year’s Day

Pick of the day: The Traitors

8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

It’s day 1 of 2025 and, in telly terms, no notes. It’s the return of TV’s buzziest show, The Traitors. After the impeccable first series pulled us all in, it managed to top it with its sophomore effort, which at times was so good, it was like watching an HBO drama play out week after week. Its third outing has ginormous shoes to fill. Claudia Winkleman returns to host and model tweed coats.

What else to watch:

• New Year’s Day Concert Live From Vienna – 10.15am, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• Gladiators: Celebrity Special – 6pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell – 7.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• World’s Strongest Man Final 2024 – 7.30pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• SAS: Rogue Heroes – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Vera – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• Gogglebox Festive Special – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Thursday 2 January

Pick of the day: Vera

9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

It’s one final case for Brenda Blethyn’s Vera as everyone’s favourite trench-coat-and-hat-loving DCI bows out of the long-running detective drama. In the concluding part (watch part one on ITV 1 HD on New Year’s Day at 9pm, or catch up on ITVX), she’s on the hunt for a missing girl and a murderer who killed a student, in an investigation that triggers memories from her own childhood.

What else to watch:

• The Shocking Truth About Diet And Exercise – 7pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• Only Connect: Champions Special – 8pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• SAS: Rogue Heroes – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Big Fat Quiz Of Everything 2025 – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• The Sweet Treats We Loved And Lost – 9pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)

Friday 3 January

Pick of the day: The Great New Year Bake Off

7.40pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

If all the over-indulgence across the festive fortnight hasn’t got you feeling a little bloated, what better than a show dedicated to delicious baked goods? Returning bakers are back in the tent to battle it out, with Lea (series 1), James (series 3), Norman (series 5), Peter (series 11), Kevin (series 13) and Nicky (series 14) all having a crack at a trio of traditional Scottish bakes. But who will take the first win of 2025? The diet starts tomorrow…

What else to watch:

• Corfu: Marvel Of The Med With Joanna Lumley – 8pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)
• Have I Got Sport For You – 8.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
• Jack The Ripper: Lucy Worsley Investigates – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
• Vera, Farewell Pet – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
• 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
• Susan Calman’s Cruise Of A Lifetime – 9pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 150)

Pick of the week: Football – Manchester City v Everton

Boxing Day, 11am, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 527)

If you look at the Premier League form table, this is a clash between two teams firmly rooted in the bottom half. That’s what makes it intriguing. Under Pep Guardiola, four-in-a-row champions City usually keep their powder dry in autumn and come good in the spring as everyone else tires. But their recent results and performances have been so mediocre that it will take a titanic effort to recover and defend their title, especially without injured Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. Can they kick-start their season on Boxing Day?

Everton, meanwhile, have steered clear of the relegation zone so far, and are proving unpredictable: in December alone they have shown they’re capable both of excellence (a 4-0 win over Wolves) and dross (a 4-0 defeat to Man Utd). They haven’t beaten Man City since 2017, but they’re always capable of springing a surprise, especially with City in this form. You might have a turkey-and-pies hangover, but tune in to find out what goodies these two teams are serving up.

What else to watch:

Looking for some more sport this week? We can help with that.

• Check out our day-by-day guide to sport on TV over the Christmas period, including TNT Sports, Sky Sports, Premier Sports and more
   
• If you subscribe to Sky Sports, find all the live matches, races, tournaments and more right here

Pick of the week: Die Hard

Sunday 22 December, 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Is it or isn’t it? It takes place on Christmas Eve, at a Christmas party, it has Christmas music on the soundtrack, and it features Santa hats, festive wrapping tape and the phrase “ho-ho-ho”, but some people maintain Die Hard is not a Christmas film. We take a dim view of these yippee-ki-naysayers, because nothing says Christmas like a saviour emerging to take on the evil forces that threaten us and overcome them through humility, sacrifice and moral purity. Right?!

At any rate, it may not be The Greatest Story Ever Told, but it’s one of the greatest action movies of all time and it’s particularly enjoyable alongside several handfuls of chocolates. Maybe not a TV dinner.

What else to watch:

Looking for more movies this week? We can help with that.

• Looking for something to watch on Sky Cinema? Our monthly round-up has the best on the service this month
  
  
• Looking for something on Netflix? Try our monthly guide to new releases here