Top 10 Must-Watch UK TV Christmas Specials for a Festive Season!

Discover the best UK TV Christmas specials that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit! From heartwarming dramas to hilarious comedies, there's something for everyone.

The festive season is upon us and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to cuddle up with some of the best UK TV Christmas specials? These television shows have become a staple in many households during the holidays, providing the perfect mix of heartwarming moments, laughter, and drama. From the classic Christmas tales to the more modern holiday adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, whether you're looking to reminisce on old memories or create new ones with your loved ones, these TV specials are guaranteed to bring you joy and cheer.

Introduction

Christmas season is one of the most anticipated times of the year, where people gather together with their loved ones and enjoy the festive season. One of the highlights of the Christmas season in the UK is the television shows. From classic comedies to heart-warming dramas, the UK TV channels have been airing some of the best Christmas specials for many years.

The Vicar of Dibley – “The Christmas Lunch Incident”

One of the most popular UK TV Christmas specials is “The Christmas Lunch Incident” from The Vicar of Dibley. This episode features the hilarious antics of Dawn French as the titular Vicar, who is tasked with preparing the Christmas lunch for her eccentric parishioners. This episode is a great mix of comedy and heartwarming moments that will get you in the Christmas spirit.

Doctor Who – “A Christmas Carol”

Doctor Who has become a staple of UK TV Christmas specials, and “A Christmas Carol” is one of the best. This episode sees the Doctor (played by Matt Smith) trying to save a crashing spaceship, while also trying to change the heart of a bitter old man (played by Michael Gambon). This episode has everything you could want from a Doctor Who Christmas special: time travel, adventure, and a heartwarming message.

Blackadder’s Christmas Carol

Blackadder’s Christmas Carol is a parody of the classic Charles Dickens story, with Rowan Atkinson playing Ebenezer Blackadder. Unlike the original story, this version sees Blackadder as a kind and generous man who is visited by three ghosts who show him what his life would be like if he were mean and selfish. This episode is a hilarious take on a classic tale and is sure to make you laugh.

Gavin and Stacey – “Christmas Special”

Gavin and Stacey is a beloved sitcom that aired its Christmas special in 2008. This episode sees the two families come together for a festive celebration, with all the drama and hilarity that you would expect from the show. It also features an unforgettable rendition of “Fairytale of New York” by Nessa and Smithy.

The Royle Family – “The New Sofa”

The Royle Family is a classic British sitcom that aired its Christmas special in 2008. This episode sees the family trying to fit a new sofa into their living room, with all the usual bickering and banter that you would expect from the Royle family. This episode is a great example of the show’s unique brand of humor and is sure to make you laugh.

Downton Abbey – “Christmas at Downton Abbey”

Downton Abbey is a period drama that aired its Christmas special in 2011. This episode sees the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants preparing for a festive celebration at Downton Abbey. This episode is full of drama, romance, and heartwarming moments that will make you feel like you are part of the family.

Only Fools and Horses – “Time on Our Hands”

Only Fools and Horses is one of the most beloved British sitcoms of all time, and “Time on Our Hands” is its Christmas special. This episode sees Del Boy and Rodney finally strike it rich when they discover a priceless antique watch. This episode is a great example of the show’s unique brand of humor and is sure to make you laugh.

The Snowman

The Snowman is a classic Christmas TV special that has been airing in the UK since 1982. This animated short film tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him on a magical adventure. The beautiful animation and iconic theme song make this special a must-watch every Christmas.

Call the Midwife – “Christmas Special”

Call the Midwife is a period drama that aired its Christmas special in 2019. This episode sees the midwives of Nonnatus House preparing for a festive celebration, while also dealing with the usual dramas and challenges of their work. This episode is full of heartwarming moments and is a great example of the show’s unique blend of drama and emotion.

Outnumbered – “Christmas Special”

Outnumbered is a sitcom that aired its Christmas special in 2009. This episode sees the Brockman family preparing for a festive celebration, while also dealing with the usual chaos and hilarity of their lives. This episode is full of laugh-out-loud moments and is a great example of the show’s unique brand of humor.

Conclusion

The UK TV channels have been airing some of the best Christmas specials for many years. From classic comedies to heart-warming dramas, these specials have become a staple of the festive season. Whether you are in the mood for a laugh or a tear-jerker, there is a Christmas special out there for everyone. So, grab a mince pie and settle in for some festive TV viewing.The holiday season is not complete without some classic Christmas TV specials. From heartwarming family dramas to hilarious comedies, British television has produced some of the most memorable festive programs over the years. Here are ten of the best UK TV Christmas specials that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

1. Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am: A Tribute to George Michael

In this musical tribute to the late George Michael, a cast of celebrity performers come together to pay homage to the Wham! member and solo artist. The show features renditions of some of his biggest hits, such as Last Christmas and Freedom, and highlights the impact that Michael had on the music industry. The program is a fitting tribute to a beloved musician who passed away on Christmas Day in 2016.

2. Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time

Peter Capaldi's final Doctor Who episode sees him team up with a past version of himself (David Bradley) on Christmas Eve. The two Doctors must work together to save a World War I soldier and understand the true meaning of sacrifice. This special episode is filled with action, adventure, and heartwarming moments that will leave fans of the long-running sci-fi series feeling nostalgic and satisfied.

3. The Great British Bake Off Christmas Special

The beloved cooking competition invites back former contestants for a festive-themed baking showdown. The contestants are tasked with creating holiday treats such as yule logs and mince pies, and the judges are as critical as ever. The show is a perfect blend of Christmas cheer and culinary competition, and is sure to inspire viewers to try their hand at baking their own festive treats.

4. Black Mirror: White Christmas

Charlie Brooker's sci-fi anthology series explores the darker side of technology in this chilling festive special. The episode features three interconnected stories that take place on Christmas Day, each of which is more disturbing than the last. From a man who can block people in real life to a woman who is trapped in a virtual reality, this episode is not for the faint of heart.

5. Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special

Fans of the hit sitcom were thrilled to see the return of their favorite characters in this one-off episode set on Christmas Day. The special picks up ten years after the show ended and follows the lives of the characters as they come together for the holidays. The show is filled with laughter, tears, and heartwarming moments, and is a must-watch for fans of the original series.

6. Love Actually

The iconic romantic comedy follows the interconnected stories of various couples and singletons in the run-up to Christmas. From an aging rock star to a young boy in love, the film captures the magic and chaos of the holiday season. The movie's star-studded cast and memorable soundtrack make it a perennial favorite for viewers of all ages.

7. Father Ted Christmas Special

In this classic comedy special, Father Ted, Father Dougal, and Father Jack find themselves stranded on a remote island over the holidays. The three priests must navigate their way through a series of mishaps, including a man-eating rabbit and a visit from a group of bishops. The show's absurd humor and hilarious characters make it an essential Christmas viewing experience.

8. Call the Midwife Christmas Special

The midwives of Nonnatus House are called upon to help with a difficult birth on Christmas Day. The show's blend of drama and heartwarming moments makes it a popular holiday special for viewers. The episode also touches on important social issues, such as poverty and homelessness, making it a thought-provoking and engaging watch.

9. Downton Abbey Christmas Special

The Crawley family and their staff celebrate Christmas in style, complete with a visit from King George V. The episode features the show's trademark blend of drama, romance, and humor, and is a fitting finale to the popular period drama series. The special is filled with lavish costumes, stunning scenery, and memorable performances from the show's talented cast.

10. Only Fools and Horses Christmas Special

The Trotter brothers try to cash in on the festive season by selling Christmas trees in this iconic comedy episode. The show's hilarious characters and witty one-liners make it a timeless classic, and the episode's heartwarming ending is sure to leave viewers feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The special is a must-watch for fans of British comedy and Christmas TV specials alike.In conclusion, these ten UK TV Christmas specials offer something for everyone, from heartwarming family dramas to hilarious comedies. Whether you're in the mood for music, sci-fi, baking, or romance, there's a special out there that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit. So grab a cup of cocoa, cozy up by the fire, and settle in for some festive viewing pleasure!

As Christmas approaches, the UK television industry rolls out its annual lineup of festive programming. From heartwarming dramas to hilarious comedies, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the best UK TV Christmas specials:

1. Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special

The beloved sitcom returned after a nine-year hiatus for a one-off Christmas special in 2019. Fans were thrilled to catch up with the characters and see what they've been up to. The episode was full of laughs, tears, and surprises.

2. Doctor Who Christmas Specials

Doctor Who has become a staple of Christmas Day viewing in the UK. Each year, the show airs a special episode that combines sci-fi thrills with holiday cheer. From battling killer snowmen to saving Christmas from an evil Santa Claus, the Doctor and his companions always deliver.

3. The Great British Bake Off Christmas Specials

The Great British Bake Off is a popular competition show that sees amateur bakers compete against each other in a series of challenges. The Christmas specials bring back past contestants for a festive showdown. The baking is just as impressive as ever, but with added holiday flair.

4. Call the Midwife Christmas Special

This period drama follows a group of midwives working in London's East End in the 1950s and 60s. The Christmas special usually features a heartwarming storyline about the community coming together during the holidays. It's a feel-good watch that's perfect for the season.

5. Downton Abbey Christmas Specials

Downton Abbey was a hugely popular drama series that followed the lives of an aristocratic family and their servants in the early 20th century. The Christmas specials were always a highlight, featuring lavish parties, romantic entanglements, and plenty of drama. It's a perfect mix of holiday cheer and high society intrigue.

Overall, UK TV Christmas specials are a beloved tradition that brings families together during the festive season. Whether you're in the mood for laughs, tears, or just some good old-fashioned baking, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article about the Best UK TV Christmas Specials. We hope that you have found it informative and useful in planning your holiday viewing schedule. As we come to a close, we wanted to leave you with some final thoughts and recommendations.

Firstly, we would like to emphasize the importance of spending quality time with loved ones during this festive season. While watching TV can be a fun and relaxing activity, it should not be the sole focus of your holiday celebrations. Make sure to prioritize spending time with family and friends, whether it be through cooking together, playing games, or simply enjoying each other's company.

That being said, we understand that watching Christmas specials is a beloved tradition for many households. Our top picks for this year include the heartwarming drama of Call the Midwife Christmas Special, the classic humor of Mrs. Brown's Boys Christmas Special, and the magical animated adventure of The Snowman and the Snowdog. Of course, there are many more options to choose from, so feel free to explore and find what suits your interests and preferences best.

Once again, thank you for reading our article and we wish you a joyous and memorable holiday season filled with love, laughter, and of course, great TV specials!

People also ask about Best UK TV Christmas Specials:

1. What are the best UK TV Christmas specials?
2. Where can I watch UK TV Christmas specials?
3. Are there any new UK TV Christmas specials this year?

Answer:

1. The best UK TV Christmas specials include:
• The Royle Family Christmas Specials
• Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special
• Doctor Who Christmas Specials
• Only Fools and Horses Christmas Specials
• Downton Abbey Christmas Specials
• Call the Midwife Christmas Specials
2. You can watch UK TV Christmas specials on various channels such as BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Sky. You can also stream them on services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BritBox.
3. Yes, there are new UK TV Christmas specials every year. Some of the anticipated specials for this year include Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, EastEnders Christmas Special, and Mrs. Brown's Boys Christmas Special.