As the crisp autumn air begins to hint at the chill of winter, a familiar warmth starts to build in homes across the nation: the anticipation of Christmas. And with it, the age-old question that sparks countless family discussions and sets the rhythm of the festive season: "What’s on TV this Christmas?" While the precise schedules for Christmas 2025 remain a closely guarded secret, meticulously planned by broadcasters and streaming giants, we can confidently predict a dazzling array of programming designed to entertain, comfort, and unite audiences. Drawing upon cherished traditions, recent trends, and the ever-evolving landscape of media consumption, let’s explore what the television landscape might offer us when Santa makes his rounds in 2025.

Christmas television is more than just a collection of shows; it’s a cultural cornerstone, a shared experience that defines the holiday for many. From the crackle of the fireplace to the rustle of wrapping paper, the television often serves as the ambient soundtrack to our festive celebrations. In 2025, this will undoubtedly remain true, with broadcasters vying to capture our attention with a blend of nostalgic favourites, brand-new blockbusters, and heartwarming specials. The challenge for channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, alongside the burgeoning power of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+, is to deliver content that resonates with diverse audiences, from the youngest family members to the most discerning drama enthusiasts.

The morning of Christmas Day 2025 will, as ever, begin with a gentle, family-friendly hum. Traditional animated classics are a given, with the BBC likely to offer its perennial favourites like Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman and The Snowman and The Snowdog, alongside newer adaptations of beloved children’s books such as Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man or Zog. These timeless tales, often accompanied by a cup of tea and the first unwrapping of presents, set a magical tone for the day. ITV and Channel 4 will likely counter with their own selections of classic Christmas films – perhaps Elf, The Santa Clause, or even a perennial favourite like Home Alone – ensuring a wide choice for families settling into the festive spirit. Children’s channels like CBeebies and CBBC will, of course, be brimming with special festive episodes of popular shows, ensuring even the earliest risers are catered for.

As the morning progresses towards the much-anticipated Christmas lunch, the programming often shifts to slightly more substantial fare. Expect feel-good films, perhaps a classic musical or a light-hearted comedy, designed to be enjoyed as families gather. Cookery shows, often featuring celebrity chefs offering last-minute tips or showcasing their own festive feasts, will also be a staple on channels like BBC One and ITV, adding a practical, yet aspirational, touch to the culinary preparations. The anticipation for the King’s Christmas Message, a unifying moment broadcast across all major channels in the mid-afternoon, will build, serving as a poignant pause in the day’s festivities, reminding us of the wider world and shared values.

The afternoon and early evening are traditionally prime time for major film premieres and flagship entertainment specials. In 2025, we can anticipate a blockbuster movie making its terrestrial television debut, perhaps a family animation from the previous year or a highly anticipated fantasy adventure. The BBC’s Doctor Who Christmas Special has become a modern institution, and 2025 will almost certainly see the Doctor embark on another thrilling festive adventure, blending sci-fi spectacle with a touch of Christmas magic. Similarly, the Call the Midwife Christmas Special on BBC One offers a heartwarming, often poignant, glimpse into the lives of the nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House, a guaranteed tear-jerker that has become an essential part of many families’ Christmas viewing.

ITV will undoubtedly pull out all the stops with its own big entertainment offering. This could take the form of a star-studded variety show, a special festive edition of a popular talent competition like Britain’s Got Talent, or perhaps a lavish, new drama commissioned specifically for the holiday season. Channel 4 often provides a quirky, alternative Christmas experience, and 2025 might see a Great British Bake Off Christmas Special featuring celebrity contestants, or a special edition of Gogglebox, offering a hilarious look at how others are experiencing the festive TV schedule. Channel 5, meanwhile, often leans into a marathon of Christmas-themed made-for-TV movies, providing a comforting, often romantic, escape for those seeking pure festive cheer.

As evening descends and the Christmas feast settles, the television schedule shifts towards more substantial drama and comedy. This is where the major broadcasters truly compete for eyeballs. The BBC might unveil a lavish new period drama, perhaps a fresh adaptation of a classic novel or an original story with a festive twist, designed to captivate audiences over several nights. Popular comedy specials, such as Mrs. Brown’s Boys (if still on air), or a reunion special of a beloved sitcom, are also highly likely to feature, offering guaranteed laughs and a sense of familiarity.

ITV’s evening programming could include a gripping new crime drama with a festive backdrop, or a big-budget fantasy series designed to appeal to a broad family audience. Channel 4 might opt for a more cutting-edge comedy special or a thought-provoking documentary that offers a different perspective on the holiday season. The late evening slots are often reserved for more adult-oriented dramas, classic films like It’s a Wonderful Life or Love Actually, or perhaps a stand-up comedy special, providing a wind-down for those still awake and looking for entertainment.

Beyond Christmas Day itself, the festive television continues to deliver. Boxing Day is traditionally a time for sports, with major football fixtures or horse racing events taking centre stage. However, it’s also a prime slot for further film premieres and the continuation of multi-part dramas that began on Christmas Day. The period between Christmas and New Year often sees a mix of recap shows, documentaries reflecting on the year gone by, and further high-profile entertainment specials, building towards the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day programming, which typically features music concerts, big film releases, and a celebratory countdown.

Crucially, in 2025, the viewing experience extends far beyond linear television. Streaming services will play an even more significant role in shaping our Christmas viewing habits. Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video will undoubtedly launch a slew of original Christmas movies, ranging from romantic comedies to animated family adventures, often starring big names. These platforms also offer extensive back catalogues of holiday classics, allowing viewers to curate their own festive film festivals on demand. Disney+ will leverage its vast library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content, offering themed collections and special festive episodes of popular series. Apple TV+ and NOW TV will also contribute with their own exclusive content, ensuring that viewers have an unprecedented amount of choice at their fingertips, free from the constraints of traditional schedules.

The enduring appeal of Christmas television lies in its unique blend of comfort and excitement. It’s about shared moments on the sofa, debating the merits of a new drama, or singing along to a classic carol concert. It’s about the nostalgia of revisiting beloved films year after year, and the thrill of discovering new favourites. In 2025, the television schedule will continue to be a reflection of our collective desire for warmth, laughter, and connection during the most wonderful time of the year. While the exact titles remain under wraps, one thing is certain: Christmas 2025 on TV will be a feast for the eyes and the soul, offering something for everyone to cherish. So, as the festive season approaches, prepare to settle in, grab a mince pie, and let the magic of Christmas television unfold.