It probably feels more festive than Christmas – but anyway, there’s always a piece of the best Christmas television on December 24th.
We have all the classic TV revivals you could hope for, from a special Christmas for birds from feathers to Worzel Gummidge, and even Price is Right, as well as a newer price, including a 2020 virtual pantomime.
So while you’re waiting for the big man to arrive on his sleigh, here’s what you’ll be watching in the meantime.
Paddington 2 – 16:15, BBC One
There are few warmer movies or good-hearted movies than the acclaimed Paddington 2, which sees the iconic bear doing odd jobs to afford the perfect gift to Aunt Lucy, only to be stolen now. Watch out (and listen) for the British cast, including Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton and Hugh Grant in the rare role of the villain.
Carols from King’s – 17:30, BBC Two
BBC / Leon Hargreaves / King’s College
For a truly magical and Christmas start to your evening you can’t go wrong with the centuries-old tradition of Carols From King’s. There may not be congregations this year, but the show will continue, with a socially distanced choir singing songs like In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Still, Still, Still, O Come All Ye Faithful and, of course, Once In Royal David’s City.
Worzel Gummidge: Saucy Nancy – 17:55, BBC One
After a successful revival last year, Mackenzie Crook is returning as the title of the scarecrow Worzel Gummidge to bring back another classic character from the original Jon Pertwee series. The ship figure of Saucy Nancy – played unforgettably by the late Barbara Windsor in the 1979-81 series. – he will reunite with his old friend Worzel, who together with Susan and John is trying to reconnect Nancy with the sea. Actress Bridget Jones and Harry Potter Shirley Henderson will play Nancy this time, while acting legend Vanessa Redgrave has also afforded herself the role of Peg.
Big Christmas Baking – 7:40 p.m., Channel 4
Channel 4
A perfect Christmas watch, this festive special from the Great British Bake Off Christmas special event will see Jamie Finn and Rosie Brandreth-Poynter from 2019, 2018 finalist Ruby Bhogal and 2017 contestant James Hillery, the battle for the honor of Christmas Star Baker- a. Tom Allen, to whom Bake Off is no stranger as the host of Extra Slice and The Professionals, will take over the host duties as Noel Fielding is on paternity, and Alexandra Burke will join the occasional performance of Silent Night.
Cinderella: A Pantomime of Comic Relief for Christmas – 8:15 p.m., BBC Two
With closed pantomimes across the country, BBC2 is here to save the day with a very special virtual panto performance of Cinderella, all in aid of Comic Relief. It’s about a true cast – Anya Taylor-Joy, Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Hollander, Guz Khan and more. If that wasn’t enough, the online action will be lovingly revived by renowned illustrator Quentin Blake.
Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow Christmas Special – 20:15, ITV
ITV
Tonight airs another revival from the 80s, Alan Carr resurrects The Price is Right for the Christmas special of his Epic Gameshow series. Lucky contestants will be invited to “come down” to, you guessed it, see if the price is really right for what we envision as Christmas goodies. Accurate competitors will then be able to spin the wheel and pick up the epic showcase for more prizes.
One Night at Hamley – 9pm, Channel 4
While the title may sound like one of Channel 4’s documentaries, it can’t be further from the truth. Comedians Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett and Tom Allen one night in Hamley’s films realize every child’s dream of being locked up in a cult toy store, working freely as much as they like until everything is back in place by morning. Without sleep, expect toy problems, silly games, and funny festive stories or two.
Feather birds – 21:15, ITV
ITV
Over 30 years since its first broadcast, and Birds of Feathers still adorn our TV screens. Unfortunately, Pauline Quirke has been excluded from this new special, which means Sharon will be absent while Tracey and Dorien drive each other crazy. Instead, the enemy was joined by none other than Les Dennis, playing Dorien’s new man Graeme, who will surely experience Essex’s Christmas like no other.
Miranda’s games with the names of showbiz – 21:45, BBC One
BBC / Monkey Kingdom
Miranda Hart has recently become commonplace for Christmas television and is returning this year with a one-off special called Miranda’s Games with the names of showbiz. As the title suggests, Miranda will play some stupid (virtual) games with some very big names – more specifically singer Robbie Williams, strictly referee Shirley Ballas and football expert Jermaine Jenas.
Jonathan Ross Christmas show – 22:00, ITV
ITV
Jonathan Ross, a bit of a Christmas tradition, returns to the gala edition with a special guest lineup. Duo father and son broken father Bradley and Barney Walsh will find themselves in socially distanced seats, along with Our Girl star Michelle Keegan, comedian Kevin Bridges, singer Jess Glynne, the top charts, as well as Mo Farah, fresh from his stay at I ‘m Celeb Castle.
Looking for something else to watch? Watch our TV guide.