Published: 12 December 2025
You must be on the lookout for festive fun across TV, BBC iPlayer, Radio and BBC Sounds.
Whatever your Christmas Day looks like, we’ve got a smorgasbord of spectacular treats that celebrate the very best in homegrown storytelling and creativity. Get ready to feast on a range of specials, family favourites, thrilling drama, hilarious comedy and blockbuster movies alongside arts, documentary, music and religious programming to satisfy everyone.
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s even more throughout December!
Here’s just a taster of what’s on across Christmas Day…
Christmas Day on BBC TV and iPlayer
Christmas Morning Service from Bradford Cathedral
Christmas Morning Service from Bradford Cathedral (Image: BBC/Bradford Cathedral)
Watch on iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day from 10am
A joyful celebration of the birth of Christ, weaving together, carols, readings and prayers from a range of cultures and languages, reflecting Bradford’s status as UK City of Culture 2025.
In a lively family service, there will be a dynamic performance of the Christmas Gospel story by the Revd Canon Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts – and a reflection on the power of cross-cultural encounters, by the Dean of Bradford, the Very Revd Andy Bowerman.
The Cathedral Choir will sing the jubilant and contemporary communion setting of the Missa Brevis by British composer Jonathan Dove, as well as a carol written for Bradford Cathedral Choir by Yorkshire composer, Philip Wilby. Well-loved congregational carols will include, Angels From The Realms of Glory, and O Come All Ye Faithful.
The Nutcracker from the Royal Ballet
Watch The Nutcracker from the Royal Ballet on iPlayer and BBC Two on Christmas Day from 11.25am
With ballet legend Sir Peter Wright now in his 100th birthday year, his famed production of this classic Christmas ballet delights audiences at the Royal Opera House.
The magician Herr Drosselmeyer is on a quest to save his nephew, Hans-Peter, who has been transformed into a Nutcracker doll by the wicked Queen of the Mice; the only way to break the spell is for the Nutcracker to defeat the Mouse King and find a girl to love. A flicker of hope comes to Drosselmeyer in the form of the young Clara, whom Drosselmeyer meets on Christmas Eve. With a swish of Drosselmeyer’s cape and a little bit of magic, a cosy festive gathering turns into a marvellous adventure.
Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky music, Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker, was first performed by The Royal Ballet in 1984 and this production was filmed in 2023 at Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House.
HM King Charles III’s Christmas message
Watch on iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day from 3pm
HM King Charles III delivers his annual Christmas message to the nation and the Commonwealth.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding
(Image: BBC/Magic Light Pictures)
Watch on iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day from 3.10pm
The Scarecrows’ Wedding is an enchanting new story, adapted from the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, about two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are planning a wedding to remember.
When Harry insists on leaving the farm to collect one last thing for their big day, a smooth-talking scarecrow named Reginald Rake swoops in with plans of his own. Chaos ensues, and soon Betty’s in danger and everything’s at risk. Can Harry get back in time and save the day? Full of heart, humour and adventure, this is the joyful tale about loyalty, love and learning that the most important thing isn’t a grand gesture – it’s simply being together.
The half-hour animated special features an all-star voice cast with returning favourite Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) voicing Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, The Paper) as Harry O’Hay, all led by Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) as the Narrator.
Watch other adaptations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s works in The Gruffalo & Friends collection on iPlayer
Gladiators Celebrity Special 2025
(Image: BBC/Hungry Bear Media Ltd/Graeme Hunter)
Watch Gladiators on iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day from 3.35pm
Celebrities ready? Four famous faces will take on one of the toughest gameshows on telly, as they battle against the mighty Gladiators.
Hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, this one-hour special sees the nations PE Teacher, Joe Wicks MBE versus Presenter, Sam Thompson whilst boxing legend, Nicola Adams OBE takes on Podcaster, Vogue Williams.
They’ll face the ultimate test of speed, strength and skill before going head-to-head in the iconic Eliminator.
Shaun the Sheep – Fleece Navidad
Watch Shaun the Sheep – Fleece Navidad on iPlayer and on BBC One from 4.35pm on Christmas Day
When Farmer Ben delivers his perfect Christmas card, Shaun and the gang secretly knit jumpers to try and make sure the Mossy Bottom Farm card is even more spectacular. But getting everyone to pose for the photo proves to be harder than it looks.
The Weakest Link
Watch The Weakest Link on iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day from 4.45pm
Romesh Ranganathan brings his festive cheer to a star-studded Christmas Special of The Weakest Link. Eight celebrities will initially have to work together to try to win up to £50,000 for their individual chosen charity, in one of the world’s most iconic quizzes. Each round, one player will be voted The Weakest Link by their fellow contestants and will leave with nothing. Who will be crowned The Strongest Link and will take the prize ho-ho-home!?
The festive line up is Lou Sanders, Martine McCutcheon, David O’Doherty, Ade Adepitan, Ross King, Jess Wright, Eddie Kadi and Blu Hydrangea.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
Watch Strictly Come Dancing on iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day from 5.30pm
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will see six couples battle it out under the glitterball to be crowned the Strictly Christmas Champion.
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will oversee the festivities for their final time, while Head Judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will all be on hand to dish out sleigh-loads of advice, Christmas cheer and the odd lump of coal – before the voting studio audience will decide who wins. Expect a winter wonderland full of festive magic, dazzling group dances, live music and more in what will be the perfect antidote to the post-Christmas Dinner slump.
Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel
Watch Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel on iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day from 6.45pm
BAFTA award-winning Michael McIntyre returns to our TV screens on Christmas Day for a tinsel-covered edition of his Saturday-night gameshow, jam-packed with famous faces, even more laughs, and a colossal spinning wheel!
Richard Osman, Mel Giedroyc and Paddy McGuinness are the special celebrity contestants, hoping to answer their way to a festive fortune for their chosen charities.
Eight celebrity experts are on hand to use their knowledge of all things Christmas, to help the three famous faces bank as much cash as possible. Gyles Brandreth, Josie Gibson, Big Narstie, Tim Vine, Zara McDermott, Gladiator’s very own Nitro and Gavin and Stacey legends Matthew Horne and Joanna Page will each have their time in the spotlight, answering questions on everything from reindeer to festive food.
EastEnders
Christmas Day episodes on BBC One and iPlayer | Part 1 – 7.45pm | Part 2 – 9.45pm
Walford residents are learning the consequences of their actions this December as they are visited by ghosts of their past, villains of the present, and visions of the future.
On Christmas Day, a situation escalates at The Vic for the Slaters, and the Beales and the Brannings prepare to sit down to a joint family Christmas dinner…
Call The Midwife Christmas Special
(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney)
Watch the Call The Midwife Christmas Special on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day from 8.15pm
This year’s festive trip to Poplar sees Call the Midwife celebrate Christmas with two episodes, with the first on Christmas Day.
The residents of Poplar are preparing for Christmas while Fred (Cliff Parisi) and Violet (Annabelle Apsion) get ready to fly to Hong Kong to visit her son. On arrival and carrying parcels for the sisters, they head to the Hong Kong Branch House but immediately spot that a large building has collapsed in a landslide and it appears there are casualties.
Back home, Sister Hilda (Fenella Woolgar) confirms the news and a rescue mission is hastily organised. A team from Nonnatus make emergency plans to head out to Hong Kong.
The Call The Midwife Christmas Special continues at 8.30pm on Boxing Day.
Read more: Call The Midwife cast talk Christmas in Poplar with tear-jerking moments and uplifting festive cheer
Amandaland Christmas Special
(Image: BBC/Merman)
Watch Amandaland on iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day from 9.15pm
Amanda and the family head to Aunt Joan’s country house, but the plans change when Mal and Anne tag along and she struggles to recreate the magical Christmases she spent there as a child.
Anne’s in despair at being separated from her family, and Felicity is increasingly irritated by her sister’s constant high spirits. Meanwhile Mal sees a hidden photo that seems to reveal a deep family secret…
Read more: Amandaland Christmas Special cast tease absolutely fabulous Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders reunion
Mrs Brown’s Boys
Watch Mrs Brown’s Boys on iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day from 10.15pm
Mrs Brown rediscovers the meaning of family as she gathers those closest to her together for a Christmas photo. Buster unveils another of his signature Christmas trees with maximum impact and Cathy frets about what presents to buy everyone.
Mrs Brown will return for a New Year Special from 10.05pm on 31 December.
Christmas Day on Radio and BBC Sounds
Enjoy magical music mixes, special guest takeovers, and engaging story-telling this Christmas on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds.
Radio 1
The Christmas Day schedule for BBC Radio 1 has officially been announced!
Breakfast with Greg James (LIVE)
Christmas Day, 8am – 11am
Join Greg for morning nonsense, star listeners and All the Latest Things for Christmas Day!
Jaimie Laing and Sophie Habboo
11am – 12pm
GK Barry and Ella Rutherford
12pm – 1pm
Charley Marlowe
1pm – 2pm
Munya Chawawa
2pm – 3pm
George Clarke
3pm – 4pm
Jade
4pm – 5pm
Radio 2
Good Morning Christmas
Christmas Day, 8am – 10am
The Reverend Kate Bottley will be providing listeners with reflection and celebration, waking up the audience with all their Christmas shoutouts whether they’re opening stockings, heading to church, travelling to see family, or prepping lunch to celebrate this special day.
Christmas with Jane McDonald
12pm – 2pm
Listeners can spend Christmas with Jane McDonald who is back for two hours of festive fun for all the family. Jane – a self-confessed disaster in the kitchen – will be responding to listeners’ tips for preparing the Christmas dinner, as well as hearing all about quirky Christmas snacks (a “Wakey Wrap”, anyone?), chatting about her favourite Christmas films and novelty Christmas no.1 singles.
Jane will also be sharing heartwarming stories of Christmases gone by and reflecting on the year, thanking those who have done their bit for the good of others.
Plus as many Christmas hits Jane can squash into two hours including golden oldies from the likes of Wham!, Nat King Cole and Shakin’ Stevens, newer favourites from Taylor Swift and Idina Menzel, and a few silly ones along the way.
Pick of the Pops
4pm – 7pm
In a special festive edition, Mark Goodier counts down the Christmas charts from 1975, 1985 and 1995! Featuring hits from David Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, and Queen, plus all-time festive favourites from Wham!, Band Aid, Greg Lake, Bruce Springsteen and Shakin’ Stevens.
Beverley Knight’s Great British Gospel Christmas
8pm – 10pm
Star of Soul and stage Beverley Knight returns with two hours of festive faves and Gospel artists from the UK. She’s also joined by Gospel and Dance legend, Candi Staton, who shares the surprising story of her hit ‘You Got The Love’ and how she’s spending her Christmas with her 42 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cosy in with our Bev for a lovely Xmas evening.
Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas
9 – 11pm
Trevor Nelson once again brings his Soul Christmas show to Radio 2, recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-hour concert of re-imagined and re-scored soul and RnB tracks features a host of amazing guest vocalists accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra and led by MD Troy Miller. It promises to be an unforgettable festive treat.
Radio 3
Christmas Morning Live
9.30am – 1pm
Petroc Trelawny presents the perfect selection of festive music and guests for Christmas morning. The programme includes classical favourites, and listeners will be able to message the show to request seasonal music of their choice to share with family and friends.
Radio 3 in Concert – Christmas Specials
8.05pm – 10pm
Martin Handley presents a concert recorded at the Barbican Hall in London earlier in the month, featuring Sir James Millan conducting his own Christmas Oratorio with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and soloists soprano Rhian Lois and baritone Roderick Williams.
Radio 4
(Image: BBC/Chris Mills)
The Reunion
Thursday 25 December, 9am – 10am
When Downton Abbey first hit our screens in September 2010, no-one could predict that it would take the world by storm becoming Britain’s most successful drama export ever. There were six series, three films, a stash of international awards and millions of fans in hundreds of countries.
Kirsty Wark reunites key players from the TV juggernaut which spliced love, betrayal, domestic politics and the vagaries of power – written with soap-opera sensibilities to ensure Downton became appointment viewing every Sunday night.
Among those joining Kirsty are Hugh Bonneville who played Robert Crawley, patriarch of the Crawley family and the owner of the Downton Abbey estate, Julian Fellowes who wrote all six series, five Christmas specials and three feature films, Laura Carmichael who played the unconventional middle daughter Lady Edith – her first role out of drama school, Phyllis Logan who was the firm but fair housekeeper Mrs Hughes, Lesley Nicol who played the constantly flustered head cook Mrs Patmore, executive producer Gareth Neame who came up with the original idea and producer Liz Trubridge who kept the show on the road through tantrums and turmoil.
Woman’s Hour
10am – 11am
Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani explore the role rituals play in making Christmas special. From the customs passed down the generations to brand new traditions being created, we explore how women are involved in making and maintaining the special moments that bring families and friends together. We explore the psychology of rituals to understand why they make us feel relaxed, bonded and safe. And in this fast paced and often disconnected digital world, we explore how nostalgia and rituals could help us find deeper connection, and sense of belonging.
Drama on 4: Regifted
2.15pm – 3pm
A magical Christmas tale of unwanted talking gifts and lonely humans in search of connection.
Una has just turned forty and faces another Christmas alone. Another token gift from colleagues at work reminds her of just how lonely she is.
Cardy is a Cardamon, Cider and Toasted Pumpkin scented candle whose dream of taking pride of place by a luxurious foam bath comes crashing down when she finds herself thrown into the cupboard under Una’s stairs with the other rejects – an embittered rival candle, a cheeseboard, a Karl Marx novelty lighter, a bottle of limoncello, an outdated CD and a pack of tealights.
As Cardy changes hands, all is not lost – though with each regifting, the candle’s hopes, just like the notes of her complex scent, are fading fast. And with them, Una’s hopes of ever finding friendship and connection.
Part social satire, part festive fable, Regifted is a bittersweet, comic tale of loneliness, community and hope in the season of giving.
Unspeakable
6.30pm – 7pm
Phil Wang and Susie Dent challenge guests to invent new festive words to enter the dictionary. With special guests Matt Lucas, Nick Mohammed and Sara Pascoe.
In the 2025 Christmas special, we hear Matt Lucas’s new word for a crucial moment during Christmas dinner, Nick Mohammed (who fans will remember from Celebrity Traitors) coins a new word for your neighbour who goes all out with the decorations, and Sara Pascoe creates a word for when you have to put on a brave face through the festive season.
The Infinite Monkey Cage: The North Pole Unwrapped
11am – 11.45am
In this Christmas episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage, Brian Cox and Robin Ince orientate to the North Pole to explore the dazzling science behind the northern lights, the extreme adaptations that help animals – and even Santa Claus – survive the Arctic cold, and how the Earth’s magnetic field might just guide him home. Join the monkeys and a panel of experts as they brave the chill to uncover the scientific wonders of one of Earth’s most remote and magical frontiers.
Dylan Thomas – A Child’s Christmas In Wales
9am – 10am
Friends Will and Jim look back to boyhood escapades in a time when “the snow was shaken from whitewash buckets in the sky and grew overnight on the roofs of houses”. They recall a noisy Christmas Eve of smoke, cinders and snowballs. Wind cherried noses, iced cake and a small, dry eggshell voice joining them in a carol.
Albert and the Liner
9.30am – 9.45am
A young lad is convinced a model of the Queen Mary is coming his way, but does Father Christmas have other ideas?
Reader: Malcolm Hebden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
Suggested by Victoria Percy as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day.
With Great Pleasure at Christmas
10am – 11am and 4pm – 5pm
It’s not often a library is filled with laughter, but this is no ordinary library as we discover when we visit Barry Humphries in his favourite room at home.
He’s joined by two very good friends, Miriam Margolyes and Rob Brydon, who also share Barry’s love of poetry and prose.
From childhood favourites to more recent discoveries, the threesome reminisce. They recall encounters with writers and poets and read extracts from, amongst others, Charles Dickens, Edith Nesbit and Stephen Spender.
A surprise guest joins them on the telephone adding their very own splash of Christmas magic.
There’s also a tale about a dahlia, a word or two from Jeeves and Wooster and a festive burst of carol singing.
New to Radio 4 Extra. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2021. Suggested by Joyce Joy and Bill Withers as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day.
Christmas at Dingley Dell by Charles Dickens
11am – 12.30pm and 5pm – 6.30pm
On 23 December 1827 Mr Pickwick and his manservant Sam Weller set out with his friends, Mr Tupman, Mr Snodgrass and Mr Winkle upon a journey to Dingley Dell.
There, as guests of Mr Wardle, they were to enjoy the festivities of a good old-fashioned Christmas.
Starring David March as Mr Pickwick and Nigel Graham as Dickens, the narrator.
Adapted from “The Pickwick Papers” and “Christmas Stories” of Charles Dickens by Constance Cox.
New to Radio 4 Extra. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1983. Suggested by Sean Herring as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day.
FK
Dad’s Army: Present Arms – Christmas Special Edition 1974
12.30pm – 1.30pm and 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Military medal rivalry sparks a shooting contest with another platoon. Adapted from TV with Arthur Lowe. From December 1974. Suggested by Daniel Hall as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day.
Village Christmas
1.30pm – 1.45pm and 7.30pm – 7.45pm
Derek Jacobi reads from a collection of Laurie Lee’s writings.
These include newly discovered pieces by his daughter Jessy Lee, which return to the landscape and traditions of his rural home in Slad as well as a changing London in the last century.
Suggested by Maxine Horton as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day.
Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat
1.45pm – 2pm and 7.45pm – 8pm
Irene encourages Vera’s kids to vent their feelings in verse. Stars Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales. From 2001.
Suggested by Brian D and Mary Delglyn as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day.
Crisp and Even Brightly
2pm – 3.15pm and 8pm – 9.15pm
Was the poor man gathering fuel really poor, and was he really a man – or was she a Slavnik spy in disguise?
Was Wenceslas’s tramp into the forest with his 10-year-old page carrying flesh and wine and logs just a public relations exercise? What is the ‘truth’ behind the story of Good King Wenceslas?
Alick Rowe’s comedy stars Timothy West, James Holland, June Barrie, Bill Wallis and Polly James.
Suggested by Martine Heal, Jeannette Redwood and David Langshaw amongst many others as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day.
The Tailor of Gloucester
3.15pm – 3.45pm and 9.15pm – 9.45pm
The poor Tailor of Gloucester must make a coat of cherry-coloured corded silk. It’s for the Mayor of Gloucester who is getting married in on Christmas morning!
Beatrix Potter’s festive tale. A magical radio dramatisation for all the family by Sarah Woods.
Narrated by: Miriam Margolyes.
New to Radio 4 Extra. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001. Suggested by Sarah Jefferson as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day.
Papa Panov’s Special Day
3.45pm – 4.05pm and 9.45pm – 10.05pm
Papa Panov, a shoemaker, is lonely on Christmas Eve. His wife died many years ago and his children have all grown up and left.
But in a dream he is visited by Jesus, who promises to visit Papa Panov on Christmas Day.
Panov meets different characters throughout the day, but will Jesus be among them?
The original story is by the French 19th-century author Ruben Saillens and was translated into English by Leo Tolstoy.
Story adapted by Mig Holder.
Reader: Johnny Morris
New to Radio 4 Extra. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1988. Suggested by Peter J Fishenden as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day.
Back From the Dead – The Return of Spinal Tap
10.30pm – 11.30pm
In 1984 ‘This is Spinal Tap’, exposed the shocking world of the self-proclaimed ‘loudest band in the world’. It revealed the highs and lows of life on the road, and pitfalls of celebrity. The rockumentary also added a phrase to the lexicon that sums up humiliation, incompetence and ineptitude – ‘a Spinal Tap moment’.
Spinal Tap reformed in 2009 resulting in a new album and tour, including Wembley. To mark the occasion, Peter Curran fronted this hour-long special for Radio 2. He spoke with the remaining band members and played tracks from their comeback album. Jarvis Cocker, Glenn Tilbrook, Suggs and Mike Barson of Madness Squeeze confess how they’ve all been influenced by Spinal Tap.
This repeat, not heard since its original broadcast, comes in the year of original film’s sequel release Spinal Tap II – The End Continues, and also just happens to coincide with the 50th anniversary of metal giants Iron Maiden, on Christmas Day 2025. It serves as a fitting celebration of British rock at its most theatrical, bombastic, and delightfully over-the-top. Whether you’re a long-time Tap fan or discovering them for the first time, expect nostalgia, noise, and plenty of knob-twiddling.
Inspired by real giants like Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Maiden themselves. If Spinal Tap had Stonehenge, Maiden had the entire British Museum! Plus Eddie the zombie, who never missed a gig.
New to Radio 4 Extra. First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 2009.
BBC Radio 5 Live
5 Live Breakfast with Colin Murray
7am – 9am
Colin Murray is live, kicking off your Christmas day with festive cheer and heartwarming stories as he chats with special guests and listeners about how they’re celebrating the big day. Plus, the day’s news and sport headlines. Whether you’re peeling spuds or unwrapping presents, it’s the perfect start to Christmas morning.
You About?
9am – 10am
Roman Kemp and Tom Grennan are turning up the festive cheer in a special holiday edition of You About?! Join them for their very first Christmas party packed with laughter, heartfelt chats, and a sprinkle of surprises. As they look back on the year and share their Christmas plans, expect plenty of good vibes and a few moments you won’t want to miss.
Elis and John’s Christmas Cracker
10am – 11am
Elis and John return with a sleigh-load of festive frivolity with their annual Christmas Cracker special! Landing on what will also be their 500th episode, expect special guests, seasonal Made-Up games and lots of yuletide fun. Hear it first on BBC Sounds from 23rd December and on Radio 5 Live on Christmas Day at 10am.
The Wayne Rooney Show
11am – 12pm
Wayne Rooney is joined by Kelly Somers and Kae Kurd for a Christmas edition with special guests, his most memorable anecdotes from his Premier League and international career, reflections on the season so far, and his take on the packed festive fixture list ahead.
The Best of Fighting Talk 2025 – Part 1
12.30pm – 1pm
Rick Edwards presents some of the best moments of sporting punditry from Fighting Talk this year.
Women’s Euros: How the Lionesses retained the Euros
1 – 2pm
Katie Smith looks back at how the England team fought through injuries, game-changing substitutes, extra time, and penalty shoot-outs to become Women’s Euros champions again in 2025. Featuring commentary, interviews and reaction, Katie is joined by Vicki Sparks, Karen Bardsley and Izzy Christiansen who featured throughout 5 Live’s coverage of the Women’s Euros in Switzerland earlier this year.
Thursday 25 December, 2-3pm
Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines with a festive hour of interviews and special guests as they review a historic year in women’s football.
5 Live News
3pm – 3.30pm
King Charles III delivers his Christmas message to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Followed by a round-up of the day’s main stories.
The Best of Fighting Talk 2024 – Part 2
3.30pm – 4pm
Sporting punditry from Fighting Talk with more of the best moments from this year with Rick Edwards.
Patrick Kielty – Best of 2025
4pm – 6pm
Patrick Kielty presents a special Christmas edition of his show reflecting on some of the great guests he has spoken to in 2025. Featuring Judy Murray, Craig Ferguson, Sophie Ellis Bextor, and Lawrence Dallaglio.
Tailenders
7pm – 8pm
Greg James, Jimmy Anderson and Felix White are back with a festive, alternative take on cricket in a special programme to round off an eventful 2025. They’ll react to the series so far, and dive into the excitement surrounding the upcoming Fourth Ashes Test on Boxing Day. Plus, Mattchin rounds off the year with some of his legendary quizzes.
Test Match Special
8pm – 11pm
Test Match Special goes all out for the Ashes with a series of special programmes ahead of our live simulcast of the 4th Ashes Test in Melbourne. Featuring the No Balls Christmas Special with Alex Hartley and Kate Cross, Sir Alastair Cook on How To Win The Ashes, and our first Ashes Top 10 with Isa Guha, Jonathan Agnew and Sir Alastair Cook.
11pm – 7am
Live ball-by-ball cricket commentary from day one of the Fourth Ashes Test at the MCG in Melbourne.
6 Music
Nick Grimshaw: Best of the Guests
Christmas Day, 7am – 10am
Nick welcomes listeners to Christmas Day with the finest music, and a chance to revisit some of the best interviews from the Breakfast Show this year.
Indie Forever Disco with Beth Ditto
7pm – 9pm
Gossip frontwoman Beth Ditto presents Indie Forever Disco with Beth Ditto, in which she’ll celebrate the biggest and best indie hits for the dance floor – from classic tracks to the hits of tomorrow.
BBC World Service
Newshour Christmas Quiz
Christmas Day, 2pm – 3pm
They can ask the tough questions – but do they know the answers? On 25 December, Newshour on the BBC World Service will put its hosts to the test in the best of Christmas traditions: the Newshour Christmas Quiz.
Listeners can look forward to the return of the ‘mystery guest’ and Grandpa Julian’s bedtime stories, featuring Julian Marshall. Be sure to tune in!
His Majesty The King’s Christmas Message
3pm
His Majesty The King’s Christmas Message to the Commonwealth.
Follow for more
