Every Christmas, the hunt begins for that one comfort watch that feels like a warm blanket. Something to match the glow of lights, the aroma of festive pumpkin treats, and the joy in the air. With families gathered and time slowing down, the right movie or show can turn a cozy evening into a truly memorable holiday moment. It is that perfect blend of cheer, nostalgia, and escape that makes Christmas viewing so special.

No need to scroll endlessly or look elsewhere, we have curated a list of the best upcoming Christmas shows arriving this week to power your festive binge.

The beloved Scottish sitcom takes its neighbourly antics into the holiday season as Beth and Eric kick Christmas off early on Latimer Crescent. It sets off a chain of chaotic and heartwarming moments among the quirky residents. It airs on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2025. 

This special brings back familiar faces like Arabella Weir and Alex Norton in a festive slice of suburban life. In the UK, it airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer. In the US, access may be available via BritBox with a subscription.

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Continuing the warm, family-friendly vibe, this British Christmas film stars Lenny Rush as a determined teenager who refuses to let anyone tell him Father Christmas does not exist. With an ensemble including James Buckley, Stephen Fry and Greg Davies, it blends whimsical belief with festive humour. Viewers in the UK can watch it on Christmas day on Channel 4. In the US, availability depends on international streaming deals or VPN access as it is primarily a UK broadcast. 

Shifting from broadcast TV to streaming, this poignant holiday drama is the official directoral debut of Kate Winslet. She stars in the story that centres on estranged siblings reuniting at Christmas for their mother’s terminal care with Helen Mirren and Toni Collette adding emotional depth. A deeply resonant family story, Netflix releases it globally (UK and US) at midnight on Christmas Eve. 

If laughter is what you are after next, the festive edition of the Motherland spin-off reunites comedy legends Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. Lucy Punch’s Amanda is at the chaotic heart of a family Christmas. This UK holiday special airs on BBC One and is available on iPlayer. In the US, fans can sometimes access BBC content via BritBox or with a geo-unblocker. 

While some shows land on streaming sites on Christmas Eve, some arrive on the same day as Christmas. 

For a glittery mid-holiday lift, the Strictly Christmas dance special pairs celebrities with professional dancers in festive routines and heartfelt farewells. UK audiences can watch live on BBC One and on iPlayer. In the US, select episodes may be available on BBC America or BritBox with regional rights. 

Staying in the realm of joyful competition, this year’s festive Bake Off brings Peep Show stars into the tent to tackle Christmas pies and biscuits in a very British take on holiday baking. It airs in the UK on Channel 4 and streams on All 4. US viewers might find episodes on BritBox or via Channel 4’s international streaming partners. 

Moving into high-stakes and holiday-week binge territory, Stranger Things continues its final season run. With the Hawkins crew facing vanished threats and mysterious twists, this show has already everyone hooked with its Volume one.

Available worldwide on Netflix (UK and US) from early Boxing Day, it is a must for viewers who like festive chills with their thrills. 

In stark contrast to sci-fi and competition, this heartwarming documentary-style special focuses on craftsmen restoring treasured heirlooms in time for Christmas. Jay Blades stars as the presenter, alongside restoration experts Will Kirk (woodwork), Dominic Chinea (metalwork), Steven Fletcher (clocks), Kirsten Ramsay (ceramics), and soft-toy specialists Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell.

A comforting watch that embodies holiday nostalgia, it airs on the *UK’s BBC One and streams on iPlayer; in the US, fans might access this via BritBox where available.

This show brings a festive twist to the boardroom this year, sending a star-studded line-up of celebrities to snowy Lapland to face one of Lord Alan Sugar’s most seasonal challenges yet. Ultimate goal is to create, market and pitch their own Christmas gingerbread biscuits. Among the contestants are EastEnders actor Jake Wood, TV presenter AJ Odudu, radio host Charlie Hedges, comedian Eddie Kadi, JLS singer JB Gill, Paralympian Kadeena Cox, actress Sarah Hadland, and comic Shazia Mirza. On top of it, they are raising funds for BBC Children in Need. 

This two-part festive special airs in the UK on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer with the first episode at 9:00 pm on Monday 29 December 2025 and the second at 9:00 pm on Tuesday 30 December 2025 (both one-hour slots), giving viewers a perfect dose of post-Christmas competition.

Finally, wrap up younger viewers’ holiday TV with animated delights like The Scarecrows’ Wedding, Shaun the Sheep: Fleece Navidad, and timeless favourites such as The Snowman, scheduled on UK terrestrial channels with availability on BBC iPlayer.

From heartfelt reunions and cosy competitions to edge-of-your-seat drama, this Christmas week’s TV lineup proves there is something to match every festive mood and moment.

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Which of these festive picks will you start your Christmas binge with? Let us know in the comments below.