Hidden gems of Christmas TV 2025: An Our Yorkshire Farm star’s special, to Joanna Lumley’s BBC drama

Christmas TV in 2025 has some big shows everyone’s talking about—like a reunion of the cast of Absolutely Fabulous, Olivia Colman on The Great British Bake Off, and a new location for Call the Midwife. But beyond those, what other hidden holiday treats will bring some festive joy?

Digital Spy is helping you stay updated with our picks for the best hidden gems coming to Christmas TV in 2025 – including shows on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and other networks.

A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower

BBC Two, Christmas Eve, 24 December, 10pm

What to Read Next

This year’s BBC Arts Christmas ghost story is based on a novel by E.F. Benson and adapted for television by Mark Gatiss, known for his work on Bookish. The story will feature Dame Joanna Lumley and Tobias Menzies, who starred in The Crown.

The story takes place between World War I and World War II. It centers around Roger Winstanley, who has been plagued for fifteen years by a strange, repeating dream. In this dream, he’s invited to spend the night at a friend’s house, where something terrifying hides, and the people he sees appear to age rapidly.

It then adds that “an invitation to the dreaded room in the tower becomes all too real…”

The Mandy Who Knew Too Much

BBC Two, Monday 22 December, 10:25pm

According to the BBC, the upcoming Mandy Christmas special will feature a truly terrible Christmas for Diane Morgan’s character.

Mandy isn’t usually involved in international affairs, particularly during the cozy Christmas season with its cold weather and good TV. However, when she does get involved, she significantly impacts global power dynamics.

Michelle Greenidge, Tom Basden, Roger Sloman, and Hugh Quarshie will appear alongside Morgan in a special, single episode.

The Hunting Wives

ITV1, 27 December, 9.30pm, and as a box set on ITVX

Brittany Snow, known for her recent role in the Netflix series The Beast in Me, plays Sophie O’Neil in this stylish drama. Sophie is forced to leave her comfortable life in Boston with her son and husband following a difficult experience.

So, I moved to Texas hoping for a new beginning, and things got… complicated. I met this woman, Margo Banks – super mysterious and married to my husband’s boss, no less! Then, I suddenly found myself pulled into her world, hanging out with her group of rich friends – they’re calling them the ‘Hunting Wives,’ and let me tell you, their lives are seriously over the top.

If you’re looking for something to watch between Christmas and New Year’s, this seems like a great choice.

Finding Father Christmas

Channel 4, Christmas Eve, 24 December, 7.30pm

Described as both heartwarming and funny, Finding Father Christmas is a special one-time show about 16-year-old Chris, played by award-winning actor Lenny Rush, who still firmly believes in Santa Claus. When his worried father (James Buckley, known from The Inbetweeners) tells him the truth, Chris sets out to prove him wrong, and along the way, he meets lots of new people, including Stephen Fry.

I was stoked to see the cast for this game! Seriously, it’s got Greg Davies – you probably know him from Taskmaster – Asim Chaudhry, who’s hilarious in People Just Do Nothing, and Rochenda Sandall, who’s brilliant in Line of Duty. It’s a really strong lineup!

Wild London

BBC One, New Year’s Day, 1 January, 6.30pm

Sir David Attenborough’s latest film focuses on the surprising wildlife found in London.

After spending 75 years exploring London, Sir David has an incredible understanding of its wildlife. He’s the perfect person to reveal the city’s most amazing natural secrets to viewers.

Pudsey and the Thread of Hope

BBC One, Christmas Eve, 24 December, 10.20am

The popular children’s book The Scarecrows’ Wedding will be adapted into an animated special in 2025 by Julie Donaldson. But before that, this Christmas will see the release of Pudsey and the Thread of Hope – a brand new animated adventure, and the very first time Pudsey Bear from BBC Children in Need has been brought to life as an animated character.

Tom Fletcher’s story centers on Jai, a boy coping with the loss of his father. He’ll find healing, hope, and adventure alongside Pudsey, and along the way, he’ll meet other children who share a special connection. Together, they’ll discover how friendship, bravery, and love can be incredibly powerful.

The voice cast features Jessica Gunning, known for Baby Reindeer, Ashley Banjo from Diversity, Shini Muthukrishnan who presents Blue Peter, and Nikesh Patel of Starstruck.

Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Christmas

BBC One, Monday 22 December, 9pm

Following the huge popularity of Celebrity Traitors, which cemented Alan Carr’s place as a beloved national figure, viewers are eagerly anticipating his return to television.

For this holiday special, he’s heading back to the beautiful Spanish village of Moclín with his friend, Amanda Holden, after their popular travel show proved to be a hit.

Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas Special

Sky Max and NOW, Thursday 18 December, 9pm

Greg Davies is returning for another hilarious Christmas special, and this time he’ll be joined by Noel Fielding, Sophie Willan, and Jamali Maddix. Expect plenty of chaos!

This week’s show features Jessie J, Matt Goss from Bros, and comedian Guz Khan. Plus, we’re in for a really fun, pantomime-themed game to finish things off – it’s going to be great!

Reuben Owen: Christmas in the Dales

Channel 5, Tuesday 16 December, 8pm

Reuben, from the popular show Our Yorkshire Farm, is back in a special Christmas episode filmed in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

This Christmas special follows Reuben and his team as they tackle a new project: renovating a historic stone barn for Jess’s family. The farm, which has been passed down through generations and is now run by Jess and her father, David, is very special to Jess’s Nana Diane, who owns the barn. She’s always wanted to restore it, and if Reuben can install traditional flooring, she’s promised to let him host his work Christmas party there.

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror

Sky Arts, Christmas Eve, 24 December, 10pm

This special film celebrates the 50th anniversary of the beloved musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and explores why it continues to be popular today. It originally premiered in theaters.

This special documentary features interviews with original cast members like Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, exploring the making of the iconic 1975 film and its lasting impact on audiences.

Hamleys: Top 100 Toys of All Time

Channel 4, Monday 22 December, 7.30pm

Seriously, is there anything better than a Christmas countdown? And I think a countdown focused on classic toys is a brilliant idea – it just instantly brings back all those awesome childhood memories, you know?

In this 90-minute show, Hamleys asked toy experts to create a list of the 100 best toys of all time. Whether you wished for a Tamagotchi or a Barbie as a child, this special is bound to bring back some nostalgic memories!

What We Were Watching: Christmas 1985

BBC Four, Sunday 21 December, 7pm

Get ready for a nostalgic trip! Grace Dent returns to explore the BBC’s archives and revisit popular shows from 40 years ago.

A League of Their Own

Sky Max, Saturday 20 December, 9pm

Join Romesh Ranganathan, Jamie Redknapp, Jill Scott, and Micah Richards for the very last episode of this award-winning sports comedy game show! This week’s guests are Big Zuu and Laura Kenny.

As a total TV fan, I’m so excited about the Good Housekeeping Christmas TV Guide! It’s got listings for a full 14 days of Christmas shows, so I can plan all my festive viewing. And it’s only £4.75 – I’m grabbing a copy from my local magazine shop right now!

2025-12-11 15:22