Radio Times

Start planning your Christmas TV viewing now, with our guide to what's on over the festive season. We'll update it as new programmes are announced or as transmission dates and times are confirmed.

DRAMA

Doctor Who (Christmas Day 6pm BBC1) Christmas special The Next Doctor features two Doctors - Davids Tennant and Morrissey - a snowy Victorian London and new monsters the Cybershades.

Lark Rise to Candleford (Sunday 21 7:45pm BBC1) A feature- length episode launches a new series of the genteel period drama. Expect Christmas card settings and a ghostly visitor.

The 39 Steps (Sunday 28 8pm BBC1) Former Spook Rupert Penry-Jones is back for more action and intrigue in this new adaptation of John Buchan's novel about an ordinary man caught up in an international web of double-dealing and murder.

Jonathan Creek (New Year's Day 9pm BBC1) A one-off mystery sees Alan Davies and new sidekick Sheridan Smith investigating a series of disappearances from a sinister room in a Gothic house.

Clash of the Santas (Sunday 21 9pm ITV1) Northern Lights's Colin and Howie - Robson Green and Mark Benton - get involved in an International Santa Convention in Lithuania.

Crooked House (Starts Monday 21 10:30pm BBC4) Mark Gatiss's ghost story takes a local schoolteacher and a strange museum curator on a spooky journey through time. Gatiss stars, along with Julian Rhind-Tutt, Lee Ingleby and Derren Brown.

Affinity (Sunday 28 9pm ITV1) Period adaptation king Andrew Davies tackles Sarah Waters' Gothic ghost story.

Caught in a Trap (Boxing Day 9pm ITV1) Sound of Music star Connie Fisher as a lonely young woman with an Elvis obsession.

Agatha Christie's Marple: Nemesis (New Year's Day 9pm ITV1) Geraldine McEwan bows out as the elderly sleuth.

COMEDY

Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death (Christmas Day 8:30pm BBC1) In a new 30-minute adventure, the duo turn bakers but risk becoming victims of the deadly "cereal killer".

The Royle Family (Christmas Day 9:30pm BBC1) Denise (Caroline Aherne) attempts to cook Christmas dinner.

Gavin & Stacey (Christmas Eve 10pm BBC1) Christmas with the star-crossed lovers and their extended families.

Blackadder Rides Again (Christmas Day 10:30pm BBC1) Rowan Atkinson an co in a fond retrospective of the historical sitcom.

Plus festive editions of My Family, Rab C Nesbitt, The Peter Serafinowicz Show and Lead Balloon.

ENTERTAINMENT

All New Shooting Stars (Tuesday 30 10pm BBC2) Vic, Bob and Matt Lucas return for a one-off serving of surreal musical-comedy- celebrity-quiz mayhem. And beforehand there's a "making of".

Gladiators - The Legends Strike Back (Sunday 21 8pm Sky1) Some of the original spandex-clad fighting machines return to take on the next generation of Gladiators, ahead of a new series.

The Charlotte Church Nutcracking Christmas Special (Sunday 21 10pm Channel 4) Bawdy entertainment featuring Gavin and Stacey stars James Corden and Ruth Jones.

Torvill & Dean Dancing On Ice - the Live Tour (Sunday 21 December 5:50pm ITV3) The skating legends each train a rival team of celebrity former contestants.

Harry Hill's Christmas TV Burp (Boxing Day 7pm ITV1) Harry's characteristically off-the-wall take on festive television.

The Krypton Factor (New Year's Day 7:30pm ITV1) Ben Shephard fronts a new series of the brains-and-brawn game show.

QI (Monday 22 9pm BBC1) A seasonal special of Stephen Fry's wittily cerebral quiz celebrates its move from BBC2 to BBC1.

Strictly Come Dancing Special (Christmas Day 7pm BBC1) Featuring Kelly Brook and previous winners Alesha Dixon and Jill Halfpenny. And a return for audience favourite John Sergeant?

Britain's Got an Extra Pop Factor and Then Some 2+1 (Friday 19 9pm Channel 4) This one-off follow-up to Peter Kay's spoof talent series features a countdown of the best performances and a chance to see the video of Geraldine's Christmas single.

Top Gear Vietnam Special (Sunday 28 8pm BBC2) The boys embark on a spectacular eight-day motoring journey.

Top of the Pops (BBC1) It's back for two hour-long specials - a celebration of all things pop on Christmas Day (2pm) and a review of the musical year on New Year's Eve (5:35pm).

Plus Christmas specials for Russell Brand's Ponderland, Alan Carr's Celebrity Ding Dong and The Friday Night Christmas Project, with guest host Simon Pegg.

SOAP

EastEnders (BBC1) Nick Cotton's back to make Dot's Christmas. And there's an explosive revelation for the Mitchells.

DOCUMENTARY

The Family at Christmas (Channel 4) A warm but sometimes tense instalment of the observational documentary series.

The Secret Millionaire Changed My Life (Channel 4) Updates on the charitable millionaires and the people they've helped.

The Nativity Decoded (Channel 4) The historical evidence for the story, and the true significance of its key elements.

Michael Palin: 80 Days Revisited (BBC1) 20 years after his first travelogue, Around the World in 80 Days, TV's favourite traveller retraces part of his route - Dubai to Mumbai by dhow.

FOOD

Jamie Cooks Christmas (Thursday 18 9pm Channel 4) Jamie creates favourite festive dishes with help from Gennaro.

Nigella's Christmas Kitchen (Starts Monday 15 8:30pm BBC2) In this five-parter, Nigella shares her tips for not only coping with but actively enjoying Christmas cooking.

A River Cottage Christmas Feast (Sunday 13 8pm Channel 4) Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall makes the perfect trimmings and attempts to transform the fortunes of the Brussels sprout.

Willie's Perfect Chocolate Christmas (Wednesday 17 9pm Channel 4) The eccentric Mr Harcourt-Cooze with chocolate-based recipes both sweet and savoury.

ARTS

Doctor Who at the BBC Proms (BBC1) Freema Agyeman presents highlights of this summer's classical musical odyssey through time and space. With guest Catherine Tate.

Hansel and Gretel (BBC2) Colin Davis conducts Humperdinck's sumptuous, witty fairytale opera at the Royal Opera House.

Maestro: the Inside Story (BBC2) Highlights and behind-the-scenes footage of the classical music reality show.

4Dance 2008 (Channel 4) An eclectic 90-minute special celebrating the best of dance on film from around the world.

New Year's Day Concert 2008: Live from Vienna (BBC2/4) The Vienna Philharmonic performs the annual celebratory concert of waltzes, polkas and marches, conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

Ten Best Christmas Classics (BBC4) Musicians and celebrity music lovers talk about much-loved festive pieces.

BBC Young Musician of the Year - Concerto Final 2008 (BBC4) The full concerto performances by this year's five finalists.

The Story of Allegri's Miserere (Sunday 21 7:30pm BBC4) The fascinating history of a beloved piece of sacred music.

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So has that lot whet your appetite? What are you most looking forward to? And is there anything missing from the Christmas schedule? Post a comment and let us know. Then check out our guide to the best movies on over Christmas, and our daily TV, radio and film guide.

Hi, blondezvous. Good news! Compulsion is back in the schedules - tune in to watch on Monday 4 May at 9:00pm on ITV1.

Helen, RadioTimes.com

I agree with New Saint Nick, its a downright scandal to not have any Laurel and Hardy on over Xmas..

Hi, blondezvous. Unfortunately Compulsion will no longer be showing over the festive season, and ITV has yet to confirm a new date. We'll bring you the news as soon as we hear.

Best wishes,

Helen, RadioTimes.com

Some great prospects but I wish I knew when Compulsion was actually going to be on. The Changeling is rarely performed on stage in itself, let alone adapted for modern-day TV, so I look forward to it…

Looking at this year's tv in the radio times, i'm mixed. I'm loving the thought of wallace and gromit, rab c nesbit, clash of the santas etc, but some things i'm not fussed on, doctor who, but that's just me. I'm glad to see a mix of programmes as the main channels are trying to compete with digital channels, dvd's, game consols etc, which is not easy. My only disapointment is that there's no laurel and hardy (i'm in my early 20's and used to love watching them over christmas- thank goodness i was bought the complete collection for my birthday!) and mole's christmas (memories!). Loved the magazine as always and good to see wallace and gromit grace the front cover- how many christmases have they been on our tv?! It's about time they were on the front cover!

Did you actually gloss over the My Family special? I never got into it until I got engaged and now am lumbered with the DVD boxset... if I glossed over it I'd be strung-up and hung out to dry...

Drama, Comedy, Cooking, Entertainment, Arts. I had thought we might find Religion somewhere at the bottom of the list. I know there will be programmes out there somewhere!

Forget films you have DVDs for that, this is a great TV line up, for Wallace and Gromit, Royle Family and Shooting Stars alone, I will defiantly be tuned in. (Doctor Who, Christmas Project, Rab C Nesbit, Harry Hill and Top Gear are highlights for me as well)

Has anyone at the BBC seen the Hansel & Gretel they are proposing to show on Christmas Day. Among other horrors, it features the dead bodies of children hanging in an abattoir? The Royal Opera House trailed this as a show suitabl for families but judging by the review in today's Guardian it looks far from it.

Rab C nesbiit is bak-why is no one getting excited over that!

SZome great programmes comin g-QI, Doctor Who, The 39 Steps and even Wallace and Gromit!! YAY!!!!

I'm glad the BBC are keeping up the 'Ghost Story for Christmas' as I loved the M. R. James adaptations :) It's even better that ITV are getting in on the act, with 'Affinity'. I think there's quite a lot on over Christmas that I'll watch this year, usually Christmas TV bores me silly.

I have just advised my husband we will need to invest in some more DVD's what a load of rubbish. I agree with some of the other comments what about something different. No more Christmas specials and no more repeats. Something worth watching. With all the films out there surely they could afford to put on a few decent films that have not been seen on TV before. I don't watch any soaps so for a change how about no soaps on Christmas with their depressing story lines. By the way I think the Tv is dreadful all year round.

What!!! No Laurel & Hardy !!!! This is an outrage !

Brand new Gavin and Stacey - I can't wait! And a special Christmas Strictly - lovely jubbly!

Oh come on. I actually look forward to Chirstmas specials, they're as british as boxing day chips & turkey. And these aren't just any old rubbish with a christmas special tag slapped on the end, these are the cream of UK TV. Wallace & Gromitt, Royale Family, Serafinowicz, Shooting stars, Dr Who, Gavin & Stacey - all award winning great shows, some of which haven't been on for a long time - they're airing is very definitely a one off treat over christmas. I actually think this year's offering is better than most!

Im dissapointed, same tv shows throughout the year, but just added Christmas Special in the title! Where are the shows to keep the kids amused? Films? New shows? Im sick of soaps & reality tv. TV in USA, Canada, Australia is much more varied, we are being short-changed in the UK. I guess we have to wait until the new year for all the new stuff (24, CSI, House, The Apprentice, Mistressess, Damages, ER, Greys Anatomy, Disney movies, H2O) Thank goodness for Sky tv!

tv is officially over.

I totally agree with Kadi. I used to live in America and as far as I am concerned, the programmes over there were a LOT better than UK. We have to watch footy on BBC all year, then usual repeats or Xmas versions of the crap we watch all year. BRING BACK NOEL'S CHRISTMAS PRESENTS!! That was the best and made you feel really Christmassy. Christmas is about having something DIFFERENT.....surprised they're not putting Xmas Match of the Day on!!!

The TV Programmes Look Really Good :) O and don't take offence by this - i think that there are still gonna be films, i just think they are showing what TELEVISION programmes are going to be on aswell.

People who have the time to complain about tv shows must have a sad life. Radio times rules

I've now added a section on some of the arts highlights for Christmas and the New Year.

In response to requests for a Christmas film guide - we'll be posting one in the next few working days. And there'll be a full guide in the Radio Times Christmas issue, which goes on sale on Saturday.

Oops, I meant Entrapment, they show Entrapment every year and I see no reason to stop.

A new Wallace & Grommit! Now that's what I call a proper Christmas! I remember sitting at Christmas with my young nephew on my knee, engrossed in "The Wrong Trousers". He's 17 now :-D

Why no mention of films?

They show it every year and I see no reason for that to stop.

well, Im looking forward to the Christmas telly if nobody else is.Cosey viewing, some repeats, Some super new shows.. Lovely.And im looking forward to the 6th when i sit down with the radio times, and a highlighter pen, to mark stuff i want to watch, and record.( Hmm, maybe i should use two pens!)

Obviously no-one's going to love everything on the schedule, but there seems to be a good mix, with at least one or two things for most people. Personally am really looking forward to the new Jonathan Creek, and of course the suitably victoriana-looking Doctor Who. And am I the only person who loves a ghost story at Christmas? Uusally by half way through November I'm so sick of the enforced tinsel-based jolity and worn-out sentiment that some gothic horror comes as a very welcome change. Would have liked some more lengthy period dramas, which are perfect for those overfull post-dinner hours.

Also, what exactely are the potentially offensive offerings that cathy objects to? River cottage and Wallace and Gromit?

There are some programmes I certainly will not miss. I love Christmas one-offs of my favourite shows.

Don't forget payment of the licence fee is optional Kadi. If you would like to get rid of your TV and watch DVDs on your computer that's your choice but I suspect the majority of people will find something of interest in the TV (and radio) Christmas schedules including the films which for some reason haven't been listed here.

Try spending Christmas in the USA or Australia, then you will appreciate how good our TV programmes are. There seems to be a good variety of shows for this year. Not everyone wants films - I don't, but I won't be watching TV the whole time either. There are plenty of other things to do, reading, walking, cycling......

ABSOLUTELY RUBBISH!! Where are the films!!

We wait all year to have a little time off at Christmas with our family, sit down for dinner and snuggle up on the sofa to watch the TV.

Good job have bought a PS3 and Wii......nothing on the telly AS USUAL!!!!

Sick of these blummin crappy programmes......get rid of the licence fee!!!

It seems to me that what is missing in the christmas schedule is anything related to Christ.

I think the schedule looks good. I'm very easily pleased and like Christmassy specials and one-offs. Sorry if it doesn't suit everyone but it suits me. Some people are such grinchs!

I cannot wait!!! Bring. It. On!!!!

David Tennant and Rupert Penry-Jones in our Christmas stockings - Wooo hoooo!!!!

Will we have the usual festive scedule, death horror and misery? Nothing like it to cheer you up at Christmas.

I like watching christmas films

strictly come dancing (btw, i dont watch) offered a refund for people who voted for john sergeant so... BBC, i dont watch lots of the rubbish you broadcast,CAN I HAVE A REFUND ON MY LICENCE FEE!?

LOL harry hill

All I want for Christmas is a repeat of Alan Ayckbourn's Seasons Greetings...

Oh stop complaining! I would kill for even half the Christmas offerings in the UK. Much as i love living in Aussie the festive offerings are woeful, even with cable!

I'm sure Cathy doesn't speak for the whole of the UK - thankfully! I don't mind being challenged, I'm not easily shocked and there's a time and a place for all kinds of TV. TV companies have to cater for all tastes and surely we're all a little more open minded in this day and age and can watch something with a bit of swearing, or sex and violence in it! You can go outside and see and hear worse! We hardly see hard core porn on the BBC so have a bit of a reality check here! As a couple of people here have previously stated you can always turn your tv off. I think there's a pretty interesting collection of new dramas etc on at Christmas - it could be worse! There's more to life too than sitting on your bum and watching tv. Nice to watch it now and then but not healthy surely watching it ALL day every day!! You could always try reading a book now and then!

No, Sorry can't see anything for me there. What's on the other channels?

"I miss the television of old"?? Did you ever check TV listings from, let's say, 1982, 1972 or 1962? There were specials, repeats, old family films and even the odd Christmas art programme. So the "television of old" at Christmas was as exciting - or as boring - as it is today. And thanks for that, because I'll be looking forward to this year's Christmas TV schedule as I do each year!

Why are broadcasters so obsessed with soaps? So, they get 15million viewers, what about the other 45million people in the UK?

how about something we have not seen before ? i am sick and tired of the everyday telly and the repeats of everything over and over again!it would be nice to see something over christmas thats different!unless you can afford sky etc, you have to live with paying the bbc their annual fee for nothing! i think they should scrap this fee and replace it with one distributed evenly to all the channels(at the same yearly fee of course). heres hoping we will be surprised for films and programmes for xmas by tv boss's!.We can only live in hope!.

What about some art programmes?

So, Cathy...

"We do not want to be shocked or challenged, we just want inoffensive entertainment."

We?

Just think of all of the classic television we'd have missed out on if all that was ever on was fluffy and inoffensive! All of those people who'd miss out on learning something new, being shocked/surprised/moved, the ways in which they've even helped to shape society/tolerance etc.

There isn't a "we". If you don't like whats on after 9pm just don't watch. Or swicth to one of the many cable repeat channels like UKTV Gold. Its hardly fair for those of us with our own minds to lose out just because people (who wouldn't watch the programmes in the first place) don't like the fact that the programmes exist.

Cathy that's what the off button is for. Some of us want the choice of what shows we watch. Everyone should have the right to have programs aired they enjoy, and your idea of shocking may be very different to mine. And "what people want to watch" isn't always what you want to watch.

Can we please have some indication of content - ie violence, sex, swearing. I rarely watch TV after 9 pm as it seems that "Anything Goes". When will the schedulers take note of what people want to watch? We do not want to be shocked or challenged, we just want inoffensive entertainment.

So that's why so many DVDs sell over Christmas. Year after year, the quality seems to lessen as we are fed more 'specials'. Oh how I miss the television of old...