What’s on BBC christmas 2025? Full TV & radio lineup you can’t miss this holiday season

BBC One continues its tradition of heartfelt festive programming. The fourth series of My Life at Christmas returns with Anita Rani, presenter of Woman’s Hour, exploring the holiday memories of notable figures such as Sir Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, and children’s advocate Baroness Floella Benjamin. Each guest reflects on how Christmas shaped their careers, lives, and faith, offering intimate insights for viewers.

Religious programming remains a key feature. Midnight Mass will broadcast live from the iconic Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs Church in Cambridge, followed on Christmas Morning by a celebratory Nativity service from Bradford Cathedral, highlighting the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Meanwhile, St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh will host the final installment of the Prayer and Reflection series, bringing traditional carols, scripture readings, and sermons to homes across the UK.

Songs of Praise will showcase a festive concert from Victoria Hall in Bolton, featuring Aled Jones, Tony Hadley, Phebe Edwards, and a congregation of 800 voices performing both classic and contemporary carols, accompanied by The Songs of Praise Orchestra.

On BBC Two, audiences can enjoy Carols from King’s College, Cambridge, a candlelit celebration of music, scripture, and festive poetry. The world-famous chapel choir performs alongside readings from the King James Bible and seasonal poetry, marking the true start of Christmas for many viewers. Another standout is Secrets of the Conclave, a rare documentary offering unprecedented access to the Vatican’s papal election process.

Radio Celebrations

BBC Radio brings festive cheer to listeners with a diverse lineup. Radio 4 will broadcast live services from Leeds Cathedral on Christmas Day and Liverpool for Midnight Mass. Throughout Advent, Sunday Worship explores seasonal reflections from literary giants like Dylan Thomas, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, alongside special editions of Thought for the Day.

Radio 4 Extra hosts the Daily Service Carol Concert at Manchester Cathedral, featuring local talent, gospel choirs, and new compositions. Radio 3 delivers Carols Across the Country, a day-long musical journey from dawn to dusk, highlighting folk traditions, local choirs, and festive performances from across the UK. On Radio 2, Rev Kate Bottley spreads Christmas cheer with morning shoutouts and messages on Christmas Day.

BBC Local Radio unites all 39 stations for a nationwide seasonal service led by Rev Frances Finn, with Hairy Biker Si King sharing inspiring stories of community, kindness, and hope. Listeners can also enjoy highlights from the Make a Difference Awards and festive appearances by Jon Bon Jovi and Olly Murs.

Tim Pemberton, Head of Religion and Ethics for BBC Radio, says: “Our festive programming brings together reflection, music, and community, offering moments of joy, peace, and inspiration this Christmas season.”

With an abundance of live worship, musical celebrations, and intimate interviews, the BBC’s Christmas 2025 schedule promises something for every viewer and listener.

FAQs

Q: When does BBC Christmas programming start in 2025?
A: Christmas specials begin in late November with festive Advent programming, culminating on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Q: What are the highlights on BBC One this Christmas?
A: Key shows include My Life at Christmas, Midnight Mass from Cambridge, Christmas Morning Service from Bradford Cathedral, and Songs of Praise from Bolton.

Q: What can radio listeners expect?
A: BBC Radio offers services from Leeds and Liverpool, Carols Across the Country, Daily Service Carol Concert at Manchester Cathedral, and nationwide broadcasts on Local Radio stations.

Q: Are there any special documentaries?
A: Yes, Secrets of the Conclave on BBC Two provides rare insight into the Vatican’s papal election process.

Q: Who are some notable guests this Christmas?
A: Sir Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Ade Adepitan, Baroness Floella Benjamin, Aled Jones, Tony Hadley, Phebe Edwards, Jon Bon Jovi, and Olly Murs.