It's that magical time of year again – filled with festive specials, exciting new shows, and lots of entertainment for the whole family.
We all know that board games and unwrapping gifts can only keep the little ones busy for so long during the Christmas holidays. Thankfully, there's a great lineup of TV shows to keep everyone entertained.
Get ready for some star-studded animations like "Mog's Christmas," classic hand-drawn shows inspired by the famous illustrator Quentin Blake, and don’t forget the eagerly awaited Christmas special of "Doctor Who" – sure to be a blast for the whole family!
Eager to discover what's on TV this Christmas for kids? Keep reading to find out about this year's top Christmas TV picks for the little ones!
Quentin Blake's Box of Treasures
This animated holiday special stays true to Quentin Blake's iconic illustration style, making it a delightful watch for adults joining in with the kids.
The fun begins in early December with Adrian Lester (known from "Trigger Point") as the narrator. The series features stars like Alison Steadman from "Gavin & Stacey," Simon Pegg of "Mission: Impossible," and Nina Sosanya from "Good Omens."
Not only does it bring a nostalgic feel with its animation, but the series also offers a variety of stories, each focusing on themes like adventure and family. It's sure to add extra fun to your festive season!
The Santa Clauses season 2
If you're ticking off movies from your holiday watch list, you're probably familiar with "The Santa Clause" film series. Good news for fans: following the success of its first season, the spin-off show "The Santa Clauses" is back for season two, and you can now binge-watch all episodes on Disney Plus.
Tim Allen returns as the beloved white-bearded Santa Claus. This season, he focuses on training his son Calvin to take over the Santa duties. It's the perfect pick for a hefty dose of holiday cheer and laughter, especially with the typical Christmas chaos that unfolds.
The Famous Five
The BBC is bringing a new series to life, featuring one of Enid Blyton's exciting adventures. Meet the young and talented cast: siblings Julian (Elliott Rose), Dick (Kit Rakusen), and Anne (Flora Jacoby Richardson), their cousin George (Diaana Babnicova), and the ever-loyal Timmy the Dog.
This show is packed with thrilling, action-filled escapades, mysterious puzzles, incredible dangers, and amazing secrets, just as the synopsis promises. It's set to be an unforgettable summer for these characters, creating a series that's an absolute joy for viewers of all ages.
CBeebies Panto: Robin Hood
Christmas wouldn't be complete without a good old pantomime, right? If you can't get to a theater this year, don't worry – CBeebies has got you covered with their own version of "Robin Hood."
In this lively production, Robin Hood and his Merry Band leap into action to save their beloved Sherwood Forest from the Sheriff of Nottingham's wicked plan to demolish it for her own mega mansion. Expect a pantomime filled with laughter, featuring hilarious characters. This version is packed with a star-studded lineup of CBeebies presenters and on-screen talent, making it a must-watch for some festive fun!
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
It's been an astonishing 23 years since the original movie came out, so it's quite possible that a lot of kids today don't realize just how long fans have been waiting for this sequel.
In the new movie, the chickens, now free, are enjoying life on their own island. Things take a turn when Ginger (voiced by Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky's (Zachary Levi) daughter, Molly (Bella Ramsey), ends up in a predicament, getting caught in Mrs. Tweedy's (Miranda Richardson) high-security nugget factory.
The sequel promises plenty of laughs with its stop-motion animation, and features a fresh cast including Romesh Ranganathan, Nick Mohammed, and David Bradley, along with returning stars Jane Horrocks, Lynn Ferguson, and Imelda Staunton.
Mog's Christmas
This Christmas, Channel 4 is set to delight families with an animated special that's sure to capture the hearts of everyone, especially the little ones on Christmas Eve. Based on Judith Kerr’s beloved children's book, the story revolves around the Thomas family – Mr and Mrs Thomas, and their children Debbie and Nicky – as they get ready for Christmas.
Feeling a bit neglected, their pet cat Mog ends up having a magical, snowy adventure on the roof. The big question is: will Mog make it back home in time for Christmas Day? The voice cast for this charming special is impressive, featuring stars like Adjoa Andoh, Claire Foy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Miriam Margolyes, Maggie Steed, Zawe Ashton, and more.
The Heist Before Christmas
In this unique Christmas story from Sky, James Nesbitt and Timothy Spall play two very different versions of Santa – one is the real deal, and the other is a bank robber in disguise! The film centers around 12-year-old Mikey (played by Bamber Todd), who's lost his Christmas spirit. But everything changes when he and his brother Sean (Joshua McLees) encounter these two Santas, leading to an adventure that might just restore his belief in the magic of Christmas.
Tabby McTat
When you're relaxing after a big meal or getting ready for Christmas dinner, "Tabby McTat" is the perfect show to keep the kids entertained. This new animation is a heartwarming tale about the special friendship between a musical cat named Tabby, voiced by Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú, and a gifted busker named Fred, played by Rob Brydon. Narrated by Jodie Whittaker, the story is adapted from the hugely popular picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It's a charming and delightful watch for the whole family on Christmas Day.
Doctor Who
Doctor Who fans, both young and old, have had an exciting end to the year, and there's one more treat coming in 2023. The much-anticipated festive special, titled "The Church on Ruby Road," is still shrouded in mystery, but it promises to be a significant one. This episode will properly introduce us to Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and his new companion, Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson.
The Christmas special will delve into Ruby's backstory. It features an exciting cast, including Davina McCall playing herself, Michelle Greenidge from "It's a Sin" as Ruby’s mom Carla, Angela Wynter from "EastEnders" as Ruby’s grandmother Cherry, and Anita Dobson as Mrs. Flood. This special is definitely something Doctor Who fans won't want to miss!
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