BBC Christmas TV schedule 2022: what’s on BBC this year - from Happy Valley to Mayflies and His Dark Materials

The BBC has revealed its Christmas TV schedule for 2022. Featuring new shows and festive specials, there are plenty of programmes on offer, with something to keep all the family entertained this holiday season.

Highlights include Scottish drama Mayflies, the last instalment of His Dark Materials and the return of Bafta-winning series Happy Valley for its third and final series after six-years, with Sarah Lancashire (Julia) back on the beat as Sergeant Catherine Cawood on New Year’s Day.

There will also be plenty of one-off Christmas specials to choose from including Call the Midwife, Mrs Brown’s Boys and Strictly Come Dancing.

Reflecting on this year’s festive lineup, Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer said: “Nothing brings people across the UK together like Christmas on the BBC and this year we’ve got a world-class line-up like no other.” Adding: “Get ready to escape and be entertained with an incredible range of new festive shows across every genre, live or on demand, there’s something for everyone.”

So what’s on the BBC this Christmas? Here’s everything you need to know about the festive schedule.

What can we expect from the BBC this Christmas?

Viewers will be treated to a packed schedule this holiday season, with one-off specials from Call the Midwife, Death in Paradise and Mrs Brown’s Boys. There are also new releases from Scottish drama Mayflies starring Martin Compston (Line of Duty), Tony Curran (Calibre) and Ashley Jensen (Shetland) and fans will be able binge the final instalment of His Dark Materials.

Sewing Bee, The Repair Shop, Frozen Planet and Mastechief will also be serving up a Christmas special, whilst the residents of Walford will celebrate Christmas in style on EastEnders. If that’s not all, for the first time in TV history, the World Cup Final will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday 18 December.

When can I watch Happy Valley?

The final season of the Bafta-winning Happy Valley will be back this Christmas after a six year wait. Sarah Lancashire (Julia) will back on the beat as Sergeant Catherine Cawood, witht he new season launching on BBC One on Sunday 1 January 2023.

What Christmas specials are on BBC?

Lots of our favourite shows will be back for one-off episodes this holiday season. Mrs Brown’s Boys will be returning for not one, but two specials on Christmas and New Years, whilst Call the Midwife and Death in Paradise will also be coming back to our screens for a holiday edition. The professional dancers will also be back in the ballroom for an all-star episode of Strictly Come Dancing.

Whilst Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel, Romesh Ranganathan’s The Weakest Link and Mo Gilligan’s new music game show, That’s My Jam will help to keep you entertained.

There will also be festive episodes of The Hit List, Question of Sport, Pointless, University Challenge, Would I Lie To You, QI and Richard Osman’s will bring us his Festive House of Games.

What’s on for kids this Christmas?

It’s not just for adults, there will be plenty of new releases for kids across BBC One, CBBC and CBeebies.

On BBC One, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, which is based on the best-selling book by Charlie Mackesy will make its debut, featuring a star-studded cast including Idris Elba (Luther) and Tom Hollander (Spider-man No Way Home).

CBeebies will also be bringing back their classic pantomime Dick Whittington and Gangsta Granny starring Ben Cajee, Jennie Dale, Andy Day and Justin Fletcher, with additional festive specials including: Malory Towers, Dodger and Mr Tumble.

What about New Year’s Eve?

On New Year’s Eve, the Graham Norton Show will return with a celebrity lineup including Olivia Colman (The Crown), Micheal Ward (Top Boy), Hugh Laurie (House), comedian Romesh Ranganthan (The Weakest Link), Lioness captain Leah Williamson, Callum Scott-Howells (It’s A Sin) and Madeline Brewer (The Handmaid’s Tale).

But that’s not all, Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder will be joined by some of the biggest names in music for his All-Star Party that will rock you into the countdown, whilst Jools Holland will be back for his 30th Hootenanny to welcome 2023 in style.