The 100+ Greatest Christmas TV Specials Of All Time
by gazknowles | created - 28 Dec 2018 | updated - 01 Jan 2019 | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1.
'Allo 'Allo! (1982–1992)
Episode:
The Gateau from the Chateau
(1985)
TV-PG | 45 min | Comedy, History, War
The balloon crashes and the airmen end up back at the café, disguised by moose heads. General von Klinkerhoffen assumes control of the whole area, thereby making many enemies. The ... See full summary »
Director: David Croft | Stars: Gorden Kaye, Francesca Gonshaw, Vicki Michelle, Kirsten Cooke
Votes: 284
('Allo 'Allo)
2.
'Allo 'Allo! (1982–1992)
Episode:
A Bun in the Oven
(1991)
44 min | Comedy, History, War
Two years have elapsed and it is now September 1943. The airmen have escaped to England and Bertorelli and the Italian troops have withdrawn. Rene's hopes for peace and quiet are, however, ... See full summary »
Director: John B. Hobbs | Stars: Gorden Kaye, Vicki Michelle, Carmen Silvera, Sue Hodge
Votes: 165
('Allo 'Allo)
3. Blackadder's Christmas Carol (1988 TV Movie)
43 min | Comedy, History
After a genial spirit shows the benevolent Ebenezer Blackadder visions of his unscrupulous ancestors, he resolves to mend his generous ways.
Director: Richard Boden | Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry
Votes: 13,959
(Blackadder)
4.
Black Mirror (2011– )
Episode:
White Christmas
(2014)
TV-MA | 73 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Three interconnected tales of technology run amok during the Christmas season are told by two men at a remote outpost in a frozen wilderness.
Director: Carl Tibbetts | Stars: Jon Hamm, Rafe Spall, Oona Chaplin, Natalia Tena
Votes: 68,205
(Black Mirror)
5.
Bread (1986–1991)
Episode:
Christmas with the Boswells
(1988)
Comedy
Joey goes to inform Martina that the family will be holidaying in Rome for the Christmas period. She is not a little envious and, Joey detects, rather more than fond of him. The trip is ... See full summary »
Director: Robin Nash | Stars: Nick Conway, Jean Boht, Gilly Coman, Jonathon Morris
Votes: 14
(Bread)
6.
Bread (1986–1991)
Episode:
A Quiet Christmas
(1989)
Comedy
Joey tries to help out when Shifty's released from prison, Billy's left facing the anger of the family when the Christmas presents are stolen from the car, the Boswell boys manage to put a ... See full summary »
Director: Robin Nash | Stars: Jean Boht, Graham Bickley, Jonathon Morris, Melanie Hill
Votes: 12
(Bread)
7.
Bread (1986–1991)
Episode:
Another Christmas with the Boswells
(1990)
Comedy
Jack collects the last of his stuff from his room, Aveline joins a protest to save the Liver Birds, Shifty turns up after his three month sentence, Joey has to abandon a lady friend when ... See full summary »
Director: John B. Hobbs | Stars: Jean Boht, Victor McGuire, Jonathon Morris, Nick Conway
Votes: 9
(Bread)
8.
The Brittas Empire (1991–1997)
Episode:
In the Beginning...
(1994)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy
This Christmas special has all the staff meeting up on New Year's Eve in the future, looking back at their first New Year's Eve together.
Director: Mike Stephens | Stars: Tim Marriott, Mark Gillis, Russell Porter, Harriet Thorpe
Votes: 65
(The Brittas Empire)
9.
The Brittas Empire (1991–1997)
Episode:
Surviving Christmas
(1996)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy
Gordon takes the staff for a military-style team-building exercise into Wales. While dealing with the rigors of the wild, they are relentlessly pursued by would-be assassins. Gordon's well-intentioned motivational skills make things worse.
Director: Mike Stephens | Stars: Harriet Thorpe, Jill Greenacre, Michael Burns, Jeffery Dench
Votes: 56
(The Brittas Empire)
10.
Bottom (1991–1995)
Episode:
Holy
(1992)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
It's Christmas day and Richie is cooking the dinner to which Dave Hedgehog and Spudgun are invited. Dinner is not up to Michelin standard, but Richie's day improves when he finds out he is the son of God.
Director: Ed Bye | Stars: Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall, Tina Foley, Steven O'Donnell
Votes: 420
(Bottom)
11.
Cheers (1982–1993)
Episode:
Christmas Cheers
(1987)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
It's the Christmas season. Frasier is in a anti-Christmas bah-humbug mood much to Lilith's chagrin. Norm has a part-time job he fails to mention. And Cliff is collecting food for the needy ... See full summary »
Directors: James Burrows, Thomas Lofaro | Stars: Ted Danson, Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger
Votes: 553
(Cheers)
12.
Extras (2005–2007)
Episode:
The Extra Special Series Finale
(2007)
TV-14 | 84 min | Comedy, Drama
Andy is unhappy with the fame he has achieved. When a new agent approaches him, Andy fires Darren and quits 'When The Whistle Blows'. Meanwhile, Maggie has hit rock bottom, having given up ... See full summary »
Directors: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant | Stars: Ricky Gervais, Ashley Jensen, Stephen Merchant, Shaun Williamson
Votes: 2,677
(Extras)
13.
Father Ted (1995–1998)
Episode:
A Christmassy Ted
(1996)
TV-14 | 55 min | Comedy
Father Ted wins the "Golden Cleric", for saving a fellow group of priests from an embarrassing situation.
Director: Declan Lowney | Stars: Dermot Morgan, Ardal O'Hanlon, Frank Kelly, Pauline McLynn
Votes: 884
(Father Ted)
14.
Frasier (1993–2004)
Episode:
Miracle on Third or Fourth Street
(1993)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
Frasier's plans for a merry Christmas with Frederick, Martin and Niles are derailed after Lilith cancels the plans to take Frederick to Austria.
Director: James Burrows | Stars: Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin
Votes: 1,368
(Fraiser)
15.
Friends (1994–2004)
Episode:
The One with the Girl from Poughkeepsie
(1997)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
In order for her kitchen staff to acknowledge her authority, Monica hires Joey so she can fire him in front of them. Chandler unsuccessfully tries to set Rachel up with a co-worker. Ross can't choose between two girls.
Director: Gary Halvorson | Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc
Votes: 4,872
(Friends)
16.
Friends (1994–2004)
Episode:
The One with the Holiday Armadillo
(2000)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
Ross wants to introduce Ben to Hanukkah. In order to entice Rachel to move back into their refurbished apartment, Phoebe must drive a wedge between Rachel and current roomie Joey.
Director: Gary Halvorson | Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc
Votes: 4,899
(Friends)
17.
Gavin & Stacey (2007–2024)
Episode:
Christmas Special 2008
(2008)
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
The Barry folk come to Billericay for the holiday. Gavin surprises his mum and Smithy with news of his promotion in the company's new operation, located in Cardiff.
Director: Christine Gernon | Stars: Mathew Horne, Joanna Page, Steffan Rhodri, Alison Steadman
Votes: 453
(Gavin & Stacey)
18.
Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge (1994–1995)
Episode:
Knowing Me Knowing Yule with Alan Partridge
(1995)
TV-14 | 46 min | Comedy
Alan presents a one-off Christmas edition of "Knowing Me, Knowing You".
Director: Dominic Brigstocke | Stars: Steve Coogan, Rebecca Front, Kevin Eldon, David Schneider
Votes: 293
(Knowing Me, Knowing You With Alan Partridge)
19.
The League of Gentlemen (1999–2017)
Episode:
The League of Gentlemen Christmas Special
(2000)
TV-14 | 60 min | Comedy, Horror
Alone in the chapel of hope on Christmas Eve Reverend Bernice hates Christmas,since her mother was carried off by Papa Lazarou disguised as Santa Claus when she was a child. She has three ... See full summary »
Director: Steve Bendelack | Stars: Jeremy Dyson, Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith
Votes: 390
(The League Of Gentleman)
20.
Lost (2004–2010)
Episode:
The Constant
(2008)
TV-14 | 43 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
During the helicopter ride to the ship, Desmond's consciousness begins jumping back and forth between present day 2004 and 1996. He is forced to find Daniel Faraday in 1996 in order to get answers and stop the jumps.
Director: Jack Bender | Stars: Naveen Andrews, Henry Ian Cusick, Jeremy Davies, Emilie de Ravin
Votes: 14,959
(Lost)
21.
British Men Behaving Badly (1992–2014)
Episode:
Jingle B***s!
(1997)
PG | 44 min | Comedy
Interspersed with fantasy scenes of a glorious traditional Christmas in which the two couples are waited on by George and Anthea comes the reality in which Gary shuts the door and ... See full summary »
Director: Martin Dennis | Stars: Martin Clunes, Neil Morrissey, Leslie Ash, Caroline Quentin
Votes: 126
(Men Behaving Badly)
22.
Mr. Bean (1990–1995)
Episode:
Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean
(1992)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
Christmas adventures of Mr. Bean include shopping, Christmas Eve at home, and preparing the Christmas turkey.
Director: John Birkin | Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Matilda Ziegler, C.J. Allen, Owen Brenman
Votes: 2,741
(Mr. Bean)
23.
The Office (2001–2003)
Episode:
Christmas Special: Part 1
(2003)
TV-MA | 44 min | Comedy, Drama
It's been three years since the BBC documentary crew first arrived at the office. Back for one last visit, they find Gareth Keenan now in charge and is running the office with a military ... See full summary »
Directors: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant | Stars: Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis
Votes: 2,147
(The Office)
24.
The Office (2001–2003)
Episode:
Christmas Special: Part 2
(2003)
TV-MA | 52 min | Comedy, Drama
Tim's world is rocked when Dawn turns up at the office to say hello. Despite a stern warning from Gareth and wise words from Keith in Accounts, Tim can't help but get his hopes up again. ... See full summary »
Directors: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant | Stars: Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis
Votes: 3,005
(The Office)
25.
The Office (2005–2013)
Episode:
Christmas Party
(2005)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy
Seeing the party is headed for disastrous boredom, Michael breaks corporate policy to buy alcohol for the staff.
Director: Charles McDougall | Stars: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer
Votes: 7,690
(The Office US)
26.
Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003)
Episode:
Thicker Than Water
(1983)
TV-14 | 28 min | Comedy
When Del and Rodney's estranged father shows up on Christmas Day after an eighteen-year absence, the Trotter family is suddenly thrown into turmoil. Worse still, he claims he has an ... See full summary »
Director: Ray Butt | Stars: David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Lennard Pearce, Peter Woodthorpe
Votes: 553
(Only Fools And Horses)
27.
Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Episode:
Citizen Knope
(2011)
TV-PG | 21 min | Comedy
Leslie tries to keep herself busy during her suspension from the department, but gets some bad news about her campaign. Meanwhile, Ben searches for a job in the private sector, and the office makes the perfect Christmas gift for Leslie.
Director: Randall Einhorn | Stars: Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman
Votes: 2,417
(Parks And Recreation)
28.
Peep Show (2003–2015)
Episode:
Seasonal Beatings
(2010)
TV-MA | 26 min | Comedy
Mark has his family over to the flat for Christmas dinner, as well as Dobby, who he is finally going out with, except he hasn't told his parents yet.
Director: Becky Martin | Stars: David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Eliza L. Bennett, Matt King
Votes: 753
(Peep Show)
29.
The Royle Family (1998–2012)
Episode:
Christmas with the Royle Family
(1999)
39 min | Comedy
Denise's water breaks, and the television doesn't, but miraculously Jim still walks upstairs.
Director: Steve Bendelack | Stars: Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, Sue Johnston, Ralf Little
Votes: 162
(The Royle Family)
30.
The Royle Family (1998–2012)
Episode:
The Royle Family at Christmas
(2000)
TV-PG | 29 min | Comedy
On Christmas Day, Darren, Nana, and the Bests--who seem to have raided Baby David's savings for their own presents--turn up at the Royles', but Jim is annoyed: nobody has brought him ... See full summary »
Director: Caroline Aherne | Stars: Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, Sue Johnston, Ralf Little
Votes: 148
(The Royle Family)
31.
The Royle Family (1998–2012)
Episode:
The New Sofa
(2008)
TV-PG | 58 min | Comedy
It's Christmastime again for Jim and Barbara and there's baiting aplenty in their over-decorated living room. Daughter Denise and her husband Dave arrive on Christmas Eve with aspirations ... See full summary »
Director: Caroline Aherne | Stars: Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash
Votes: 288
(The Royle Family)
32.
The Royle Family (1998–2012)
Episode:
The Golden Egg Cup
(2009)
58 min | Comedy
Jim and Barbara have received the gift of money from their children--but what to do with it? Barbara wants to finally go abroad, while Jim favours buying an HD satellite box.
Director: Caroline Aherne | Stars: Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, Peter Martin, Ralf Little
Votes: 212
(The Royle Family)
33.
The Royle Family (1998–2012)
Episode:
Joe's Crackers
(2010)
56 min | Comedy
Another Christmas at the Royles' sees Jim incapacitated after an accident at the supermarket and needing to be carried to his chair. Mary has died, so Joe and Cheryl bring her ashes into ... See full summary »
Director: Caroline Aherne | Stars: Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, Joanne Froggatt, Jessica Hynes
Votes: 183
(The Royle Family)
34.
The Royle Family (1998–2012)
Episode:
Barbara's Old Ring
(2012)
Comedy
Christmas is coming, but Barbara is not happy: Not only has she lost her wedding ring, but Jim has won on a scratch-card she found down the back of the sofa while looking for the ring and ... See full summary »
Director: Caroline Aherne | Stars: Caroline Aherne, Lorraine Bruce, Craig Cash, Mary Healey
Votes: 176
(The Royle Family)
35.
Scrubs (2001–2010)
Episode:
My Own Personal Jesus
(2001)
TV-14 | 24 min | Comedy, Drama
It is Christmas time and no one except Turk feels like celebrating. Cox gets J.D. to video the birth of a friend's baby, and once again, nothing seems to go right.
Director: Jeff Melman | Stars: Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Ken Jenkins
Votes: 1,618
(Scrubs)
36.
The Simpsons (1989– )
Episode:
Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire
(1989)
TV-PG | 30 min | Animation, Comedy
Homer is forced to become a department store Santa when Marge spends the family's Christmas savings on removing Bart's tattoo.
Director: David Silverman | Stars: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith
Votes: 8,794
(The Simpsons)
37.
2point4 Children (1991–1999)
Episode:
Misery
(1992)
Comedy
Whilst Rona spends Christmas alone,all her ex-boyfriends being otherwise engaged, the Porters spend the season with Bette and they hate it, Bill recalls painful childhood Christmas times ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Boden | Stars: Belinda Lang, Gary Olsen, Julia Hills, Georgina Cates
Votes: 40
(2point4 Children)
38.
2point4 Children (1991–1999)
Episode:
Babes in the Wood
(1993)
Comedy
On Christmas Eve the Porters and Rona set out to meet Bette and Pearl at a hotel but get lost in the fog and are nervous when they hear on the radio about an escaped criminal. They make ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Boden | Stars: Belinda Lang, Gary Olsen, Julia Hills, Clare Buckfield
Votes: 25
(2point4 Children)
39.
2point4 Children (1991–1999)
Episode:
Relax-ay-voo
(1994)
Comedy
On Christmas Eve - having ended up with four trees - Bill is amazed when the message 'Is That You,Bill?' appears on David's computer and cannot be switched off. In reply to cryptic messages... See full summary »
Director: Richard Boden | Stars: Belinda Lang, Gary Olsen, Julia Hills, Liz Smith
Votes: 25
(2point4 Children)
40.
2point4 Children (1991–1999)
Episode:
Porky's
(1995)
Comedy
On Christmas Eve Ben surprises the others by explaining that he has not bought a turkey as he has won a pig in a raffle. Unfortunately it is very much alive and extremely aggressive,soon ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Boden | Stars: Belinda Lang, Gary Olsen, Julia Hills, Clare Buckfield
Votes: 23
(2point4 Children)
41.
2point4 Children (1991–1999)
Episode:
Babes in the Wood
(1993)
Comedy
On Christmas Eve the Porters and Rona set out to meet Bette and Pearl at a hotel but get lost in the fog and are nervous when they hear on the radio about an escaped criminal. They make ... See full summary »
Director: Richard Boden | Stars: Belinda Lang, Gary Olsen, Julia Hills, Clare Buckfield
Votes: 25
(2point4 Children)
42.
The Vicar of Dibley (1994–2020)
Episode:
The Christmas Lunch Incident
(1996)
TV-14 | 44 min | Comedy
Geraldine is so popular that everybody wants her round for Christmas dinner so she won't be alone - Jim and Frank, Alice and her family, who are even more bizarre than Alice herself and the... See full summary »
Director: Gareth Carrivick | Stars: Dawn French, Gary Waldhorn, James Fleet, Emma Chambers
Votes: 475
(The Vicar Of Dibley)
43.
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (1973–1974)
Episode:
The Likely Lads: A Special Christmas Edition
(1974)
44 min | Comedy
Terry has passed his driving test and is working as a mini-cab driver. It's Christmas and Bob and Thelma are off to a dance and have Terry as their cab driver. However Bob and Thelma row ... See full summary »
Director: Bernard Thompson | Stars: James Bolam, Rodney Bewes, Brigit Forsyth, Lilian Grassom
Votes: 86
(Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads)
44.
The X-Files (1993–2018)
Episode:
Christmas Carol
(1997)
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
While visiting family for Christmas, Scully receives a mysterious phone call that leads to a woman's apparent suicide and a young girl who may be her sister Melissa's daughter.
Director: Peter Markle | Stars: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Sheila Larken, Melinda McGraw
Votes: 3,646
(The X-Files)
45.
The X-Files (1993–2018)
Episode:
How the Ghosts Stole Christmas
(1998)
TV-14 | 44 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
On Christmas Eve, Mulder and Scully find themselves trapped in a haunted house with two ghosts who are determined to prove just how lonely the holiday can be.
Director: Chris Carter | Stars: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Lily Tomlin, Edward Asner
Votes: 4,462
(The X-Files)
46. Carry on Christmas: Carry on Stuffing (1972 TV Movie)
50 min | Comedy
In this third seasonal helping of festive Carry On fun, set at an eighteenth-century banquet, the team's sketches include a pantomime performance of Aladdin, a rip-roaring Elizabethan ... See full summary »
Director: Ronnie Baxter | Stars: Hattie Jacques, Joan Sims, Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Connor
Votes: 219
47. Carry on Again Christmas (1970 TV Movie)
49 min | Comedy, Family
The second of the Carry On Christmas specials, this one loosely recounts the story of Treasure Island.
Director: Alan Tarrant | Stars: Sidney James, Terry Scott, Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Connor
Votes: 186
48. Carry on Christmas (1973 TV Movie)
49 min | Comedy
In this fourth and final annual Christmas TV special, Sid is working as saucy Santa in a department store grotto. He reflects on how Christmas has been celebrated though the ages, aided by ... See full summary »
Director: Ronald Fouracre | Stars: Sidney James, Joan Sims, Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Connor
Votes: 266
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