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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Jane Corscadden

Christmas TV guide 2022: The best shows for viewers in Northern Ireland this festive period

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and there's nothing better than lounging out in front of the TV all day.

And thankfully there's plenty of shows, both new and old, on TV during the Christmas period to keep everyone occupied and happy.

With Christmas specials, re-runs of classics and plenty more, it's enough to keep us glued to the screen for a few days in between meals and drinks.

Read more: Christmas events across NI for the whole family to enjoy this festive season

Here are our pick of shows on TV to watch this Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Christmas Eve

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse - BBC One, 4.55pm

Charlie Mackesy's beloved illustrated book gets a TV adaptation of the story about a boy's unlikely friendship with a group of animals who help him in his quest to get home.

Royal Carols: Together at Christmas - ITV, 7pm

Prince William and Princess Kate (Northern Ireland Office)

To get your fix of caroling this festive season, join Kate and Prince William for a royal sing-a-long of classic Christmas music.

They return to Westminster Abbey to host a special Christmas carol service to recognise the selfless efforts of individuals, families and communities across the UK.

Blankety Blank Christmas Special - BBC One, 8pm

Joining the panel for a fun and festive Christmas special are TV presenters Alison Hammond and Jonathan Ross, comedians Alex Horne and Guz Khan, and actresses Dame Joanna Lumley and Joanna Page, as they fill in the missing blanks to help some very lucky contestants win some amazing prizes.

Britain Get Singing - ITV, 8.05pm

Choirs made up of stars from Love Island, The Chase, Loose Women, Emmerdale and Coronation Street take part in a contest judged by will.i.am, Alesha Dixon, Adam Lambert and Jason Manford.

The Great Christmas Bake Off - Channel 4, 8.25pm

A special celebrity special of the popular baking show features former Channel 4 stars Gaby Roslin, Sir Tony Robison, Miquita Oliver, Terry Christian and Claire Sweeney battling it out to become star baker.

Top of the Pops: Review of 2022 - BBC Two, 10.40pm

Radio 1’s Clara Amfo and Jack Saunders look back over the last 12 months in pop with a selection of pre-recorded performances from the biggest artists.

Christmas Day

The Smeds and The Smoos - BBC One, 2.30pm

This Julia Donaldson adaption is about a love story between two rival families, and features the voices of Bill Bailey, Adjoa Andoh, Rob Brydon and Sally Hawkins.

The Chase Christmas Special - ITV, 5pm

Hoping to beat the Chasers and win thousands of pounds for their chosen charities in an Alice In Wonderland spectacular are Mrs Brown’s Boys’ Danny O’Carroll, TV medic Dr Zoe Williams, Coronation Street’s Sair Khan and singer Charlotte Church.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special - BBC One, 5.10pm

Strictly Come Dancing Live judges (BBC)

Fast becoming a staple of Christmas Day TV for many, this one-off episode sees Celebrities take to the dancefloor to see who will be crowned the champion.

Michael McIntyre's Christmas Wheel - BBC One, 6.25pm

Gino D’Acampo, Alesha Dixon and Bear Grylls attempt to complete the Wheel to win money for their chosen charities this Christmas.

Call The Midwife - BBC One, 7.55pm

This year's snow-covered Christmas special will feature a talent show and a fresh start for the midwives.

Mrs Brown's Boys - BBC One, 10.25pm

For the first of two festive specials - with the next airing on New Years - Cathy introduces a creepy new boyfriend and Agnes gets stuck looking after his terrifying twins.

Boxing Day

The Chase Christmas Special - ITV, 6pm

ActorVicki Michelle, TV presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, Paralympian Kadeena Cox and five-time Olympic Champion Sir Bradley Wiggins go up against the Chasers.

The Greatest Snowman - Channel 4, 7.30pm

The celebrity snowman building competition, hosted by Sue Perkins, is back this year. Who'll keep their cool to build the greatest snowman?

The Repair Shop - BBC One, 8pm

It’s holiday season at The Repair Shop, where the dedicated team of craftspeople are ready to lovingly restore some treasured Christmas keepsakes.

The Voice Kids - ITV, 8.30pm

Little kids with big voices battle it out to be the singing series champion over three nights, with episodes continuing on Tuesday and in the final on Wednesday.

The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2022 - Channel 4, 9pm

A festive highlight for many, Jimmy Carr hosts the annual quiz with teams of celebrity contestants including Stephen Merchant, Katherine Ryan, Richard Ayoade, Maisie Adam, Jonathan Ross and Rose Matafeo.

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