Click on a day to see the unmissable TV shows this festive season...
Christmas Day
The Gruffalo's Child
BBC1, 6.30pm, Christmas Day
Julia Donaldson's follow-up to her classic children's story, The Gruffalo, is brought to vivid life in this wonderful animation. The lovely, lilting, rhythmic rhyme that has ushered so many children towards the Land of Nod over the years tells the story of the Gruffalo's adventurous daughter - who sets off through the snow into the nearby woods despite her father's warnings about the big bad mouse. Brilliantly voiced by Shirley Henderson, the Gruffalo's Child encounters the Snake (Rob Brydon), the Owl (John Hurt) and the Fox (Tom Wilkinson) - before glimpsing this supposedly fearsome creature (voiced by James Corden). Perfect Christmas Day viewing for all the family - an instant classic.
Doctor Who
BBC1, 7pm, Christmas Day
Subtitled The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe, this year's seasonal special owes more than a little to CS Lewis's Narnia-based masterpiece. When the Doctor crash-lands in wartime Britain, and learns that Madge Arwell (Outnumbered's Claire Skinner) is having a tough time since being evacuated from Blitz-hit London, he vows to help her children Lily and Cyril to have, in Doctor Who-speak, the 'Best. Christmas. Ever!' But as soon as pyjama-clad Cyril (Maurice Cole) crawls through a giant Christmas present and enters a strange, snowy forest, it's clear that there's something far more monstrous on the Doctor's plate than a slice of figgy pudding. Another mesmerising, magical story to transfix the entire family...
All Star Family Fortunes
ITV1, 7pm, Christmas Day
You'll be ho-ho-ho-ing like Santa Claus on Christmas Eve watching this hilariously madcap episode! It sees teams Benidorm and The Only Way Is Essex go head-to-head to win big money for their chosen charities. Representing TOWIE are Amy Childs (expect lots of "Shut-Ups"!), Nanny Pat, Joey Essex, Arg and Mark Wright. While flying the flag for Solana are Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline), Kenny Ireland (Donald), Elsie Kelly (Noreen), Jake Canuso (Mateo) and Oliver Stokes (Michael). You've got to feel sorry for host Vernon Kay having to keep this rowdy lot in order - let's just hope he's brought earplugs!
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
BBC1, 8pm, Christmas Day
It's time to deck the halls with glitterballs as five new celebrities put on their dancing shoes to strut their stuff to some Christmas classics. Hi-de-Hi! legend Su Pollard pairs up with Anton Du Beke, while EastEnders star Charlie Brooks dances with Vincent Simone. Comedienne Debra Stephenson will team up with Ian Waite while Blue's Simon Webbe will partner Katya Virshilas. Former boxing champion Barry McGuigan will partner Erin Boag, completing the line-up. The stars will be hoping to impress judges Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood and the studio audience, who will be voting for their favourite. None more so than Su, who says: "Strictly at Christmas is must-see TV. I'm hoping to woo the judges and the viewers with my utter exuberance and dancing prowess!"
Downton Abbey
ITV1, 9pm, Christmas Day
One of the most anticipated shows of the festive schedule, this special episode of Downton Abbey has the drama we have come to expect, plus all the trappings of a traditional Christmas in the country. It's December 1919, and Lord Grantham is leading the celebrations as his family and their servants prepare for the Roaring Twenties. We witness the Crawley clan opening presents, tucking into the dinner that Mrs Patmore has lovingly prepared, on the Boxing Day hunt and at the servants ball - where pouting Thomas dances with the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith)! But amid the joy, Mr Bates is in the dock for his ex-wife's murder and there's the denouement of the Matthew-Mary-Sir Richard Carlisle love triangle. A festive treat...
Absolutely Fabulous
BBC1, 10pm, Christmas Day
Crack open the Bolly, sweeties: The hit comedy makes a welcome comeback this Christmas with two new episodes to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The original cast are all back, with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley on excellent form as they reprise their roles as erratic PR guru Edina Monsoon and champagne-swigging magazine editor Patsy Stone. We won't spoil the plot, but can tease that there's a homecoming for a character who's been away for some time... As fresh, funny and spot-on with its satire as it in its heyday, we can't wait for the third special next year!
Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow
BBC1, 10.30pm, Christmas Day
Michael had us in stitches with his hilarious take on our Christmas dinner traditions at last year's Royal Variety ('we don't like turkey - there's no Kentucky Fried Turkey!' he exclaimed) so we're thrilled he's been given his own festive special. As well as delivering his brilliant observations on our seasonal rituals, he'll be inviting some of his funny friends to the stage including Rob Brydon, Miranda Hart, David Mitchell and Jack Dee. There's also music from Kylie Minogue. The perfect way to round off the day.
