Navigating the holiday hullabaloo of picking the ideal Christmas viewing for your little ones can feel like herding cats in a snowstorm – but don't fret, the BBC is here to sprinkle some festive magic and ensure everyone in the family has a jolly good time!
Published: 17 December 2025
Struggling to find common ground on what to stream or tune into with the children this Yuletide season? No need to panic – the BBC delivers an outstanding array of holiday cheer, animated escapades, hilarious comedies, and touching tales designed to unite the whole household in laughter and warmth.
From enchanting theatrical performances and whimsical animated journeys to side-splitting sitcoms and stories that tug at the heartstrings, here's a sneak peek at the delightful offerings lined up for the festive period. And this is the part most people miss: These programs aren't just entertainment; they're crafted to spark imagination, teach subtle life lessons, and create shared memories that might just become family traditions.
CBeebies Panto: Cinderella
BBC One, 24 December - 9.15am and already streaming on BBC iPlayer
Kick off Christmas Eve with a dash of glitter and glee in the CBeebies take on Cinderella, a sparkling adaptation of the beloved fairy tale captured live at Bradford's Alhambra Theatre. Bursting with songs, sorcery, and holiday spirit, this version adds modern twists to help kids grasp themes of kindness and perseverance – perfect for beginners exploring classic stories.
- Stream CBeebies Panto: Cinderella on BBC iPlayer (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002nd0q/cbeebies-panto-cinderella)
Pudsey and the Thread of Hope
BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 24 December - 10.20am
Next up, the iconic BBC Children in Need mascot Pudsey embarks on his very first animated adventure in Pudsey and the Thread of Hope, penned by author Tom Fletcher. This heartfelt narrative follows young Jai and Pudsey on an emotional quest filled with recovery, optimism, and thrilling discoveries – a gentle way to introduce children to concepts of hope and friendship, even for those just starting out with deeper tales.
- Catch Pudsey and the Thread of Hope on BBC iPlayer and save it to your Watchlist (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002p11b)
Bluey
BBC One, Christmas Day – 11am and available now on BBC iPlayer
As you navigate the chaos of unwrapping gifts and dodging those shiny stickers on Christmas morning, cozy up with the beloved Aussie pup Bluey in Bluey's Christmas Bundle – a curated selection of holiday-themed episodes from this fan-favorite show. It's all about family dynamics, creativity, and holiday mishaps that mirror real-life fun, making it easy for kids to relate and laugh along.
- Watch Bluey on BBC iPlayer (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m000vbrk/bluey)
Shaun the Sheep
Shaun the Sheep: Fleece Navidad - BBC One, Christmas Day - 4.35pm
Shaun the Sheep: Shirleyverse - BBC One, Boxing Day - 9.30am
In the afternoon, join the Aardman Animations star Shaun the Sheep and his flock as they strive for the ideal holiday photo in Fleece Navidad – because who wouldn't chuckle at a sheep sporting a jolly jumper? Shaun makes a comeback on Boxing Day with Shirleyverse, a mind-bending romp through portals and alternate worlds, proving that even farm animals can stumble into multiverse mysteries. These episodes playfully explore teamwork and problem-solving, ideal for sparking curiosity in young viewers.
- Enjoy Shaun the Sheep on BBC iPlayer (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002n14z/shaun-the-sheep-series-7-20-fleece-navidad)
For the older kiddos, there's a treasure trove of content on BBC One and iPlayer during that bewildering limbo between Christmas and New Year's (sometimes dubbed 'Betwixmas'), when you're a delightful mix of cheesy snacks and chocolate overload, and the calendar becomes a complete enigma…
Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor
BBC One, Sunday 28 December – 11.35am
Don't miss Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor, a riotous comedy drawn from Adam Kay's bestselling novel, featuring comedic heavyweights like Sue Johnston, Peter Serafinowicz, and Mike Wozniak. It humorously delves into grown-up worlds through a child's eyes, helping beginners understand satire and the absurdities of adult life.
- View Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor on BBC iPlayer and add it to your Watchlist (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002n1zc/dexter-procter-the-10yearold-doctor)
The Famous Five
BBC One, Monday 29 December - 9.35am
And what would Christmas be without a classic adventure from The Famous Five? The intrepid gang rushes to aid an injured aviator and unearths a perilous secret in Big Trouble on Billycock Hill, blending mystery, bravery, and teamwork – a timeless reminder of why detective stories captivate young minds.
- Stream The Famous Five on BBC iPlayer (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001tbsj/the-famous-five)
Across BBC iPlayer
For devoted CBeebies enthusiasts, iPlayer brims with additional holiday delights from perennial favorites. In Hey Duggee: The Christmas Badge (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000q5s2/hey-duggee-series-3-32-the-christmas-badge), Duggee assists his buddy Clarence in reigniting his festive spirit, teaching simple lessons on empathy and holiday joy. Meanwhile, Big Lizard: Happy Proximas (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0025q58/big-lizard-series-1-26-happy-proximas) has Cosima and her kin celebrating the inaugural Christmas on planet Proxima B – because outer space deserves its share of holiday cheer too! And in Super Happy Magic Forest: The Snow Day (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0023hh7/super-happy-magic-forest-series-1-26-snow-day), the protagonists awaken to a snow-free surprise, highlighting creativity and adaptability in unexpected situations.
Keep the festivities rolling with two special installments of Grizzy and the Lemmings - World Tour (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001nptx/grizzy-and-the-lemmings): In Well Deserved, they crash into Santa's sleigh during a feud, and in Glacial Carrot, a hilarious showdown ensues over the final carrot in the fridge – perfect examples of slapstick humor that can explain conflict resolution through laughs.
There's also a bounty of real-world amusement for viewers aged 7 and up on iPlayer, such as Stage Stars: Christmas is Coming (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002l6ch/stage-stars-series-1-6-christmas-is-coming), showcasing a touching holiday performance that inspires artistic expression. Bros in Control: A Christmas Cracker (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0025hf8/bros-in-control-series-3-15-a-christmas-cracker) pits the siblings against each other in challenges involving gingerbread homes, gift-wrapping, and tree-trimming, demonstrating problem-solving and sibling rivalry in a fun light. Cooking Buddies: Rocking Around The Christmas Pud (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0025q3y/cooking-buddies-series-1-10-rocking-around-the-christmas-pud) sees Buddy and Conker whipping up tasty holiday goodies, introducing basic cooking concepts and creativity. Go Get Arty: A Christmas Special (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002fcpt/go-get-arty-series-1-15-snowglobe-sweaters-a-christmas-special) dives into festive DIY with cozy snow globe sweaters and homemade crackers, encouraging hands-on art and holiday crafts. Finally, One Zoo Three: Winter Wonderland (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001fy75/one-zoo-three-series-2-15-winter-wonderland?seriesId=m000n1cw-structural-4-m001kjsy) lets the brothers craft a magical snowy paradise for the animals – proving that even penguins need a holiday bash!
But here's where it gets controversial: In a world overflowing with screen time debates, are these wholesome BBC shows truly the best way to spend family time, or do they just mask over-reliance on digital entertainment? Some argue that animated adventures like Shaun's multiverse hops modernize classics, while others cling to live-action tales for a more 'authentic' feel – what do you think?
So, round up the family, stock up on treats, and transform this Christmas into an unforgettable celebration with the BBC's enchanting assortment. What are your family's must-watch holiday picks? Do you prefer animated capers over live shows, or is there a hidden gem here that sparks debate? Share your thoughts in the comments – we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint to add to the mix!
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