The BBC's Christmas TV schedule is jam-packed for 2023, with a stellar mix of brand-new and returning dramas, Christmas specials and reality television staples.
If you want to set your TV reminders or make sure you're not missing out on the best that the Beeb has to offer this festive season, we've rounded up the shows that you need to know about.
Here are Digital Spy's picks of the BBC Christmas TV highlights for 2023...
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Mary Berry's Highland Christmas
December 13, BBC One, 9pm
Former Bake Off host and national treasure Dame Merry Berry is heading on a trip to her mother's homeland of Scotland in this magical Christmas episode. She will be joined by Andy Murray, Iain Stirling and Emeli Sandé, and they will be cooking up a series of Christmas dishes.
Beyond Paradise
Christmas Eve, December 24, BBC One, 9pm
The Death in Paradise spin-off, starring Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, will debut its first-ever Christmas episode this year.
With Humphrey and Martha's wedding seemingly back on following Beyond Paradise's first season finale – all signs point to bells ringing over the festive period. It doesn't get more heartwarming than a Christmas ceremony, right?
Strictly Come Dancing
Christmas Day, December 25, BBC One, 4.40pm
A must-have festive staple every year, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special boasts a number of exciting celebrity faces for 2023 – including Children's TV presenter Tillie Amartey, Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan and EastEnders' actor Jamie Borthwick.
Sam Ryder is also set to perform.
Doctor Who
Christmas Day, December 25, BBC One, 5.55pm
Returning to its Christmas Day scheduling slot, Doctor Who's 2023 festive special is titled 'The Church on Ruby Road'.
We also know that this is set to be the "first epic adventure" for Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor. And if Russell T Davies' anniversary specials are anything to go by, it's going to be an episode not to be missed.
Ghosts
Christmas Day, December 25, BBC One, 7.45pm
It may have broken our hearts by coming to an end earlier this year, but we will get one final visit from the residents of Button House in the form of a Christmas episode.
The BBC promises that it will "give the show the send-off it deserves", so we'll be sure to have our tissues at the ready.
Call the Midwife
Christmas Day, December 25, BBC One, 8.15pm
The BBC's much-loved period drama is coming back with another Christmas special for 2023. This time we'll be heading back to 1968, when Apollo 8 was getting set to circle the moon.
Returning cast is expected to include fan-favourites Helen George as Nurse Trixie Franklin, Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan and Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle.
Death in Paradise
Boxing Day, December 26, BBC One, 9pm
It'll be Christmas once again on the sunny shores of Saint Marie, as we return for a special feature-length festive episode of Death in Paradise.
We already have a star-studded list of guest stars confirmed – including EastEnders legend Patsy Kensit, Shadow and Bone's Freddy Carter and Heartstopper's Leila Khan.
Murder is Easy
December 27, BBC One, 9pm
Listed by the BBC as "the perfect whodunnit for the Christmas season", this two-part Agatha Christie classic is sure to be a hit for all the family.
Men Up
December 29, BBC One, 9pm
Starring Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon in its ensemble cast, this brand-new feature-length drama is inspired by the true story of five ordinary Welsh men who took part in medical trials for what would later become known as Viagra.
Written by Matthew Barry, it also stars A Discovery of Witches' Paul Rhys and Killing Eve's Alexandra Roach.
The Tourist, season two
New Year's Day, January 1, BBC One, 9pm
If Jamie Dornan is at the top of your Christmas list, the BBC has confirmed that The Tourist's second season will make up part of its festive slate.
The hit drama, set in Ireland and starring Dornan alongside Danielle Macdonald, was a record-breaker for the Beeb over the Christmas period when it first premiered. Will its highly-anticipated return be on your binge list?
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
