Doctor Who Christmas Special: BBC One, 7.30pm
The massed forces of the universe's deadliest alien species have gathered on a quiet backwater planet, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars. Among them is The Doctor (Matt Smith, in his final episode), who has rescued Clara (Jenna Coleman) from a family Christmas dinner to help him discover what this signal means for his own fate and for that of the universe.
Downton Abbey Christmas Special: ITV, 8.30pm
It's summer, and as part of Rose's debutante 'coming out' she is to be presented at Buckingham Palace. The family is in London, preparing Grantham House for the busy social programme, as Cora's mother Martha (Shirley MacLaine) and brother Harold (Paul Giamatti) visit from the US. Both outspoken and larger than life, they make quite an impression on certain members of high society.
The Tractate Middoth: BBC Two, 9.30pm
In a quiet academic library, John Eldred seeks the help of young Mr Garrett in his search for a seemingly obscure Hebrew text. But there is something unusual about this book - and something not entirely scholarly about Eldred's intentions. Garrett's quest unleashes terrifying apparitions, and a vengeful menace from beyond the grave.
