Christmas and Hogmanay 2025 on BBC Scotland – unwrap a festive feast of comedy, drama, music and entertainment
Published: 12:01 am, 25 November 2025
We are thrilled to bring audiences a truly special mix of comedy, drama, music and entertainment this festive season. From much-loved favourites to brand-new programmes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy over the festive season.
— Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland
This Christmas and Hogmanay, BBC Scotland is bringing a bumper package of festive programming across radio and television. From laugh-out-loud comedy to nostalgic specials, this year’s festive schedule is packed with treats.
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, says: “We are thrilled to bring audiences a truly special mix of comedy, drama, music and entertainment this festive season. From much-loved favourites to brand-new programmes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy over the festive season.”
BBC Scotland Festive TV
Amongst the offering is a Two Doors Down Christmas Special. When Eric and Beth put their tree up earlier than usual, they unwittingly kick off the Christmas season in Latimer Crescent. What starts as a labour-saving convenience quickly turns into a flurry of festive activity, as neighbours Colin, Cathy, Christine, Michelle and Alan and their son Ian and partner Gordon start to gear up for the holidays in their own unique ways. Together, they ensure that the season is full of surprises, laughter, and the kind of neighbourly chaos that only Latimer Crescent can provide.
As Stanley Baxter approaches his 100th birthday, landmark documentary Being Stanley Baxter offers an intimate portrait of a beloved television star. Charting his extraordinary professional journey and personal life, the film draws on rare archive footage and candid interviews to celebrate the Scottish legend’s enduring legacy. The hour-long documentary will reflect the complex aspects of his long and distinguished life as well as celebrating his comedic genius, particularly his impressionist and satirical work.
Deck the halls and get set to sparkle, as Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell visit five festive ho-ho-homes all hoping to be gifted the title of Scotland’s Christmas Home of the Year 2025. The SCHOTY judges step into Christmas and take a sneaky peek at five winter wonderful abodes in Millport, Peterhead, Cumnock, Fife and Edinburgh before choosing one Christmas cracker as their winner.
Amongst the festive package, there is plenty for fans of factual content. In 1975, Scottish wrestler Andy Robin and his wife Maggie adopted a nine-month-old bear cub and called him Hercules. Against all odds, they raised him as part of their family—taming one of the world’s fiercest animals and forming an unbreakable bond. What followed was a remarkable story of wrestling, international fame and love. Hercules the Bear – A Love Story tells the incredible story of the grizzly bear who became an international star and a beloved character in the Highlands.
In Wild Horses, The Rockies and Me, Gordon Buchanan heads to Canada’s epic Rocky Mountains in search of one of nature’s most iconic animals: wild horses. Finding two stallions battling over a herd consisting of two mares, two yearlings and two young foals, he immerses himself in their world, hoping to win their trust.
Across the festive season, there is plenty stand up to keep the laughs coming. Scotland Stands Up returns as Stuart Mitchell hosts a brilliant night of comedy, featuring Jay Lafferty, Ayo Adenekan, Krystal Evans and a special live appearance from Robert Florence.
In Karen Dunbar Live from Ayr, the comedy legend performs a hometown gig at Ayr Town Hall. Delving through her experiences growing up in the 80s, to hosting wild karaoke nights in Glasgow in her 20s and revisiting some of her favourite characters, this is Karen like you’ve never quite seen before.
Plus, in his brand-new stand-up special Ray Bradshow: Bald Ginger, the award-winning Scottish stand up talks about the problems you face when you are, well, a bald ginger.
River City is bringing the drama this festive season as romance blossoms between Bob and Alice, Tyler seeks revenge in an explosive way, Viv ups her manipulation, and a gruesome discovery arrives in Shieldinch. After Drew organises a Santa dash fundraiser with his running club, Emma and Mikey don their Santa suits and sign up to take part. But when the race kicks off, they take a dodgy detour and accidentally stumble across a grisly sight. In the Christmas Eve episode, the community deals with the aftermath of the discovery.
Bring in 2026 with BBC Scotland – it’s going to be a night to remember! Kicking things off on the BBC Scotland channel, Des Clarke hosts the Not Quite End of Year Show, featuring performances from Michelle McManus and Robert Robertson (Tide Lines) with house band Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire, plus a rousing set from Mànran and surprise appearances from top Scottish comedians and celebrity guests.
Hogmanay 2025
Then on BBC One Scotland, Amy Irons leads the nation into the New Year with Hogmanay 2025, showcasing music from Nathan Evans, Michelle McManus, Robert Robertson, and Georgia Cécile performing classic Scottish modern tunes, again backed by Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire, along with another high energy trad performance from Mànran. As is tradition, we go live to Edinburgh for the celebrations. Des Clarke will be there in the capital for the Lone Piper on the ramparts of the castle, the theatrical firing of the iconic Mons Meg at Midnight and the city’s amazing firework display soundtracked by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Audiences will also be treated to the reunion of Karen Dunbar and Tom Urie as Almost Angelic across both programmes, while Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson aka ‘The Chief’ delivers his special “Address to the People of Scotland” for Hogmanay 2025.
Queen of the New Year returns to BBC One Scotland this Hogmanay with a night of sharp sketches and big laughs. Greg Hemphill and Robert Florence are back at the helm, joined by some of Scotland’s finest comedy talent, to deliver a hilarious take on the year gone by.
Also in the Hogmanay line up, Des Clarke and his special guests Ashley Storrie, Rosco McLelland, Amy Irons and Connor Burns offer their unique take on the past year’s news in Breaking the Year 2025. 2025 saw Breaking the News mark a very special 10th birthday. To celebrate this milestone, 10 Years of Breaking the News sees Des Clarke and his special guests tackle five Prime Ministers, three First Ministers, two Presidents, a Global pandemic and a sporting legend!
Amongst the festivities there is also a time for reflection. On BBC One Prayer and Reflection will be joining the congregation at St Giles for a traditional Christmas service with a combination of scripture, readings and a sermon led by parishioners and Reverand Dr Scott Rennie. Alongside scripture, a selection of hymns and carols will be performed by St Giles’ Choir with Musical Director, Jack Oades, to celebrate this joyful time of year.
BBC Radio Scotland
Over on BBC Radio Scotland, there is something for everyone in a jam-packed festive line up.
Christmas Service will be ringing in Christmas Day with carol-singing, reflection and readings from the University of Aberdeen’s Carol Service in St Machar’s Cathedral, Aberdeen.
Join the record-breaking Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean on Christmas Day for Rowing Home for Christmas with the MacLean Brothers. They’ll be joined by some celebrity friends to share Christmas memories as well as playing a mix of festive favourites to provide you with the perfect soundtrack to your afternoon.
BBC Radio Scotland’s Christmas Choir Concert will see a fabulously festive evening in the beautiful setting of Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Our own festive fairy, Michelle McManus, will be joined by two wonderful choirs, to celebrate the season with a sackful of classic and contemporary Christmas songs. The festive concert will also be shown on BBC Scotland and BBC Two on Christmas morning.
Also, in Billy Connolly – A Musical Life, Gary Innes celebrates the musical life of iconic Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, from his early days growing up in Glasgow’s folk scene, through to his lasting influence on singers, comedians and actors.
Like a soothing mug of hot chocolate on a chilly night, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Classics is a heartwarming evening of festive orchestral favourites, presented by Jamie MacDougall. Enjoy Yuletide carols and festive songs, all wrapped up in the luxurious sound of a live orchestra.
Lights! Camera! Music! Jamie MacDougall is once again in the Director’s chair as the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra celebrate the iconic music of Disney and of Hollywood’s Golden Age in BBC SSO at the Movies. Jamie is joined on set by soprano, Kelly Mathieson (The Phantom of the Opera), to add West End stardust.
On Christmas Eve, Scotland’s Panto: Behind the Curtain will see Grant Stott and Billy Differ join a dazzling cast of guests to celebrate Scotland’s most loved festive tradition – the pantomime. Elaine C Smith, Gavin Mitchell, Karen Dunbar, Grado and so many more share their best behind-the-scenes panto stories about everything from glittering costumes to on-stage mishaps. Join in the fun on Christmas Eve for plenty of Scottish panto magic!
Swing into Christmas with Christmas at the Quay with Roddy Hart and special guests Georgia Cécile and James Emmanuel, recorded live at Pacific Quay with a festive show liberally sprinkled with seasonal soul. Georgia Cécile celebrates the holiday season in style with a mix of original and classic Christmas tunes, infused with late 60s jazz vibes. And soul singer-songwriter James Emmanuel channels legends like Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye with a whole lot of Christmas spirit.
Moving on to Hogmanay, Get it On with Bryan Burnett will be welcoming in the new year in style and Hazel Irvine and guests mull over the highs and lows of 2025 and look forward to 2026 in Hazel Irvine’s 2025 Round Up.
Kick off 2026 in the joyful company of Greg Hemphill and Julie Wilson Nimmo with Jules and Greg’s New Year. Sharing some more of their favourite music with us and the stories behind the songs, which include Pulp, Wings, KT Tunstall, Abba and AC/DC. Jules and Greg chat about past festive holidays and the great characters they’ve met along the way. Bring some winter warmth and sunshine to your New Year in the sparkling company of Jules and Greg.
The festive season will see four exciting editions of Life Tracks. Marti Pellow, Amy Macdonald, Elaine C Smith and Mark Bonnar share the music that has helped shaped their lives.
In Bryan Burnett’s Scottish Songbook, Bryan Burnett takes a musical road trip around Scotland. From Aztec Camera to Amy McDonald, we will hear the tracks that celebrate Scotland’s cities, scenery and its people.
Victoria Easton-Riley, Head of Audio and Events, BBC Scotland, says: “This year’s Radio Scotland festive line up is one of our most engaging and varied to date, offering a warm and welcoming mix of programmes to entertain and bring audiences together. From uplifting orchestral classics to lively seasonal specials, we’re delighted to share a range of shows that truly offers something for everyone.”
BBC ALBA
On Christmas Day, BBC ALBA will celebrate 15 years of Trail West with a special concert in Trail West aig Barrowland. Featuring interviews with band members and highlights from their anniversary concert at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom.
On Boxing Day, Marmalade fan Gregor Macleod sets out to explore the history and enduring popularity of his favourite preserve in Marmalade le Gregor. He visits an organic orange grove in Seville and enters the World Marmalade Awards.
Ahead of the New Year, join Robert Robertson and special guests at home as they explore some of the traditions of the season in for Robert Robertson air Oidhche Challainn. Tasty treats, traditional music and song and magical moments from the archive provide perfect company on this special night.
BBC ALBA will bring together some of trad music’s biggest names to celebrate Hogmanay 2025 for the live, Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire, from Govan Town Hall, Glasgow. Featuring musical guests, Dàimh, The Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, Norrie “Tago” MacIver, Emma MacLeod and Ruairidh Gray along with the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association Choir.
The iconic Hogmanay show will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA and worldwide on Radio nan Gàidheal, and bbc.co.uk/alba, with Cathy MacDonald and Niall Iain Macdonald hosting the cèilidh.
On New Years Day Angus Òg: The Making of a Tabloid Teuchtar will explore the story behind artist Ewen Bain’s beloved Hebridean cartoon rascal. Using original cartoons, actors’ voices, and fan-interviews, Angus and his friends on the island of Drambeg in the Utter Hebrides are brought to life.
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal
Throughout the year, BBC Radio nan Gàidheal has been celebrating 100 years since the birth of acclaimed writer and broadcaster Finlay J MacDonald. For the first time ever, some of Finlay J’s English writings have been translated and will be broadcast in Gaelic. Translated and read by John Urquhart, Gruth is Uachdar in 8 short episodes will be available on BBC Sounds on Friday 19 December, with broadcasts starting on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal on Monday 22 December and continuing throughout the Christmas festive period.
Radio broadcaster John Carmichael marked two significant milestones this year, turning 70 and celebrating 50 years in broadcasting. A special episode of his popular Friday night show Mac’illeMhìcheil will turn the tables on John, as Cathy MacDonald asks him about his life and career. Recorded on location on John’s home island of Islay, this special programme will broadcast on Friday 26 December at 9pm.
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal on Hogmanay will have entertainment, laughs and nostalgia aplenty in the company of Coinneach Smith and guests in the light-hearted quiz, Siud Agad 2025! Followed by Jo MacMinn’s music mix in Oidhche Challain le Jo.
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of BBC Gaelic Services, says: “We are delighted that this year’s festive schedule will be full of music, stories and moments of celebration. From the joy of Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire to special programmes honouring iconic personalities, it’s set to be an exciting season.”
Follow for more
