If you love Doctor Who and the holiday season, you’re in for a treat! The show’s Christmas specials are packed with action, fun, and plenty of festive cheer. From classics like The End of Time to modern favorites like A Christmas Carol and The Runaway Bride, these episodes bring holiday joy to fans everywhere.
The Doctor Who Christmas specials are a tradition loved by fans, combining exciting adventures with holiday spirit. While recent years under Chris Chibnall have shifted to New Year specials, the Christmas-themed episodes remain close to the hearts of Whovians. With alien encounters and festive magic, they continue to charm viewers.
Let’s dive into all the Doctor Who Christmas specials, their stories, cast, and ratings. Whether you’re rewatching them or discovering them for the first time, there’s so much to enjoy!
Advertisement What is the Doctor Who Christmas Special?
The Doctor Who Christmas special is a festive tradition featuring a standalone episode with holiday themes. This year’s special, titled Joy to the World, will air on December 25, 2024, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Disney+ streaming it internationally. The story follows Joy, played by Nicola Coughlan, who checks into a London hotel and encounters the Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa. Together, they face thrilling adventures involving time travel, dinosaurs, and a familiar foe. Written by Steven Moffat, the episode promises nostalgia, excitement, and a festive spirit.
The Doctor Who Christmas specials have been a beloved tradition since 2005, known for combining holiday cheer with sci-fi adventures. Joy to the World continues this legacy with a mix of action and warmth, making it perfect for both fans and newcomers. As the holiday approaches, trailers and teasers provide glimpses into what’s set to be an unforgettable festive episode.
A Festive Look Back: Doctor Who Christmas Specials in Order
Take a festive journey through time with Doctor Who as we revisit every Christmas special in order, exploring the unforgettable adventures, iconic moments, and holiday magic that have made these episodes a beloved tradition for fans.
1. The Christmas Invasion (2005)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | David Tennant, Billie Piper, Camille Coduri, Noel Clarke, Penelope Wilton |
| Director | James Hawes |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 8.0/10 |
The plot follows the newly regenerated Doctor as he struggles to recover from his transformation while Earth faces an invasion by the Sycorax. With the Doctor unconscious, Rose, Mickey, and Harriet Jones take charge in trying to stop the aliens. When the Doctor finally awakens, he uses his wit and courage to save humanity.
2. The Runaway Bride (2006)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | David Tennant, Catherine Tate, Sarah Parish, Jacqueline King |
| Director | Euros Lyn |
| Genre | Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 7.6/10 |
It tells the story of Donna Noble, a bride who suddenly appears in the TARDIS on her wedding day. Confused and scared, she teams up with the Doctor to uncover the mystery behind her sudden transportation. They discover a sinister alien plot involving the Empress of the Racnoss and a plan to destroy Earth. Together, they stop the villain and save the planet.
3. Voyage of the Damned (2007)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | David Tennant, Kylie Minogue, Geoffrey Palmer, Russell Tovey |
| Director | James Strong |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 7.6/10 |
It is about the Doctor as he boards the Titanic spaceship during a Christmas cruise in space. When the ship collides with a meteor shower, chaos ensues. The Doctor teams up with passengers, including a waitress named Astrid, to survive and stop a sinister plan to destroy Earth.
4. The Next Doctor (2008)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | David Tennant, David Morrissey, Dervla Kirwan, Velile Tshabalala |
| Director | Andy Goddard |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 7.4/10 |
The Doctor he arrives in Victorian London and meets a man who claims to be the Doctor’s future incarnation. Together, they investigate strange happenings involving Cybermen and their deadly new weapon, the Cyber-King. As secrets unfold, the truth about the mysterious man is revealed, and the Doctor helps save the city from destruction.
5. The End of Time – Part One (2009)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | David Tennant, Bernard Cribbins, John Simm, Timothy Dalton |
| Director | Euros Lyn |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 8.2/10 |
The Doctor faces ominous prophecies about his impending regeneration while the Master is resurrected on Earth. As chaos spreads, the Doctor discovers a larger threat involving the Time Lords and a plan to end time itself. The episode sets the stage for an epic showdown.
6. The End of Time – Part Two (2010)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | David Tennant, Bernard Cribbins, John Simm, Timothy Dalton, Catherine Tate |
| Director | Euros Lyn |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 8.9/10 |
The plot follows the Doctor as he faces the Master’s chaos and the return of the Time Lords. With the universe at stake, the Doctor makes a heart-wrenching decision to save humanity and prevent a devastating war. The story culminates in the Doctor’s emotional regeneration, marking the end of the Tenth Doctor’s era.
7. A Christmas Carol (2009)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Michael Gambon, Katherine Jenkins |
| Director | Toby Haynes |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 6.9/10 |
The story follows the Doctor as he attempts to save a spaceship that is on a collision course with a distant planet. To do so, he must change the heart of Kazran Sardick, a bitter old man who controls the planet’s skies. Taking inspiration from Charles Dickens‘ classic, the Doctor travels through Kazran’s past, present, and future to show him the importance of compassion and redemption.
8. The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (2011)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Matt Smith, Claire Rushbrook, Alexander Armstrong, Arabella Weir |
| Director | Jeremy Webb |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 7.1/10 |
It is about the Doctor as he visits a widow named Madge Arwell and her two children during Christmas. They find themselves in an enchanted forest, where strange things happen, and the Doctor must help them escape danger. With a little magic and a lot of adventure, the Doctor works to save them from an alien threat while bringing some holiday cheer.
9. The Snowmen (2012)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, Richard E. Grant, Sir Ian McKellen |
| Director | Saul Metzstein |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 8.3/10 |
The Doctor faces a mysterious and deadly snowman in Victorian London. The Doctor meets Clara, a schoolteacher, and teams up with her to uncover the secret behind the snowmen and the alien villain controlling them. Together, they battle icy monsters and save the day while discovering the truth about Clara’s past.
10. The Time of the Doctor (2013)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, Mark Gatiss, Alex Kingston |
| Director | Jamie Payne |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 8.4/10 |
In this special, the Doctor finds himself at the town of Christmas, where time is mysteriously warped. He must protect the town from various enemies, including the Daleks, Cybermen, and Weeping Angels, while uncovering the truth behind an ancient prophecy. As he faces his final battle, the Doctor comes to terms with his upcoming regeneration, marking the end of his journey as the Eleventh Doctor.
11. Last Christmas (2014)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, Nick Frost, Michael Troughton |
| Director | Paul Wilmshurst |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
The Doctor and Clara find themselves in the North Pole, where a group of scientists is being terrorized by terrifying creatures. As they uncover the truth, they realize that what they’re experiencing may not be real. The Doctor and Clara must navigate a strange dream world, fighting to wake up before it’s too late.
12. The Husbands of River Song (2015)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Peter Capaldi, Alex Kingston, Matt Lucas, Greg Davies |
| Director | Douglas Mackinnon |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 8.5/10 |
The story begins with the Doctor being mistaken for a surgeon and brought into a dangerous plot by River Song, who doesn’t recognize him in his new regeneration. Together, they face a powerful tyrant and went on a chaotic adventure. As the Doctor and River work together, secrets are revealed, and their relationship takes a heartfelt turn during their final night together.
13. The Return of Doctor Mysterio (2016)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Peter Capaldi, Matt Lucas, Charity Wakefield, Justin Chatwin |
| Director | Ed Bazalgette |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
The plot begins with the Doctor teaming up with a journalist and a mysterious superhero named “The Ghost” to stop an alien invasion. Set in New York City, the Doctor uncovers a sinister plot involving brain-swapping aliens and must work with his new allies to save the planet. As secrets are revealed, the Doctor finds himself in a battle of wits and courage to protect humanity.
14. Twice Upon a Time (2017)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Peter Capaldi, David Bradley, Pearl Mackie, Mark Gatiss |
| Director | Rachel Talalay |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 8.3/10 |
The story follows the Twelfth Doctor as he encounters the First Doctor during his final moments before regeneration. Together, they find themselves caught in a strange time anomaly involving a World War I soldier. As they unravel the mystery, the two Doctors reflect on their journeys and the importance of change, leading to the Twelfth Doctor’s emotional regeneration into the Thirteenth Doctor.
15. Resolution (2019)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Jodie Whittaker, Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill |
| Director | Wayne Yip |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 6.0/10 |
The Thirteenth Doctor and her friends discover an ancient threat when a dormant Dalek is accidentally revived on Earth. As the Dalek begins to rebuild itself using modern technology, the Doctor must act quickly to stop it from wreaking havoc. Together with her companions, she faces one of her most dangerous foes to protect the planet.
16. Spyfall, Part 1 (2020)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Jodie Whittaker, Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill, Sacha Dhawan |
| Director | Jamie Magnus Stone |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 6.7/10 |
The Doctor and her companions investigate a series of global attacks on intelligence agents. Their search leads them to a powerful tech magnate, Daniel Barton, and an enigmatic alien race called the Kasaavin. As they uncover a massive conspiracy, the Doctor is shocked to encounter a familiar face with a deadly secret.
17. Revolution of the Daleks (2021)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Jodie Whittaker, Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill, John Barrowman |
| Director | Lee Haven Jones |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 6.0/10 |
When a dormant Dalek is discovered on Earth, the government unknowingly uses its technology for security purposes, sparking a dangerous chain of events. Meanwhile, the Doctor is trapped in a high-security alien prison and must find a way to escape. Reuniting with her companions, she faces the revived Daleks in a battle to save the planet from their takeover.
18. Eve of the Daleks (2022)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, John Bishop, Aisling Bea, Adjani Salmon |
| Director | Annetta Laufer |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 6.7/10 |
The story begins with the Doctor, Yaz, and Dan trapped in a time loop inside a storage facility on New Year’s Eve. As they try to escape, they realize a Dalek extermination squad is hunting them. Each loop resets at midnight, giving them a chance to figure out how to stop the Daleks and break free before time runs out.
19. The Star Beast (2023)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | David Tennant, Catherine Tate, Yasmin Finney |
| Director | Rachel Talalay |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| IMDb Rating | 7.0/10 |
20. The Church on Ruby Road (2024)
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Mark Tonderai |
| Cast | Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson, Davina McCall |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Drama, Adventure |
| IMDb Rating | 6.8/10 |
In The Church on Ruby Road, long ago, on Christmas Eve, a baby was left alone in the snow. Now, Ruby Sunday crosses paths with the Doctor and uncovers stolen babies, mischievous goblins, and a possible clue about her own mysterious birth.
What’s The Response From The Fans of Doctor Who On Christmas Specials?
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes reviewed Doctor Who Christmas Specials, a fun mix of humor, adventure, and holiday cheer. They stand out for their unique storytelling, like the spooky but festive Last Christmas, which introduced memorable characters. These specials strike the perfect balance of laughter, festive spirit, and a bit of fear. They’ve been praised for their ability to entertain and touch hearts with exciting and emotional stories. The blend of thrills, emotions, and holiday magic makes them a favorite among fans.
FAQs
Bottom Line
The Doctor Who Christmas Specials have become a beloved tradition for fans, offering a unique mix of festive cheer, thrilling adventures, and heartfelt moments. Each episode brings something special, from unexpected twists to emotional farewells, making them unforgettable parts of the show’s legacy. Whether it’s saving the world on Christmas Day or sharing touching stories, these specials continue to capture the magic of the holiday season. For Whovians, they’re not just episodes, they’re a cherished celebration of time, space, and the joy of Christmas.