Christmas is a time for tradition, and for many, that includes watching festive TV shows. A classic part of that was often a special Christmas edition of Top of the Pops.
The popular weekly music chart show ran from 1964 to 2006, and each year it also broadcast a special Christmas episode featuring the top songs of the year.
In 2022, the traditional Christmas Day showing was moved to a few days later, and instead of a new episode, a year-end music review aired.
2025 was a huge year for music, especially in the UK. Oasis reunited for a hugely successful world tour – their first shows since 2009 – Black Sabbath played a final farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, and Pulp surprised fans with their first new album in over two decades.
Wondering what highlights will be featured in this year’s Top of the Pops and when it airs? Here’s a complete guide to the show.
Is Top of the Pops on Christmas Day 2025?
No. Top Of The Pops will not air on Christmas Day – but there will be an episode a few days later.
I’ve noticed a big change with the Top of the Pops Christmas special! It’s not a regular episode anymore. Now, it’s a ‘Review of the Year’ hosted by Clara Amfo, and she looks back at all the biggest music moments, stories, and highlights from 2025. It’s a really fun way to end the year!
When will Top of the Pops: Review of the Year 2025 air?
Tune in to BBC Two on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31st at 6pm for Top Of The Pops: Review of the Year 2025.
The episode will be 59 minutes long and be available to stream on BBC iPlayer after it airs.
What will Top of the Pops: Review of the Year 2025 show?
This year’s review highlights unforgettable 2025 performances, featuring Lewis Capaldi’s unexpected appearance at Glastonbury, Sam Fender – who won the Mercury Prize – and rising star Lola Young at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, plus Olivia Dean’s set on Later… with Jools Holland.
2025 saw a surge of female artists leading the way in music. Top of the Pops highlighted this trend, noting how women dominated festival headliner spots, with stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan performing at Glastonbury and Reading Festival.
British music had a huge year, marked by the return of several legendary artists. Oasis thrilled fans with a massively successful world tour, Radiohead played live again after a seven-year break, setting a new attendance record at London’s The O2, and Lily Allen released her highly praised album, West End Girl.
Clara Amfo will be hosting and chatting with Jarvis Cocker about Pulp’s new album – their first in 24 years. She’ll also be speaking with rising American artists Ravyn Lenae and Alex Warren, who both had huge hit songs in 2025.
Join us on Wednesday, December 31st at 6pm for ‘Top of the Pops: Review of the Year 2025’, airing on BBC Two and available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Authors
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a freelance writer specializing in pop culture and entertainment for TopMob. Before that, she was a Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab, where she oversaw their local team. She holds a BA (Hons) degree in English Literature from the University of Nottingham.
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