Christmas 2024: All the Religious programming to tune into

As a lifelong lover of the Christmas spirit, I must say that this year’s festive TV lineup is a veritable feast for the eyes and ears. From the return of familiar faces like Call the Midwife and Gavin & Stacey to the debut of new series such as My Life at Christmas and Songs of Praise: Candlelit Christmas, there’s truly something for everyone.

This festive season, the channels are pulling out all the stops for a memorable Christmas on TV.

Over the holiday season, shows like Call the Midwife, Gavin & Stacey, The 1% Club’s Christmas episode, and the comeback of Bullseye from BBC and ITV have been nothing short of delightful for viewers.

In the vast landscape of dramas and entertainment, there’s plenty of Christmas specials. Yet, for those seeking a more traditional experience, they haven’t been overlooked.

This year, both the BBC and ITV will present an assortment of holiday-themed religious content. Expect live prayer services, classic carols, and musical jubilations as part of their offerings. Additionally, ITV will broadcast a carol service.

Read on to find out how how to tune into religious programming across the BBC and ITV.

BBC One

My Life at Christmas

When? 1st, 8th and 15th December

For the third consecutive year, “My Life at Christmas” returns with Anita Rani taking the reins as host.

In the three-part talk show, Anita will discuss the holiday season’s unique charm with a renowned figure to uncover their personal insights about Christmas.

This year, she speaks with Dame Sheila Hancock, Rudolph Walker and Spencer Matthews.

Songs of Praise: Candlelit Christmas

When? 22nd December, 1:15pm

Aled Jones invites everyone to a cozy, candlelit event filled with beloved carols, featuring special guest Katherine Jenkins, along with the BBC’s Young Choristers of the Year, all taking place in the charming village church of Croston.

Midnight Mass from St Mary’s Church, Warwick

When? 24th December, 11:40pm

On this very Christmas Eve, BBC One will broadcast a conventional church service and the Blessing of the Nativity Scene, live directly from the Collegiate Church of St. Mary’s in Warwick.

Among the tunes featured in this service are timeless Christmas carols such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.

Christmas Morning Service from Halifax Minster

When? 25th December

Live from Halifax Minster will be a celebration of the wonder and joy of the Nativity. The minster choir will lead the congregation with a host of carols, including a special arrangement of While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks to the old Yorkshire folk tune, On Ilkley Moor Baht’at.

On Christmas Night

When? 25th December, 10:15am

In simple terms, Kate Garraway is going to tell us the account of the first Christmas as it’s written in Luke’s Gospel. This story includes the moment when angels announced the arrival of Jesus Christ to some shepherds.

It will then be followed by a choral musical performance.

BBC Two

Carols from King’s

When? 24th December, 6pm

Each year as customary, the Chapel at King’s College in Cambridge is set to reappear on BBC Two television screens, offering a festive retelling of the Christmas tale through songs, scriptures, and prayers.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first service being broadcast.

ITV1

Royal Carols: Together At Christmas

When? 24th December, 7:30pm

2023’s event invites everyone to ponder the significance of compassion and understanding, highlighting individuals across the United Kingdom who have demonstrated love, generosity, and empathy within their local communities by shining a spotlight on them.

The service will feature the Westminster Abbey choir, who perform some of the nation’s most well-known carols, alongside musical performances from Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter.

2024-12-20 13:35