The holidays are usually a joyful time, but things are about to get dramatic for the characters in EastEnders. Over the next two weeks, hidden truths will come to light, causing major problems for several families and ultimately bringing a lot of police to Albert Square.
The Slater and Branning families face a lot of drama, and Nigel Bates begins to struggle with his memory, even experiencing visions of Christmases gone by.
There’s a lot going on in Walford, but don’t worry – we’ve created a simple day-by-day schedule to keep you updated.
Here’s everything happening in EastEnders between 22nd December 2024 and 1st January 2025.
EastEnders Christmas and New Year episode guide
Monday 22nd December – 30-minute episode at 7.30pm
Everyone came together to enjoy Nigel’s holiday movie night, but Phil Mitchell and Julie Bates were worried about his worsening health and whether he needed to move somewhere that could provide better care.
When Sam Mitchell returns to the community center, Kat Moon immediately lets her know she’s not wanted. Meanwhile, Julie accidentally reveals that Sam has actually been back in the country for months, but only recently arrived in Walford.
Nige delivers a speech on stage, with Julie standing beside him, but he’s distracted when he spots a bruise on her face. Realizing he caused it, he quickly leaves the building.
Phil and Julie frantically try to find him, but they don’t realize he’s heard their argument and has already hurried over to The Vic.
Things have gotten really complicated because a secret’s out, and Max is turning to Lauren and Jack to help him fix things. They think they’ve convinced him not to do something he’ll regret, and they’ve promised to stand by him through it all.
Honestly, people have no idea! He’s been leaning on Zoe Slater for support, and I have a feeling he’s going to really regret how things play out after that… It’s a messy situation, and I just see trouble ahead.
Things are a little tense right now! The Truemans are starting to get wary of Dr. Trueman, and I’m really feeling for Zack. He had to pretend everything was okay when Vicki and Ross ran into each other, and to make things worse, he’s being asked to move back in with them at No. 43. It was a really uncomfortable situation, and he was clearly trying to hide how annoyed he was.
Tuesday 23rd December – 30-minute episode at 7.30pm
In a unique episode, Nigel gets mixed up with old Christmas memories. While very confused, he starts imagining Pat and Barry Evans enjoying themselves at the pub.
The movie is still playing for the neighbors, who have no idea what’s happening. Phil abruptly stops the screening and tells everyone to go home. Once he’s alone with the film, though, he suddenly understands something important.
I’m really glad Phil and Julie finally realized Nige needs more support than they can give him on their own. It’s tough, but they’re getting ready to have an honest conversation with him about it, and I think that’s the right thing to do.
Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24th December – 30-minute episode at 6.55pm
Yolande Trueman is getting ready for a carol service, while Patrick Trueman and Chelsea Fox attempt to cheer up Anthony, who is spending Christmas away from his family. However, it quickly becomes clear that he isn’t feeling festive at all.
From across the square, the Slaters notice Zoe seems troubled, having temporarily set aside the worry about being stalked. Kat suspects Sam is involved and accuses him.
Sam shares devastating news: she’s been diagnosed with cancer and came to see Zack for help. Meanwhile, as the community prepares to go to a Christmas carol concert, Zoe finds something shocking at her house.
Everyone is talking about Max right now, and he’s trying to make amends with people. He initially tries to connect with Oscar, but gets unexpectedly interrupted by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
After drinking heavily, Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) tells Max something that could have disastrous consequences.
Julie, Phil, and Sam notice Nigel doesn’t remember anything from the day before, leading them to have a serious conversation about their family.
Barney Mitchell finally realizes his dad, Zack, has romantic feelings for Vicki.
Christmas Day, Thursday 25th December – Two 30-minute episodes at 7.45 and 9.45pm
Kat is thrilled to be spending Christmas with Zoe after twenty years, but Zoe isn’t sharing her excitement. In fact, Zoe is worried and anxious because of something she found out yesterday.
A community dinner at The Vic is disrupted when the Slaters get into a fight with another family, and a major secret is revealed. Before things can calm down, a new problem arises, forcing Kat to ask everyone to leave to keep Zoe safe.
It’s impossible to know what will happen next, but the outcome will likely be disastrous for everyone affected.
Zack starts serving food to customers at No. 31, as the Branning and Beale families begin their Christmas dinner at No. 45. Cindy Beale unexpectedly returns, causing her ex-husband Ian and son Peter to worry. They’re determined to keep her away from Max, remembering he was responsible for the death of her son Steven, but their attempts to do so come across as unwelcoming and end up hurting Cindy’s feelings.
Max can’t quite shake what Oscar has told him, and more truths are soon exposed around the table.
Boxing Day, Friday 26th December – 30-minute episode at 9.30pm
Police flooded Albert Square as the residents dealt with the aftermath of a dramatic Christmas period.
There are more questions than answers for those involved, and it’s hard to see a way forward.
Meanwhile, the Mitchells are having a peaceful day, and Nigel is busy getting everything ready for a special occasion.
Monday 29th December – 30-minute episode at 7.30pm
Things go from bad to worse for one family caught up in the shocking events of Christmas Day.
Everyone is still affected by recent events, but the Beale and Branning families are trying to stay positive for Lauren and Peter at Jimmy’s christening.
The main problem is that Cindy and Max haven’t met yet, and the couple needs to decide whether to uninvite Max to avoid more problems at the church.
Seeing how much thought her grandfather put into a gift and how disappointed he was about missing the event, Lauren changed her mind and invited him to come.
Cindy was really angry and didn’t want to go if he was there, but she was relieved when he was uninvited again thanks to something Jack did. Despite Lauren’s warning, Max showed up at the ceremony anyway.
Gina Knight is thrilled to have Harry Mitchell back, but he sadly tells her he needs to take a break from their relationship.
Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) has returned, which is great news for his friends and family – Davinder “Nugget” Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Priya (Sophie Khan Levy), and Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James).
Soon, it becomes clear that they are all unaware that Harry is plotting revenge.
Tuesday 30th December – 30-minute episode at 7.30pm
More secrets come to light for the family dealing with the Christmas Day crisis. When a neighbor tries to help, things unexpectedly get worse, leading to new problems.
Max and Cindy caused a big disruption at the church, upsetting everyone’s day. Oscar attempted to calm his father down, but he instead decided to go drink at Harry’s Barn.
While there, Max encounters a fellow resident who attempts to offer advice, but Max reacts poorly and escalates the situation. Nicola Mitchell, who has been observing from a distance, then confronts him about his behavior and tells him what he needs to hear.
With his tail between his legs, a sorrowful Max wanders off into the night to try and fix things…
Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) is thrilled to see Harry and urges him to move on from Ravi, excitedly sharing his plan for getting even.
When Barney chooses to stay with Zack instead of returning to his old place at number one, Harry gets very angry and decides to talk to Ravi about it.
New Year’s Eve, Wednesday 31st December – 30-minute episode at 7.30pm
With Londoners looking forward to hearing Big Ben chime in 2026, Max enlists Oscar’s help to arrange a private meeting with Lauren at The Vic. Lauren is extremely angry with her father for what he’s done, and even more upset that he’s involved her brother in his schemes.
At Harry’s Barn, he vows to fight for his family, unaware of what’s in store over the next year…
Phil and Julie start searching for a care home for Nigel, and Billy and Honey are taking care of him at home. Nigel mistakenly believes Honey is Julie and starts flirting with her, much to Billy’s amusement.
Harry is getting a second chance at his job at The Arches, even though things have been difficult for him. Meanwhile, Gina is starting over too, by moving in with Harry’s former partner, Penny Branning (played by Kitty Castledine).
Phil tries to offer Harry some harsh but helpful advice, but Harry misunderstands and mistakenly decides to get back at Ravi. Nicola is shocked when she witnesses her son trying to attack Phil.
New Year’s Day, Thursday 1st January – 30-minute episode at 7.30pm
We jump ahead one year to 2026 to see what the future has in store for Max and the people in his life.
The Brannings are embroiled in drama on New Year’s Day 2027, but what has happened, and why?
Don’t miss out on EastEnders! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app now to get daily TV recommendations, exclusive features, and more.
Read More
- When Perturbation Fails: Taming Light in Complex Cavities
- FC 26 reveals free preview mode and 10 classic squads
- Jujutsu Kaisen Execution Delivers High-Stakes Action and the Most Shocking Twist of the Series (Review)
- Fluid Dynamics and the Promise of Quantum Computation
- Where Winds Meet: Best Weapon Combinations
- Dancing With The Stars Fans Want Terri Irwin To Compete, And Robert Irwin Shared His Honest Take
- Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation and latest news
- 3 PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for December 2025 Leaked Early
- Why Carrie Fisher’s Daughter Billie Lourd Will Always Talk About Grief
- TikToker Madeleine White Marries Andrew Fedyk: See Her Wedding Dress
2025-12-09 03:50