Christmas TV 2018: Strictly, Doctor Who and more BBC specials

The BBC has released its full Christmas TV schedule, and there is a lot to enjoy.

From a new Doctor Who special to a festive edition of Strictly Come Dancing, you will have plenty to watch over the holidays.

Newsround picks the top BBC shows to watch this Christmas.

The Midnight Gang

Let's start with one of your favourite authors, David Walliams.

It's becoming a bit of a Christmas tradition with another one of his books being adapted for the festive period - The Midnight Gang.

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning.

Walliams will be starring in the TV show as the headmaster.

Doctor Who

The festive edition of Doctor Who won't be shown on Christmas Day for the first time in 14 years.

Instead the sci-fi drama will be shown on New Year's Day.

A terrifying evil is stirring from across the centuries of Earth's history as Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor, Ryan, Graham and Yaz bring in the New Year in spectacular style.

Watership Down

John Boyega will play 'Bigwig' in the animated TV film Watership Down

There will be a new animated version of Richard Adams' Watership Down.

It's a story about a warren of rabbits who go on an exciting adventure to find a new home.

The voice cast includes James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, John Boyega, Gemma Arterton and Olivia Colman.

The film also features an original song by Sam Smith.

Strictly Come Dancing

Six iconic contestants from the past will be returning to the ballroom on Christmas Day for a fun-filled, glitter spectacular on BBC One.

Television presenter Caroline Flack, who won the series in 2014, will be hoping to get her hands on the coveted silver star trophy as she returns to the show with Gorka Marquez.

Former JLS singer Aston Merrygold, who was controversially eliminated early from the competition last year, has a chance to put things right after being reunited with his dance partner Janette Manrara.

Other stars returning to the Strictly dance floor include Anita Rani, Ann Widdecombe, Jake Wood and Michael Vaughan.

Mary Berry and Nadiya Hussain

Mary Berry is serving up two Yuletide treats this year

Your cooking favourites are back! Mary Berry and Nadiya Hussain will both present their own cookery shows.

With the party season fast approaching, Nadiya's Party Feasts sees her sharing favourite celebration dishes.

While Mary once more opens her kitchen up to some of TV's best-loved faces in Mary Berry's Christmas Party, as well as a seasonal special of Mary Berry's Country House.

EastEnders

Christmas is rarely a quiet time in Albert Square and this year is no exception in EastEnders.

New Year kicks off in dramatic style for Mel and Ray as their wedding day arrives but what does Mel have in store for her lying groom?

As the bride-to-be puts the final pieces of her plan into place, she comes to a disturbing realisation.

Zog

Catch the animated version of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's Zog.

The story follows an accident-prone dragon come to life.

There's a great cast including Sir Lenny Henry, Tracey Ullman, Hugh Skinner, Patsy Ferran and Kit Harington.

Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show

Amongst a number of comedy and entertainment specials, Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show returns once more.

It's stuffed with big stars, big laughs and big surprises.

...and The Queen

Finally, it wouldn't be Christmas without The Queen's Christmas Message.

It takes place on Christmas Day.

With so much great stuff to watch, we definitely think the festive season will be merry!