What's Confirmed So Far
British broadcasters tend to announce their Christmas lineups gradually through the autumn, so this list only includes specials that have been officially confirmed by the BBC, BritBox, or another named broadcaster — nothing here is a guess. British TV Hub will keep adding to this guide as more specials are announced.
1. Ludwig: Christmas Special
Ludwig: Christmas Special
John, Lucy, and Henry escape to a remote Yorkshire hotel for the holidays, only for a blackout to turn the festivities into a locked-room murder mystery. Sir David Suchet, best known for playing Poirot, guest stars against type as a murder suspect.
2. The Other Bennet Sister: Christmas Special
The Other Bennet Sister: Christmas Special
Ella Bruccoleri returns as Mary Bennet in a three-part Christmas special (3 x 30') continuing her story after the events of the original series. Sarah Quintrell will write all three episodes from storylines by Janice Hadlow, with Asim Abbasi returning to direct. Production is taking place primarily in Wales.
3. Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms
Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms
A wartime prequel set in September 1939, following younger versions of the Poplar nuns and midwives as war is declared and Nonnatus House's world changes. Julie Hesmondhalgh, Helena Wilson, and Helen Schlesinger lead as younger Sisters Alice, Julienne, and Monica Joan, with Jenny Agutter returning to narrate as the older Sister Julienne. There's no traditional Call the Midwife Christmas special this year — this three-part prequel replaces it entirely.
4. All Creatures Great and Small: Christmas Special
All Creatures Great and Small: Christmas Special
The residents of Skeldale House return for another Christmas in the Yorkshire Dales. Channel 5 has renewed the beloved period drama for Series 7 and 8, each with its own Christmas special — this one accompanies Series 7, which begins its UK run in autumn 2026.
5. Death in Paradise: Christmas Special
Death in Paradise: Christmas Special
Death in Paradise will return with a new Christmas special in 2026. The BBC has renewed the series through Series 17 and confirmed Christmas specials for both 2026 and 2027. Details of this year's festive mystery and its US BritBox premiere have not yet been announced.
More to Look Forward To
Beyond Paradise has aired a Christmas special every year since its 2023 debut, but a 2026 special has not yet been officially confirmed. This guide will be updated if the BBC announces one.
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What Readers Ask Most
Where can I watch British Christmas specials in the US?
BritBox carries many British Christmas specials for viewers in the US and Canada, although release timing varies by programme. PBS Masterpiece carries selected period dramas and other BBC productions, while Acorn TV offers holiday episodes from some of its mystery series.
Is the Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms special coming to PBS?
As of this guide's last update, no US broadcaster has been officially confirmed. PBS has carried Call the Midwife for years, making it a strong candidate, but this page will be updated once it's confirmed.
Do I need to watch previous seasons before these specials?
The Other Bennet Sister special continues the story after the original series, so watching Season 1 first is recommended. Sisters in Arms is a prequel and works as a standalone entry point even for newcomers. Ludwig's Christmas special is a self-contained mystery, though it's more fun with Season 1 and 2 context.
Are Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise both confirmed for 2026?
Death in Paradise has officially been confirmed for a 2026 Christmas special, with the BBC renewing the series through Series 17 and confirming specials for both 2026 and 2027. Beyond Paradise has not yet received the same confirmation, although it aired Christmas specials in 2023, 2024, and 2025 — see the note above, and this guide will add it as soon as it's announced.
Affiliate disclosure: British TV Hub is a participant in the Amazon Associates program and earns from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page may be affiliate links to BritBox. This never affects the recommendations — these are genuine editorial picks.
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