The Christmas season is upon us, and for long-time Doctor Who fans, that means it’s time for some special holiday-themed episodes from the beloved series. As a longstanding Doctor Who tradition, since 2005, the show has been airing annual Christmas specials. While the show itself has had its highs and lows, the Christmas specials have generally been met with positive reviews from fans of all ages.
From wacky adventures with comedic aliens, to emotional stories that make you feel nostalgic, the Christmas specials have been a highlight of the entire production. With the festive holiday season almost here, now is a great time to look back at some of the best Doctor Who Christmas specials, so here is a list of the must-watch Doctor Who Christmas specials of all time.
Doctor Who has been on the air since 1963, and with it came a rich mythology that’s now grown to span hundreds of episodes, three spin-offs, several animated series, and a host of other media. The show has changed a lot over the years, from the look and feel of it to the lead character itself, who changes bodies and faces every few seasons. Where the Doctors come and go, however, a constant remains in the form of the show’s annual Christmas specials. Each year, viewers get to sit down with a cup of hot cocoa and watch these festive episodes, brimming with fun and adventure.
Here, we’ll take a look at the history of the Christmas specials, which began in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston’s Doctor and ended in 2018 with Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor. We’ll highlight some of the most beloved specials that have made the biggest impression on viewers over the years, with stories reminders of why Doctor Who is considered such a family-friendly show.
The History of Doctor Who Christmas Specials
Doctor Who Christmas specials have been broadcast every year since 2005 with the first one airing on Christmas Day. These episodes have an important place in the show’s history as they give viewers a holiday-themed story usually separate from the main arc or adventures of the Doctor. They are a way to provide a special look into characters’ lives and relationships, the show’s newest incarnation, and even touch on some of the more emotional moments.
Each special has something for everyone, whether it’s a fun adventure that’s sure to make anyone laugh, or a heartfelt story about love, loss, and friendship. Some episodes have even taken a page from classic Christmas stories like A Christmas Carol, or focused on darker themes like the Doctor sacrificing himself to save the world. The specials give viewers something new and unique while still maintaining the heart and soul of Doctor Who.
The Nine Classic Must-Watch Doctor Who Christmas Specials
- The Christmas Invasion (2005)
The first-ever Doctor Who Christmas special was The Christmas Invasion, starring David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor. Coming straight off his regeneration, the Doctor returns to Earth just in time to save the world from an alien invasion. Part Christmas story part adventure, this special sees the Doctor and Rose Tyler hunting down a villain and trying to save the day.
- The Runaway Bride (2006)
The Runaway Bride sees the Tenth Doctor team up with the newly introduced Donna Noble (played by Catherine Tate) to put a stop to an alien wedding plan. Along the way, Donna learns the truth about the Doctor and their friendship develops as the episode progresses. This special was an instant classic and a favorite from fans ever since its premiere.
- Voyage of the Damned (2007)
The third special of the Tenth Doctor era was Voyage of the Damned and revolved around a Titanic-style cruise ship, The Titanic. On board are an alien race known as the Ood and their human servants, as well as a surprise guest, the Doctor. With the ship under threat, the Doctor and companions must figure out what is going on before the ship and everyone on board are destroyed.
- The Next Doctor (2008)
The fourth Christmas episode, The Next Doctor, sees the Doctor facing a strange new enemy who believes him to be an incarnation of the Doctor from the future. The special takes a darker turn as the Doctor is betrayed, and battles a dysfunctional relationship to save the day.
- A Christmas Carol (2010)
The fifth Christmas special, A Christmas Carol, is a direct adaptation of the famous novel by Charles Dickens. In this special, the Eleventh Doctor must travel to a far off planet and use time-travel and time manipulation to save a family from a cruel dictator.
- The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe (2011)
The sixth Christmas episode, The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe, sees the Doctor connecting with an old war widow and her children who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the war. As they explore a forgotten land, the Doctor faces a difficult decision and learns the true meaning of Christmas.
- The Snowmen (2012)
The seventh Christmas special, The Snowmen, features the first appearance of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswin Oswald, the Doctor’s companion in the seventh series. In this episode, the Doctor is living in exile and aiding an old friend in stopping an evil plan in Victorian London.
- Last Christmas (2014)
The eighth Christmas special, Last Christmas, features the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and Clara as they confront a dream world full of strange creatures. Lost in this dream world, the Doctor and Clara must decipher what’s real and what isn’t before it’s too late.
- The Return Of Doctor Mysterio (2016)
The ninth and final Doctor Who Christmas special, The Return Of Doctor Mysterio, stars Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor and introduces the character of Grant Gordon/The Ghost/The Service Chief. The Doctor finds himself teaming up with an alien superhero to save New York City from an alien threat.
Doctor Who has a long and storied history, and with it come these annual Christmas episodes that are now part of the show’s legacy. Whether its a fun adventure, a heartfelt story, or a darker tale, these Christmas specials have given us a special look into the show’s beloved characters and worlds. From The Christmas Invasion to The Return Of Doctor Mysterio, these nine must-watch Doctor Who Christmas specials are sure to bring joy and happiness to viewers of all ages this holiday season. So forget about the snow, wrap up in your warmest scarf, and settle down for a Whovian Christmas special!