Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
Sir Quentin Blake’s timeless British books get the animation treatment in this delightful series of short stories. Narrated by Adrian Lester, the tales – which include Jack and Nancy, Zagazoo and Angel Pavement – feature the voices of some of Britain’s best acting talent, from Simon Pegg to Alison Steadman.
Dodger
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
An impressive cast – which includes Paul Whitehouse, Simon Callow, Christopher Eccleston and Nicola Coughlan – might be lost on the target audience for CBBC’s Oliver Twist prequel, but it makes for fantastic TV no matter your age. In this festive special, Dodger and his gang are on a mission to rob the Crown Jewels before Queen Victoria’s coronation.
Robin Hood
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
This year’s CBeebies panto kicks off with the Sheriff of Nottingham hatching a naughty plan to destroy Sherwood Forest and build her own mega mansion. Robin Hood and his Merry Band (made up of a cast of CBeebies presenters) spring into action to protect their beloved home.
The Famous Five
Streaming now, BBC iPlayer
Enid Blyton’s timeless adventures get a modern reimagining in this new series. George, Julian, Dick, Anne and Timmy the dog tackle treacherous mysteries and secrets, beginning with “The Curse of Kirrin Island”, in which they investigate a washed-up body linked to a local curse on an uninhabited island, beginning on an uninhabited island.
Mog’s Christmas
Christmas Eve, 7.45pm, Channel 4
Did you know Mog is based on one of Judith Kerr’s real-life cats? This charming animation featuring the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy follows the festive adventures of the cherished feline. As the Thomas family prepares for Christmas with guests, Mog feels neglected at Christmas-time and ends up stranded on the roof. Will she make it home in time for Christmas Day?
The Heist Before Christmas
Christmas Eve, 8pm, Sky Max
When 12-year-old Scrooge Mikey Collins comes across two Santa Clauses in the woods, he’s much more interested in the grisly bloke who’s just robbed a bank (James Nesbitt) than the man who claims he’s just fallen out of his sleigh (Timothy Spall). But as he risks everything to get his hands on the cash, he comes to realise that maybe the spirit of Christmas is alive after all.
Tabby McTat
Christmas Day, 2.35pm, BBC One
Adapted from Julia Donaldson’s beloved book, this adorable animation tells the tale of the close friendship between a musical cat, Tabby McTat (voiced by Sopé Dìrísú), and busker Fred (Rob Brydon). When their earnings are robbed, Fred breaks his leg chasing the thief and is whisked away in an ambulance leaving Tabby to fend for himself on the streets. Even the hardest of hearts will grow three sizes.
Doctor Who Christmas Special
Christmas Day, 5.55pm, BBC One
Following the incredible success of the return of David Tennant, the 15th Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, will officially make his first full-episode debut in this Christmas special. Plot details are scant, but we do know we’ll also meet his new companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), who was abandoned in the snow as a baby many Christmas Eves ago…