Media Release: Tuesday November 28, 2017

Deck the halls with Christmas Specials

Foxtel serves up a cracker of a Christmas this December

 

The holiday season is ramping up and while you may not yet have the perfect Christmas tree or bought any presents, Foxtel is here to help with a huge selection of Christmas Specialsto watch in December. Featuring a broad offering of the best Christmas content from Lifestyle, Entertainment, Kids, Food, Movies and Music, Foxtel is a one-stop destination for entertainment and inspiration this Christmas season.

Learn how to make Christmas treats and then give them away! Feast with your eyes, instead of ruining your waistline this Christmas with the best in Christmas food and lifestyleseries and specials. Don’t silence your night, fill your holidays with festive frivolity, hilarious comedy programs and entertaining drama specials. The season just wouldn’t be the same without Christmas music, tune in to Foxtel for the best soundtracks Christmas has to offer. Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, Foxtel has the best in kids programming on their world-famous kids channels.

 

From Friday December 1 all your favourite festive shows are available to watch whenever you want On Demand, with exclusive and new channel premieres titles being added throughout the month. All these Christmas shows and more can be seen via the On Demand menu on the iQ2, iQ3, on the Foxtel App and on Foxtel Now.

LIFESTYLE

INSIDE THE CHRISTMAS FACTORY One Hour Special on Lifestyle Food

Sunday December 3 at 8.30pm, Australian Premiere

This Christmas special sees Gregg Wallace, Cherry Healey and Ruth Goodman explore the fascinating factory processes and surprising history behind the UK’s favourite festive treats. Gregg follows 24 hours of production at the world’s largest mince pie factory, Cherry travels to south Wales to meet the workers who make enough tinsel in a year to reach from there to Hawaii, and Ruth Goodman discovers the explosive history of Christmas crackers.

JAMIE’S CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK One Hour Special on Lifestyle Food

Monday December 4 at 8.30pm, STV Premiere

Over the many years Jamie Oliver has experimented with loads of different ways of cooking the Christmas classics. But this year, he’s sharing his ultimate recipes – the epic dishes that he’ll be cooking for his own family on Christmas Day.

KRISTIE’S HANDMADE CHRISTMAS Season 3 (3 episodes) on Lifestyle

Wednesdays from December 6 at 8.30pm, Australian Premiere

It’s Christmas and Kirstie is back with the aim of ensuring your yuletide is sumptuous, seamless and most of all fun-filled. In this season, Kirstie travels the length and breadth of the country on her own festive tour of Britain to celebrate and indulge in everything that makes Christmas great!

A BIG LEGO CHRISTMAS One Hour Special on Lifestyle

Thursday December 7 at 8.30pm, STV Premiere

In this brand new Christmas special that takes us behind the scenes in the lead-up to the opening of the world’s biggest Lego store in London’s Leicester, we follow Duncan – Britain’s only certified Lego professional – who is attempting to build a giant model of Tower Bridge using almost 6 million bricks! We also meet Michael and Sophie, two Lego fans that unashamedly maintain their love for the brick, and also Justin – a Lego designer whose first kit is about to hit shelves in time for Christmas.

 

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BAKE OFF Two Part Special on Lifestyle Food

Sundays from December 10 at 8.30pm, Australian Premiere

The much-loved format is back for some Christmas cheer with two brand new specials. Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Mel Giedroyc & Sue Perkins get into the festive spirit with two yuletide specials as they decide which of the four will be the winner of The Great Christmas Bake Off.

NIGELLA CHRISTMAS SPECIAL One Hour Special on Lifestyle Food

Wednesday December 20 at 8.30pm, Australian Premiere

As beautiful and inspiring as ever, Nigella’s latest series is about the food we remember eating as children, to the dishes that shaped us growing up. Nigella shows us simple ways of infusing the everyday with pleasure and flavour in the way only she can. This is the final episode of her series Nigella At My Table.

HAIRY BIKERS’ HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Season 1 on Lifestyle Food

Weeknights from Monday December 18 at 6.30pm, Australian Premiere

The Hairy Bikers return with a new festive series. Over the course of the series the Hairies show viewers how to make delicious and indulgent recipes for all sorts of Christmas occasions, from the neighbours coming round to the full traditional feast on Christmas Day.

 

FEEDING THE SUPER RICH CHRISTMAS SPECIAL One Hour Special on Lifestyle

Thursday December 21 at 9.30pm, Australian Premiere

For the UK’s millionaires, shopping has become an art form, and nothing gets them spending more than Christmas. But while we seek out bargains, the wealthy use a network of high-end suppliers of luxurious gifts and decorations.

DRAMA

BIRDS OF A FEATHER Christmas Special One Hour Special on UKTV

Wednesday December 13 at 8.30pm, Australian Premiere

The Birds are on the wing again for Christmas. Stars Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson, Lesley Joseph.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME Season 5 Christmas Final Episode on showcase

Sunday December 24 at 7.30pm, Australian Premiere LOCAL PRODUCTION

It’s Christmas at Ash Park and the Bligh family must deal with some deep ethical questions.

 

CALL THE MIDWIFE 90 Minute Christmas Special on BBC First              

December Australian Premiere on EXPRESS FROM THE UK

The Christmas Special opens with Poplar under a thick blanket of snow, as the midwives face the challenge of the coldest winter for 300 years. Battling against snow, ice, power cuts and frozen pipes, the midwives strive to provide the best possible care for their patients. Guest starring Anita Dobson (EastEnders).

VICTORIA 90 Minute Christmas Special on BBC First   

December Australian Premiere on EXPRESS FROM THE UK

Victoria’s second season came to a dramatic close but fans of the series may be shocked in this 90 minute special. Despite the festive family celebrations, this could be the winter when Victoria’s (Jenna Coleman) husband Prince Albert (Tom Hughes) finally succumbs to a deathly illness.

ENTERTAINMENT

THE DAILY SHOW’S THE YEARLY SHOW Season 2 Finale on The Comedy Channel

Tuesday December 19 at 9.00pm, Australian Premiere EXPRESS FROM US

Hosted by Trevor Noah, The Daily Show’s The Yearly Show 2017 year-end special, featuring The Best F#@king News Team, will tape at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City.

THE PRESIDENT SHOW I CAME UP WITH CHRISTMAS Season 2 Finale on The Comedy Channel

Wednesday December 20 at 9.00pm, Australian Premiere

I Came Up with Christmas: A President Show Christmas will feature the 45th and final President of the United States (played by The President Show creator Anthony Atamanuik) alongside the Vice President (Peter Grosz). The duo celebrate the holiday in a night of comedy, music, jingle bells, and dog whistles as they try to make this the whitest Christmas ever.

 

SUPERMANSION: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Season 2 Finale on The Comedy Channel

Sunday December 24 at 6.00pm, Australian Premiere

When an interstellar imp named Mr. Skibumpers unleashes a real-life Santa Claus, the League of Freedom must stop Mr. Skibumpers’ plans and save Christmas.

ALASKAN BUSH PEOPLE: A BROWNTOWN CHRISTMAS One Hour Special on Discovery Channel

Wednesday December 13 at 10.30pm, Australian Premiere

Ever wondered what Christmas would be like off the grid? Meet the Browns; unconventional, unique and a little offbeat, the family live off the grid, deep within the Alaskan bush. Raised wild, they are the epitome of self-sufficient, having built their home, Browntown, from the ground up themselves and live off the land. So removed from civilisation, over the years the family of nine has developed their own customs, laws and even accents and have a deep connection to nature. In the past, Christmas was a time to reconnect with extended family, but this year the family’s staying in Browntown and bringing old traditions to their new home. There’s a lot of work to do and knowing the Browns, the road to the perfect holiday will be anything but smooth!

MUSIC

CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS 90 Minute Special on CMC

Monday December 11 at 7pm, Australian Premiere

Reba McEntire hosts some of the most powerful and emotionally moving voices in music, as they come together to celebrate. Enjoy the magic of the holidays with your favourite stars as they perform classic Christmas songs and share treasured memories.

 

IOLANTA: THE NUTCRACKER on FOXTEL ARTS

Monday December 18 at 9.30pm, Australian Premiere

This “fairy-tale ballet” recounts the adventures of young Clara one Christmas night, during which the nutcracker she has been given leads her into a magical world.

J.S BACH: CHRISTMAS ORATORIO BALLET BY JOHN NEUMEIER on FOXTEL ARTS

Sunday December 24 at 11.00pm, Australian Premiere

The Christmas Oratorio BWV 248 by Johann Sebastian Bach was written for the Christmas season of 1734 in Leipzig. Christian Thielemann leads the Staatskapelle Dresden along with a roster of top soloists.

 

A SMOOTH CHRISTMAS WITH CAMERON AND MARCIA Two Hour Special on Foxtel Smooth

Christmas Day Monday December 25 at 8am, encores at 12noon & 4pm, Australian Premiere

Spend this Christmas with your Smooth family. Join Cameron Daddo and Marcia Hines as they play some of their favourite Christmas songs, while sharing stories, memories and laughs. There’s also very special performance by Marcia. Share in the festive cheer!

CHRIS ISAAK – A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, Two Hour Special on MAX

Christmas Day Monday December 25 at 8am, encores at 1pm & 6pm, Australian Premiere

Join international Superstar Chris Isaak and his band mate Kenny for A Very Merry Christmas! So much Christmas cheer, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear! Chris will be singing a few of his favourite Christmas songs and playing you the greatest Christmas music videos we could find.

A [V]ERY MERRY XMAS TOP 30, Two Hour Countdown Special on [V]

Christmas Day Monday December 25 from 7.00am

Have yourself a [v]ery merry Xmas, ‘cause it’s the “most wonderful day of the year”! Get right into the spirit of Christmas and have a jolly sing-along to 30 of the biggest modern Christmas crackers courtesy of [V]. All we want for Christmas is the ultimate holiday playlist, so prepare for a total carol-coma!

KIDS

CHRISTMAS ON CBEEBIES

Every day on CBeebies from December 1 to 25

It’s going to be a magical Christmas season on CBeebies, with all your favourite CBeebies friends joining in the festivities! Celebrate all the fun of the Christmas season with Hey Duggee, Sarah & Duck, Go Jetters, Charlie & Lola and more, for lots of Christmas-time fun and adventures.

SANTA’S ROCKIN’ WORKSHOP on Cartoon Network

From December 1 to 25

From December 1 all the way to Christmas, kids will have a chance to enjoy back-to-back brand new episodes from Mighty Magiswords, The Powerpuff Girls, We Bare Bears, andRegular Show, including Christmas specials from your favourite Cartoon Network shows. The festive Christmas Special also includes two very special movie screenings: Tom and Jerry: Santa’s Little Helpers and Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas.

LIV AND MADDIE – CALI-CHRISTMAS-A-ROONEY on Disney Channel

Thursday December 7 at 5.30pm, Australian Premiere 

Maddie is upset that she can’t be in Wisconsin for Christmas and to cheer her up, Liv plans an incredible surprise.

BIZAARDVARK ‘A KILLER ROBOT CHRISTMAS’ on Disney Channel

Wednesday December 14 at 5.30pm, Australian Premiere

In Bizaardvark ‘A Killer Robot Christmas’ Paige invites a bunch of deserving kids to Vuugle to celebrate the holidays with Bizaardvark.

TINY CHRISTMAS on Nickelodeon

Friday December 15 at 6.30pm, Australian Premiere

Enjoy a Nickelodeon original movie this December to celebrate the holidays! It’s Christmas Eve and a clumsy elf accidentally shrinks down two kids into miniature sizes. The kids are scooped up into Santa’s sack and dropped off across the street at their neighbour’s house. In order to make it home for Christmas (just one house away!), the tiny kids have to work together to navigate holiday hazards.

THE LION GUARDS TIMON AND PUMBAA’S CHRISTMAS on Disney Junior

Saturday December 16 at 5.15pm, Australian Premiere

Get into the festive spirit with The Lion Guards Timon and Pumbaa’s Christmas, as Bunga and the guard help give Timon and Pumbaa a ‘real’ Christmas.

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE: ‘STUCK AT CHRISTMAS – THE MOVIE’ on Disney Channel

Thursday December 21 at 5.30pm, Australian Premiere

In Stuck in the Middle: ‘Stuck at Christmas – The Movie’, Harley rallies her siblings and parents to take a trip to Florida to celebrate Christmas with their Abuela (grandmother), but in true Diaz fashion, things go awry.

BRAND NEW CHRISTMAS SPECIALS on Boomerang

Sunday December 24 and Monday December 25

The brand new holiday special rounds up all of our favourite Christmas themed episodes across all shows in a two day extravaganza. Watch as the Wacky Races travel to the North Pole and accidentally run over Santa Claus leaving it to the Racers to take his place and save Christmas. The Scooby Doo gang enter Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” as they try and get to the bottom of the mysterious ghost tormenting Scrooge in 1843 England. Finally, in the festive episode of Chowder, Chowder hatches a plan to save Mung’s dignity in order to ensure everyone has a Merry Knishmas.

MOVIES

In addition to the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Pop Up Movie Channel starting December 14, Fox Classics will air two weeks of family favourite films in the lead up to Christmas. From Monday December 11 to Friday December 15 at 8.35pm watch FOX CLASSICS MERRY MUSICALS FOR CHRISTMAS with musical favourites bound to get the entire family singing. The following week from Monday December 18 to Monday December 25 at 8.35pm watch FOX CLASSICS ‘TIS THE SEASON – PRESENTED BY GRAEME BLUNDELL and enjoy classic Christmas themed movies including It’s a Wonderful Life, Meet Me In St. Louis and more in the week leading up to Christmas Day.

The full line-up of Christmas programming includes popular returning series and specials such as Andre Rieu, Kylie and Michael Buble specials on Foxtel Arts and the hilarious A MOODY CHRISTMAS complete season and A GERT LUSH CHRISTMAS special on The Comedy Channel.

For more information on Christmas listings visit foxtel.com.au/tvguide.