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Best TV Christmas Specials to Watch This December.

The snow is falling, the Baileys is pouring and it's the time of year where you just want to watch anything remotely festive. Besides all the classic Christmas films (Home Alone, Love Actually, the list goes on...), there are some GREAT Xmas specials to be watched during December.

There's something extra special about watching your fave characters having fun during the yuletide and these episodes will have you willing Santa to come down your chimney, ASAP. From UK sitcoms, to mega US series, let us guide your through your must-watch list of festive episodes for Christmas 2022...

Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special (Series 2, Episode 8)

BBC One - Gavin & Stacey, Christmas Special

There's no doubt that Gavin and Stacey is one of the UK's most culturally iconic comedies and their 2008 Xmas Special is no exception. As the Wests join the Shipmans for Christmas dinner, tensions are high between Smithy and Nessa, presents get wrapped in tinfoil, and Uncle Bryn is here to dish out the Mint Baileys. Make sure this classic episode is on your watchlist this year- Oh Oh Oh, Merry Christmas.

New Girl: LAXmas (Season 4, Episode 11)

New Girl has gifted us with 4 great festive specials, but it is LAXmas that has our heart. With the gang planning on spending Christmas in various locations, it wouldn't be NG without some chaos foiling all of their plans. We won't share any spoilers, but if you love Jess Day and her best friends, make sure you don't miss out on this (or any other) festive special.

Downton Abbey: Christmas at Downton Abbey (Series 2, Episode 7)

Holiday Viewing: Downton Abbey Christmas Specials: We rank the holidays  with the Crawley family - Screens - The Austin Chronicle

If period dramas are more your thing, Downton Abbey has the perfect selection of  offerings for you. This episode has all the classic elements of Downton- drama, tension, romance, and an archaic wardrobe to be majorly envious of. There's something extra magical about watching a 1919 Christmas party- the Edwardians really knew how to celebrate, that's for certain.

Cuckoo (Series 2, Episode 7)

BBC iPlayer - Cuckoo - Series 2: 7. Christmas Special

Our fave silly comedy, starring Greg Davies, has an extra hilarious offering for Christmas. With Dale hung up on Rachel, and Lorna convinced she's the next Virgin Mary, this Xmas special tops the list for laugh out loud moments- especially when Ken is asked to play Santa Claus because of his 'stature'. Cuckoo is a hidden gem of BBC Three and if you haven't already watched, we recommend you do so, ASAP.

Black-ish: Compton Around the Christmas Tree (Season 7, Episode 8)

Black-ish - Episode 7.06 - Compton Around the Christmas Tree - Promotional  Photos + Press Release

US comedy series, Black-ish has received masses of critical acclaim, and it's no wonder why. This Christmas special is as amusing as ever, with Dre taking his family to Compton to help them understand the true meaning of Christmas. If it's some wholesome, hilarious watching you're after, this is the show for you.

Glee: A Very Glee Christmas (Series 2, Episode 10)

Glee' recap, 'Previously Unaired Christmas' - Baltimore Sun

Glee has four Christmas specials, but it is the original one that we love the most. This episode features Kurt and Blaine's iconic duet of 'Baby, It's Cold Outside', Brittany still believing in Santa and Sue sabotaging the staff Secret Santa- what more could you want from a festive special of this cheesy musical comedy- drama?

The Great Christmas Bake Off 2021

Great British Bake Off 2021 Christmas special | Release date, contestants -  Radio Times

*Techically* this is an episode due to be released, but we just know it's going to be great. GBBO has a whole range of festive specials you can watch and we know that 2021's edition with the cast of 'It's A Sin' will be just as fab. Starring Olly Alexander and co, we can't wait to see what festive delights the team whip up.

Ru Paul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular

Watch RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-Slay Spectacular | Netflix

Any Drag Race fans will be obsessed with 2018's festive special, featuring lip syncs of Ru's iconic Christmas song collection. Featuring various queens from previous series, this is a super fun spin on the regular format of Drag Race; if it's campness and fun you're after to get you in the Christmas spirit, this is certainly the Xmas special for you.