The beloved tradition of the Doctor Who Christmas special was revitalized in 2024 with “The Church on Ruby Road,”adding yet another festive installment to a long-standing series. The journey of Doctor Who, reimagined by Russell T. Davies in 2005, has evolved significantly since the original Christmas special aired on December 25, 1965, featuring the First Doctor, played by William Hartnell, in “The Feast of Steven.”Four decades later, David Tennant celebrated a new era with “The Christmas Invasion,”establishing a now-cherished holiday custom, which has since been revived by Davies.
During Jodie Whittaker’s tenure with showrunner Chris Chibnall, the BBC shifted the release of specials from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day, bringing a fresh perspective to the format. Chibnall’s unique Dalek trilogy differed distinctly from Davies’s holiday exuberance and Steven Moffat’s melancholic storytelling. Regardless of their varied tones, each showrunner ensured that the Doctor Who holiday special remained a family-friendly blockbuster, although not all specials are heralded as the pinnacle of Doctor Who storytelling; a select few have garnered prestigious acclaim.
18
The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe
Aired Christmas Day, 2011
The second Christmas special featuring Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor, “The Doctor, the Widow, and the Wardrobe,”despite its festive premise, is often considered the weakest of his specials. While the Doctor attempts to sprinkle some Christmas cheer for the grieving Arwell family, the emotional essence is overshadowed by a lack of thrilling stakes. Leaning on the inspiration from C.S. Lewis, the outcome feels somewhat flat.
17
The Return of Doctor Mysterio
Aired Christmas Day, 2016
In a nod to the superhero craze inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Steven Moffat’s “The Return of Doctor Mysterio”draws from the classic 1978 film Superman, featuring Peter Capaldi and Matt Lucas embroiled in a somewhat dated narrative set in New York. Released in a year void of regular Doctor Who episodes, it failed to evoke that same holiday magic.
16
Revolution of the Daleks
Aired New Year’s Day, 2021
“Revolution of the Daleks,”the second of Chibnall’s Dalek specials, while grand in scale, often keeps the Thirteenth Doctor, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, sidelined, exploring a multitude of arcs. The ambitious narrative intertwines the UK government’s sanctioning of Daleks as law enforcers and the reappearance of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) while attempting to accommodate the exits of Graham (Bradley Walsh) and Ryan (Tosin Cole). The ambition overshadows clarity, diluting the impact of a well-executed special.
15
Resolution
Aired New Year’s Day, 2019
Interestingly, “Resolution”is not the inaugural New Year’s Day special and marks a return of the Daleks since the show’s inception. The episode transitions from festivities into a thrilling encounter with a single Dalek, reestablishing the iconic enemy as a formidable threat, albeit it falls short of becoming an unforgettable holiday classic.
14
The Church on Ruby Road
Aired Christmas Day, 2023
“The Church on Ruby Road”diverges notably from earlier Christmas specials, ushering in a fresh direction with Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson captivating audiences as the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday. Although imbued with promise and complemented by engaging Goblin-themed elements, the episode is somewhat hampered by its confined setting, primarily unfolding within Ruby’s flat.
13
The Snowmen
Aired Christmas Day, 2012
Regarded as a high point among Christmas specials, “The Snowmen”introduces Jenna Coleman’s Clara Oswald charmingly and effectively revives the sinister Great Intelligence as a looming presence. The episode represents a successful intersection of clever storytelling and stunning visual aesthetics, establishing itself firmly as a fan-favorite, even amidst the Eleventh Doctor’s more somber themes post-Amy and Rory.
12
Eve of the Daleks
Aired New Year’s Day 2022
“Eve of the Daleks”stands out as Chris Chibnall’s most comedic script, enriched by performances from actors like John Bishop and Aisling Bea. A captivating blend of “Groundhog Day”dynamics with Dalek peril infuses this episode with originality, showcasing Jodie Whittaker’s impressive portrayal amid challenging production conditions during the pandemic. It’s a testament to creativity overcoming adversity.
11
Last Christmas
Aired Christmas Day, 2014
In a masterful mix of tones, “Last Christmas”brings Nick Frost as Santa Claus into a scenario reminiscent of horror films, creating an unexpected yet delightful experience. It captures the essence of festive narratives, exploring themes of redemption and offering surprises that keep viewers engaged and reflective throughout the adventure.
10
Joy To The World
Aired Christmas Day, 2024
The latest installment, “Joy to the World,”showcases a grieving Doctor adjusting after a companion’s departure while introducing fascinating new elements like the Time Hotel. Ncuti Gatwa’s energetic performance as the Fifteenth Doctor throughout historical sequences invigorates the episode, making it an engaging experience despite some significant shifts in the Doctor Who canon.
9
Voyage of the Damned
Aired Christmas Day, 2007
While some aspects of “Voyage of the Damned”may detract from its seasonal appeal, its adventurous essence secures its spot as a thrilling ride. Introducing Kylie Minogue as the unforgettable Astrid Peth, this episode combines high stakes with emotional weight, making it a resounding entry in the Doctor Who holiday canon.
8
The Husbands of River Song
Aired Christmas Day, 2015
This special, originally envisioned as Steven Moffat’s swan song, encapsulates everything that fans adore about Doctor Who while providing closure to River Song’s intricate narrative. With lighthearted humor, adventurous sequences, and larger-than-life villains, it stands as a quintessential example of what a Doctor Who Christmas special should deliver.
7
The Runaway Bride
Aired Christmas Day, 2006
The debut of Donna Noble, brilliantly portrayed by Catherine Tate, in “The Runaway Bride,”blends humor, adventure, and Christmas whimsy seamlessly. Packed with thrilling escapades involving monstrous adversaries, it exemplifies all the charm and excitement that makes Doctor Who special, securing its place among the very best holiday episodes.
6
The Next Doctor
Aired Christmas Day, 2008
The intriguing premise of “The Next Doctor”keeps viewers engaged beyond the reveal of its titular character’s identity. It illustrates profound themes of heroism and familial bonds while introducing a fantastical steampunk antagonist, crafting a narrative that lingers in the minds of fans long after the credits roll.
5
A Christmas Carol
Aired Christmas Day, 2010
With overt references to Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol”superbly weaves traditional holiday themes into Doctor Who’s sci-fi fabric. Michael Gambon’s portrayal of Scrooge alongside Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor offers a fresh twist, creating a delightful narrative that honors the spirit of Christmas while exploring new concepts.
4
The Christmas Invasion
Aired Christmas Day, 2005
As the inaugural Christmas special of the revived series, “The Christmas Invasion”introduced a mix of festive themes intertwined with unforeseen peril. David Tennant’s anticipated debut maintained the show’s trademark wit and charm, laying the foundation for future holiday specials while establishing memorable narrative threads with the Sycorax.
3
Twice Upon A Time
Aired Christmas Day, 2017
“Twice Upon a Time”serves as a poignant farewell to Peter Capaldi’s Doctor while reflecting on legacies and transitions within the series. The insightful interactions between the First Doctor (David Bradley) and the Twelfth Doctor evoke a sense of nostalgia, artfully intertwining the past and future—a moving tribute that resonates profoundly with fans.
2
The Time of the Doctor
Aired Christmas Day, 2013
In his final adventure, Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor faced down significant challenges, encapsulating the emotional weight attached to his arc. “The Time of the Doctor”delicately balances the expectations of a Christmas special with the closing of a beloved character’s chapter, resulting in a powerful narrative rich with heartfelt moments and elevated stakes.
1
The End of Time Parts 1 and 2
Aired Christmas Day 2009 and New Year’s Day 2010
“The End of Time”stands as a masterpiece of storytelling within the Doctor Who universe, intertwining profound emotional beats with dramatic intensity and celebrating David Tennant’s extensive journey as the Tenth Doctor. This two-part special manages to capture the audience’s heart, ensuring it remains the pinnacle of Christmas specials in the series’ storied history.
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