Doctor Who Christmas Specials: What Makes Them Special?

In the vast universe of television, there’s a phenomenon that transcends time and space—an annual tradition that unites Whovians across generations. Enter the enchanting world of Doctor Who Christmas specials.

To understand why the Doctor Who Christmas episodes are so special, one has to recognize how special the show as a whole is, in and of itself.

The BBC TV show Doctor Who is a wonderful set of stories that bridge the generations. The first episode aired in 1963 and was originally an educational show for children. But it has evolved in the 60 years it has been on air. New villains have crept onto fans’ scenes. New friends in the form of the companions have graced them as well. 

No matter what happens, the Doctor, an alien with a complicated past and a love for humanity, is the titular hero of the show. The actor playing the Doctor has changed many times throughout the years, but through incarnations a new Doctor is ‘born’. The Doctor is a person who fights with everything in them for humanity and for others. The Doctor has never met a person who isn’t important, and isn’t that wonderful? Whether teaching us lessons, making us laugh, or cry, this character has been a huge part of many lives.

Fans have been lucky to have a fairly steady release of new episodes in the past 60 years. As the show has grown in popularity it has even become a family staple in different countries. I remember growing up we couldn’t even watch Doctor Who because I grew up outside of the UK, where it was primarily broadcast on BBC. Now the show is popular enough to not only be watched online, the 50th anniversary special announcing the new doctor aired on cable TV. My friend Maggie has never watched an episode in her life but she tuned in because it was such a big deal. 

And, like any popular show, the Christmas specials are always given extra attention by everyone from the writers, actors, and production staff of the show to the viewers, who add their favorites to their “must watch” shows for the season. Every year The Doctor will meet some yuletide threat. With their friends to help, some lessons will be learned and the evil faced. There will be good music and great costumes. Every year we tune in to see what will happen. Some years we even say goodbye or hello to someone. 

The Christmas specials are a very big part of a show that is already special to people. They have been a tradition for many families. For all kinds of fans it has been a yearly way to come together and celebrate. 

This year we will get a special for the brand new Doctor!

I could not be more excited. This is a tradition that I hope to continue with my friends this year. I am ready to laugh and cry. I cannot wait to talk to other fans about it. While it is always hard to say goodbye, greeting the new Doctor on Christmas always feels very special.  

While a newer tradition for Doctor Who fans these holiday specials have become favorite episodes. They are beloved. They are a gift that we love to receive and share. These are some of the best stories. The most heartfelt stories. 

It is a wonderful tradition that I hope will continue. 

ALWAYS KEEP SPARKLING!!!