This Christmas, BBC Radio and BBC Sounds are set to deliver an exciting lineup of festive audio celebrations for 2025. The offerings include a variety of music, comedy, drama, and special cultural highlights, designed to unite and engage listeners throughout the holiday season.
Festive Highlights Across BBC Radio
Kate Phillips, the Chief Content Officer at BBC, emphasizes the importance of audio in fostering connection. The festive programming aims to provide an extraordinary mix of entertainment, catering to diverse tastes.
BBC Radio 1
- The Official Christmas Number 1 will be revealed on December 19.
- Exclusive Presenter Takeover will feature new hosts across key shows.
BBC Radio 2
- Jane McDonald will celebrate the music of Stevie Wonder on Christmas Day.
- Lorraine Kelly makes her Radio 2 debut in the Jeremy Vine slot.
BBC Radio 3
- Live broadcasts of “Carols Across the Country” throughout December.
- A special Advent service from St John’s College, Cambridge, celebrating Sir John Rutter’s 80th birthday.
BBC Radio 4
- Kate Winslet will be featured in a festive edition of “Desert Island Discs.”
- 75th anniversary programming of “The Archers” will be highlighted during New Year’s Day.
BBC Sounds: A Rich Selection for the Holidays
BBC Sounds will offer curated playlists and festive specials. From holiday classics to unique musical arrangements, there’s something for everyone. Notable guests will include:
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor with a “Kitchen Disco” New Year’s Eve special.
- Jarvis Cocker curating playlists for different moods.
- Romesh Ranganathan presenting alternate festive tracks.
Unique Offerings
- CBeebies Radio presents a holiday Panto and back-to-back Christmas song collections.
- The BBC World Service will share global festive programming, including a special Christmas card poem by Michael Symmons Roberts.
- Local BBC stations aim to unite communities through festive stories and music.
Together, BBC Radio and BBC Sounds are providing a comprehensive festive audio experience, ideal for joy and reflection through the Christmas and New Year period of 2025.
