Every ‘Doctor Who’ Christmas Special, Ranked

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As a long-time fan of Doctor Who, I must say that Steven Moffat has truly outdone himself with his Christmas Specials. Each one is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and high-concept sci-fi storytelling that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season.

Since around two decades ago, the popular TV show Doctor Who has consistently aired a special episode during each holiday season. Originally these were Christmas Specials from the year 2005 until 2017, but after the debut of Jodie Whittaker’s time as the Thirteenth Doctor, they shifted to New Year’s Specials instead. These New Year’s episodes ran from New Year’s Day in 2019 up through 2022 (with an exception in 2020 for the start of that year’s series), and were replaced by Christmas Specials once more in 2023.

Year after year, it’s typically the showrunner who pens these cheerful holiday episodes for “Doctor Who,” making them a much-anticipated event in Whovians’ festive schedules. These episodes often embody the series’ lighter, more joyful – even playful – side. Interestingly, not everyone may be aware that the tradition of Christmas “Doctor Who” dates back to 1965. The seventh episode of “The Daleks’ Master Plan,” titled “The Feast of Steven,” was the unique one among the original 1963-1989 series to air on Christmas Day.

In the 21st century, the Christmas Special has become an annual tradition, making “Doctor Who” all the more delightful. Many of these episodes offer an enjoyable journey, although some may not be particularly exceptional. This year, Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor will be dealing with a hotel where its rooms span different time periods. It’s exciting for fans to see that even in a show running for such a long time, there’s still room for quirky storylines and imaginative ideas. Without further delay, here is a list ranking every “Doctor Who” Christmas and New Year’s special.

19
“Resolution” (2019)

Kicking off the New Year’s special episodes for the first time, “Resolution” marked Jodie Whittaker’s debut as the Doctor. Regrettably, it didn’t quite measure up to past holiday installments. The story revolves around a Dalek reconstructing itself from scrap metal. Unfortunately, the updated Dalek appearance is rather unattractive and the narrative suffers from confusion with no discernible flow. There’s an odd side plot involving Ryan encountering his father, but it feels disconnected, and the start of Doctor Who’s New Year’s specials wasn’t off to a promising beginning.

18
“The Doctor, the Widow, and the Wardrobe” (2011)

In a clear homage to the Chronicles of Narnia tales, Matt Smith’s second Christmas Special in the main role fell short of expectations. Although it wasn’t outright poor, the elements borrowed from Narnia were not fully exploited, and the ending introduced peculiar tree creatures whose intentions were somewhat unclear, leaving viewers with many questions. Notable aspects include the portrayal of the Doctor’s interaction with and attitude towards childhood imagination, as well as an exceptional performance by Claire Skinner as Madge Arwell.

17
“The End of Time” (2009-2010)

David Tennant’s final appearance before his later returns in 2013 and 2023 was presented as a two-part series, airing on Christmas Day 2009 and New Year’s Day 2010. Known as “The End of Time,” this grand production brought back several familiar characters such as Wilfred Mott, The Master played by John Simm, and even the Time Lords from Gallifrey.

Despite some compelling scenes, particularly during the latter half of the second segment, the narrative doesn’t always flow smoothly – even with an outstanding portrayal by Timothy Dalton as Rassilon. David Tennant’s closing speech provokes debate, yet it’s undeniable that this episode ranks among the most emotionally intense in Doctor Who‘s long history.

16
“The Next Doctor” (2008)

As a movie reviewer, I found myself thoroughly captivated by the unique blend of futuristic enemies and Victorian-era charm in “The Next Doctor.” The concept of Cybermen invading 19th-century London was such an intriguing prospect that it seems almost surprising it hadn’t been explored earlier than 2008. In this particular episode, the narrative revolves around David Morrisey’s character, who claims to be a future reincarnation of the Doctor himself.

15
“Voyage of the Damned” (2007)

Following a spacecraft resembling the Titanic colliding with the TARDIS, the Tenth Doctor embarks on an exciting journey alongside temporary companion Astrid Peth, aiming to rescue the Starship Titanic. The story’s highlight lies in the fact that Astrid is portrayed by the renowned Kylie Minogue. Although the plot may be thin, the notable casting choice leaves a lasting impression for “Voyage of the Damned,” ensuring it remains memorable among fans.

14
“The Church on Ruby Road” (2023)

Ncuti Gatwa’s initial full episode as The Doctor, while showcasing his character development and chemistry with companion Ruby Sunday (played by Millie Gibson), seems to falter somewhat in terms of plot coherence and resolution. An unexpected musical interlude adds a touch of fun, although it appears somewhat unrelated to the storyline. Nonetheless, this premiere offers a thrilling glimpse into the fresh direction of the series, and despite some narrative inconsistencies, it’s difficult to criticize its role in introducing the new Doctor and season.

13
“The Time of the Doctor” (2013)

Matt Smith’s final “Doctor Who” tale, titled “The Time of the Doctor,” serves as a tribute to all that has transpired during his time as the main character. It includes callbacks to various moments throughout his tenure and wraps up storylines that were first introduced months ago. This series finale provides Matt Smith with one last chance to display his versatility, and the fact that the story takes place in a town named Christmas adds a delightful touch that makes it hard not to like. “The Time of the Doctor” stands out as a remarkable regeneration story and offers an ideal send-off for a Doctor who is frequently compared to an old soul in a young body.

12
“Last Christmas” (2014)

In simpler terms, “Last Christmas” can be described as a unique blend of “Doctor Who,” “Alien,” and “Inception.” Instead of traditional characters, we have Santa Claus, portrayed charmingly by Nick Frost. The story cleverly explores dream structures and alien encounters in a thoughtful manner, while also tidying up loose ends from previous series. Both Jenna Coleman and Peter Capaldi deliver exceptional performances, with Coleman’s portrayal being particularly noteworthy. This Christmas special offers a darker interpretation of the holiday theme.

11
“Revolution of the Daleks” (2021)

Two years after the original series “Resolution,” the sequel titled “Revolution of the Daleks” continued storylines developed across the 12th season of Doctor Who. The narrative commences with the Doctor confined in prison, having uncovered the mystery that she is the Timeless Child.

In contrast to the quick dismissal of the danger from the last season finale, the tempo swiftly escalates upon the arrival of Captain Jack Harkness. His brief appearance in the previous series seems more like a proper comeback for this character, and with a Dalek civil war brewing and multiple events unfolding, it’s just the right dose of uplifting excitement needed to kick off New Year’s Day.

10
“The Daleks’ Master Plan: The Feast of Steven” (1965)

The 12-part series titled “The Daleks’ Master Plan,” initially aired from 1965-1966, stands among the most esteemed classic “Doctor Who” stories ever produced. This high regard is remarkable considering that not a single complete episode has survived for viewing; only audio recordings and scattered stills from various episodes remain.

The Feast of Steven” takes a bold step by deviating entirely from its series’ narrative and instead opting for a humorous police identity mix-up farce. Indeed, it’s an episode that showcases humor with varying success, but given its role in the larger storyline, it deserves a spot on this list. To round things off, the Doctor addresses viewers directly, wishing everyone “a Merry Christmas!” What a delight!

9
“The Christmas Invasion” (2005)

David Tennant’s debut as the Doctor coincided with the show’s inaugural full-length Christmas Special, an unusual twist since the Doctor himself is scarcely present. Instead, this episode offers a platform for Camille Coduri and Billie Piper to shine, displaying their acting talents as the mother-daughter duo Jackie and Rose Tyler. When Tennant finally makes his entrance at the end, it’s a powerful moment that solidifies Doctor Who‘s first authentic Christmas Special as a success.

8
“Eve of the Daleks” (2022)

Following the completion of the six-episode series titled “Flux”, the tenure of writer-showrunner Chris Chibnall on “Doctor Who” was nearing its conclusion. His New Year’s Special served as the third installment in an informal Dalek trilogy, and it stands out as the strongest among the three.

In “Revolution of the Daleks,” there was a grand, multi-planetary spectacle featuring numerous guest stars. However, “Eve of the Daleks” adopts a more streamlined narrative focus. The story revolves around fresh characters named Sarah and Nick, whose New Year’s Eve outing is disrupted by a Dalek invasion. This episode primarily unfolds within a single warehouse setting, but it cleverly employs time loops to create an engaging experience. The acting from the main characters is commendable, making for an enjoyable watch.

7
“The Runaway Bride” (2006)

In the 21st century of “Doctor Who,” Catherine Tate’s character Donna Noble is particularly beloved among the companions. It can seem surprising to remember that her initial appearance happened almost two years before she became a regular cast member. Originally created for the 2006 Christmas Special, Donna started out as a bride with an enigmatic bond to the Doctor, making a cameo inside the TARDIS.

The Runaway Bride” is a thrilling, action-packed tale that combines giant arachnid creatures, a wedding, and a malevolent groom. It’s an absolute delight to watch, and it’s easy to understand why the duo of Tate and David Tennant were brought back together in 2008 due to their fantastic on-screen chemistry.

6
“Joy to the World” (2024)

On Christmas Day 2024, Ncuti Gatwa will make his second appearance as The Doctor during the holiday season, and it promises to be a captivating storyline. Upon entering the Time Hotel, where doors open into historical moments instead of rooms, The Doctor embarks on a puzzling mission. This adventure involves a celestial seed, a woman named Joy (portrayed by Nicola Coughlan), and a variety of non-human entities.

The song ‘Joy to the World’ in this production is quite eccentric, drawing on ideas that writer Steven Moffat has hinted at or explicitly mentioned in his other Doctor Who scripts. It’s a mix of light-heartedness, fun, and occasional more heartfelt moments, making it an ideal Christmas watch for Doctor Who fans this year. And let me tell you, the ending is absolutely crazy!

5
“The Snowmen” (2012)

In the interim between Series 7’s opening and closing episodes, “The Snowmen” offered viewers another captivating appearance of the enigmatic Clara Oswin Oswald, initially unveiled in the 2012 installment, “Asylum of the Daleks.” This particular incarnation of Clara, introduced during this festive special, was a barmaid and nanny in Victorian England, seamlessly blending into the narrative’s historic setting.

In a charming twist, the Victorian ambiance exudes Christmas spirit and harmoniously unites all elements, including a fresh appearance for the 11th Doctor featuring period clothing that complements the epoch’s mood. This unique special also featured guest appearances by Richard E. Grant and Ian McKellen.

4
“The Return of Doctor Mysterio” (2016)

By 2016, superhero films had become quite prevalent in cinemas and studio lineups for movie releases. Recognizing this trend, Steven Moffat chose to incorporate the superhero genre into the world of Doctor Who through a unique superhero narrative, even introducing a new character as the series’ superhero: Grant Gordon, portrayed by Justin Chatwin, who is known as The Ghost, a figure somewhat reminiscent of Superman, with the Doctor occasionally interfering in his life.

This “Doctor Who” episode marked the first airing since the 2015 Christmas Special, making it as much a jubilant conclusion to a year-long anticipation as it was a festive celebration. Moreover, it presented an amusing and intelligent take on superhero tropes, provoking queries about the mechanics of certain powers and the rationale behind them. Notably, it also featured its own set of villains reminiscent of comic books – the Shoal of the Winter Harmony. In essence, “The Return of Doctor Mysterio” was a charming, humorous tale that signaled a new chapter in the series’ history.

3
“Twice Upon a Time” (2017)

Following the 2017 finale of Doctor Who, which concluded with a somber, grandiose, character-centric episode, opinions among fans have been divided regarding the significance of the subsequent Christmas Special, “Twice Upon a Time”. This special brings back the First Doctor, portrayed by David Bradley in place of William Hartnell. The narrative delves into the Doctor’s legacy and finds him attempting to rescue a World War I soldier, played by Mark Gatiss. Despite the numerous events unfolding, the main focus is on the bond between the First and Twelfth Doctors.

In “Twice Upon a Time,” the character of the First Doctor is portrayed more intensely, showcasing classic elderly-man traits from the 1960s, which creates a stark contrast with Capaldi’s complex interpretation. This tale, unlike Series 10’s focus on two Master versions destroying each other, delves into how, when confronted by himself, the Doctor assists his own success. The script includes thoughtful, emotional scenes that balance the overall cheerful atmosphere, making “Twice Upon a Time” a smart, self-reflective analysis of why the ability to evolve and adapt is crucial for Doctor Who‘s endurance.

2
“A Christmas Carol” (2010)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must say that Steven Moffat’s early Christmas Specials were each distinctly flavored, often drawing inspiration from genuine Christmas tales. His inaugural attempt at the holiday episode was none other than a faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. In this tale, the Doctor embarked on a temporal journey through the life stream of Kazran Sardick, a miserly old man who stubbornly refused to aid those stranded on a spaceship orbiting his planet. This story delved deeply into themes of love, the holiday spirit, and the intriguing repercussions of time travel in a way that was both unexpected and profound for a series known for its lighthearted style, such as Doctor Who.

In this remarkable episode of the series, Matt Smith delivers a stellar portrayal as the Doctor, while Michael Gambon plays Kazran, and Danny Horn and Laurence Belcher depict younger versions of Kazran. Katherine Jenkins takes on the role of Abigail. This episode stands out as an unforgettable gem in the show’s history, demonstrating that Christmas tales don’t have to be mere light-hearted fluff. Toby Haynes proves an excellent choice for directing Moffat’s script, and the story isn’t afraid to delve into deep, thought-provoking conversations. “A Christmas Carol” serves as a testament to Moffat’s understanding of the essence of Christmas from the very beginning.

1
“The Husbands of River Song” (2015)

2015 found Steven Moffat contemplating his departure from Doctor Who, having served as showrunner for six years and penned scripts for a decade. Given the length of his tenure, it’s understandable he felt it was time to move on. Amidst these thoughts, he dreamt up “The Husbands of River Song,” an episode that would star Alex Kingston as the time-traveling archaeologist and Doctor’s spouse, River Song. This storyline beautifully wrapped up seven years of plotlines involving her character while maintaining a witty, well-timed comedic tone, which is quite remarkable.

As a die-hard fan of Doctor Who, I must say that the recent episode featuring an ensemble of beloved UK comedy veterans like Greg Davies and Matt Lucas was a real treat. The episode deftly juggles various tones, yet maintains its balance superbly, all thanks to a brilliant script, intense emotional delivery from Kingston and Peter Capaldi, and Douglas Mackinnon’s exceptional direction that gives the special a unique visual flair. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, brimming with energy, and at times, incredibly heartwarming.

The new Doctor Who Christmas Special, “Joy to the World,” will be available on Disney+ worldwide from Christmas Day 2024, and BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK. Watch it on Disney+ below:

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2024-12-24 06:02