It’s that time of year to sit back, relax, put the feet up and enjoy some quality TV, (a.k.a. the most mileage out of your TV licence).
We’ve scanned through the TV guide and chosen our top picks to watch on the important days over the festive period.
From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, here’s what you should be tuning in to…
Christmas Eve
Carols from Áras an Uachtaráin – RTÉ One – 6:15pm
The show features songs from Imelda May, John Sheahan, Iarla Ó Lionaird, Mick Flannery and soprano Lucy O’Byrne.
Mrs Browns Boys Christmas Special – RTÉ One – 9pm
Brendan O’Carroll is back with another Christmas special of his multi-award-winning comedy show. (Also showing on Christmas Day at 9pm on BBC One)
Trollied: A Christmas Carol – Sky 1 – 10pm
Can a surprise visit from Julie put Gavin in the festive spirit?
Walliams and Friend – BBC One – 10:05pm
David Walliams is joined by Joanna Lumley for a 40-minute sketch spectacular, along with some special guests.
Father Ted Christmas Special – RTÉ 2 – 10:50pm
What would be Christmas without a Father Ted episode.
Over in soap land, Eastenders is on at 7:45pm on RTEOne, followed by Fair City at 8:20pm. While over on UTV Ireland they’re showing Emmerdale at 7pm and Corrie at 8pm.
Christmas Day
Queen of Ireland’s Christmas Message – TV3 – 3pm
The ‘Queen of Ireland’ Panti Bliss takes to the screen to reflect the special moments that defined 2015.
Doctor Who – BBC One – 5:15pm
Peter Capaldi is joined by Greg Davies and Matt Lucan for this Christmas Day special.
Maureen O’Hara and the Quiet Man – TG4 – 5:45pm
A documentary celebrating director John Ford’s vision of Ireland on the 60th anniversary of the release of The Quiet Man.
Gogglesprog – Channel 4 – 8pm
A Christmas Day children only spin-off of the award-winning series Gogglebox.
Alan Carr: Chatty Man Christmas Special – Channel 4 – 9pm
A special edition of the popular chat show, hosted by Alan Carr.
Our Cilla – UTV Ireland – 10:45pm
A tribute show to the late Cilla Black.
The Jonathan Ross Show – UTV Ireland – 11:45pm
Jonathan is joined by Hollywood legend Harrison Ford, TV chef Jamie Oliver and David Walliams.
Fair City is on at 6:35pm on RTÉ One, while Emmerdale and Coronation St are back to back on UTV Ireland at 6:45pm and 7:45pm. Eastenders is on at 8:35pm on RTÉ One.
St Stephen’s Day
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – TV3 – 6.20pm
Bruce Forsyth presents a festive special of the popular show.
Adele – Live in London – RTÉ 2 – 7:25pm
Adele performs some of her classics along with songs from her new album.
Downton Abbey – TV3 – 9pm
The final visit to Lord and Lady Grantham. Lily James is back and Lasy Rose, while Patricia Hodge joins as Berti Pelham’s mother.
The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year – Channel 4 – 9pm
Jimmy Carr presents the annual quiz with celebrity panellists Rob Brydon, Sue Perkins, David Mitchell, Claudia Winkleman, Greg Davies and Jo Brand.
Panti Does 2015 – RTE2 – 10:55pm
Panti Bliss takes us through the highs and lows of 2015.
The Christmas Day celebrations continue on Albert Square with EastEnders at 8:25pm on RTÉ One.
New Years’ Eve
TFI: New Years Eve – Channel 4 – 7:30pm
Chris Evans has a New Years Eve special of his show.
Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular – 9pm
Alan is back with his New Year special, and will be joined by David Guetta, Danny Dyer, Mel B and Greg Davies.
The Graham Norton Show – BBC One – 10:45pm
Graham will be joined by Will Ferrelll, Mark Wahlberg and music by Years and Years.
Mrs Brown’s Boys New Years Special RTÉ One – 10:15pm
The second installment of Brendan O’Carroll’s hilarious show. (Also on BBC One New Years Day)
The Rubberbandits Guide To 1916 – RTÉ 2 – 11pm
The Rubberbandits give their take on key moments in Ireland’s history.
New Years Eve Live – RTÉ One – 11pm
Kathryn Thomas and Keith Walsh broadcast live from Dublin’s 3Arena VIP Lounge for the countdown concert.
Jool’s Annual Hootananny – BBC Two -11:10pm
Jools will be joined by Jess Glynne, Paul Weller and many others.
New Years Day
Don’t worry about spending most of the day in bed on New Year’s Day, you will need a well deseerved break after the celebrations the previous night. There isn’t much to watch on TV anyway except for the final Christmas specials of the season. So get back under that duvet for the rest of the day.
Sherlock – RTÉ 2 & BBC One – 9pm
Cumberbatch and Freeman are back for the Christmas Special.
Mrs Brown’s Boys New Years Special BBC One – 10:30pm
The second installment of Brendan O’Carroll’s hilarious show.
