RTÉ have released this year’s Christmas schedule, promising entertainment for the whole family.
From festive soap drama and compelling documentaries, to movie premieres and exciting live sport, there will be plenty to keep viewers entertained this festive season.Â
The Irish broadcaster will be airing a host of hit films over the Christmas period, including A Star is Born, The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, Peter Rabbit, Coco, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
There will also be some classic films that are perfect for family viewing, including Willy Wonka, Home Alone 2, Mrs Doubtfire, and Chitty
On Christmas Day, RTÉ will broadcast the Irish TV premiere of Angela’s Christmas Wish, the heart-warming animated sequel to Angela’s Christmas, from Ireland’s Brown Bag Films.
Jennifer Zamparelli and Nicky Byrne will reunite for a Dancing With The Stars special, looking back on the most memorable moments from the popular dance show.
Following the success of The Den’s return, Ray D’Arcy, Zig and Zag and Dustin the Turkey will be joined by special guests as they bring the much-loved series to a close for a Christmas special.
Two new episodes of Mrs Brown’s Boys are coming to RTÉ One, giving viewers an inside look into how the crew in Finglas are coping with lockdown life.
Doireann Garrihy is set to present Reeling in the Fears, providing a satirical look back at the chaotic year that was 2020.
Tipperary natives The 2 Johnnies also promise to provide laughs for the family in a Christmas comedy special.
Baz Ashmawy will look into a disappearance that shocked the nation, as he visits Dingle for a documentary on Fungie The Dolphin.
Billy Keane will go in search of the truth behind the murder that inspired his father John B. Keane’s most famous work The Field, which will be shown after the intriguing documentary.
RTÉ Concert Orchestra will be joined by some special guests, including Kodaline, for Soundtrack of My Life, hosted by Nicky Byrne.
On December 11, Ryan Tubridy will be joined by country music legend Dolly Parton for a star-studded Late Late Show Co
To mark the 25th anniversary of Riverdance, there will be a special anniversary show, with Bláthnaid Nà Chofaigh looking back on Clannad’s fifty year journey.
Mary Kennedy will make her return to Irish TV, as she presents Christmas at Home alongside Ruth Smith, as they are joined by a host of Irish talent, including Una Healy and Celine Byrne.
With the cancellation of the Christmas Busk, Glen Hansard and friends are hoping to raise awareness for homelessness.
They will look back on some of the most memorable moments from the annual charity event on The Busk – A Decade of Christmas on Grafton Street.
On December 20, RTÉ are calling on the people of Ireland to create a national moment of solidarity by shining a light, ahead of their special live programme Shine Your Light – Solstice.
2020: A Year in Review will take a look back on the year of social distancing, Zoom calls and face masks, as well as the US presidential election and Brexit.
The All Ireland Finals in Football, Hurling and Camogie will be shown live for the first ever winter GAA Championships.
The Leopardstown Christmas Festival is set to air from St. Stephen’s Day, with live coverage of the men’s and women’s FAI Cup Finals and Champions League Live also being shown over the Christmas season.
Irish soap Fair City will see the residents of Carrigstown experience a different type of Christmas this year, and an Eastenders special will also air on Christmas Day.
Getting viewers set for the highly anticipated Christmas dinner, a host of celeb chefs will take to the screen for some meal inspiration.
Neven Maguire, Rachel Allen and Kevin Dundon will dish up some festive treats for some lucky celebrity diners on The Today Show Christmas Food Special.
Neven will also cover everything you need to know to produce the perfect Christmas day spread on his Christmas Menu show.
Donal Skehan’s Family Food at Christmas celebrates spending time with the family, keeping up traditions and creating great family meals to enjoy over the festive season.
Ireland’s Fittest Family is back for a celebrity special, which will see popular figures and their family members be put through their paces for charity.Â
Marking the end of 2020, the whole family can join in a special New Year’s Eve Countdown with music, comedy and chat live from The Gaiety Theatre in the heart of Dublin. Â
Tune into RTÉ this Christmas for all this and more, with plenty to watch for all the family.
