A Ranking Of The Best Doctor Who Christmas Specials

Ever since Russell T. Davies brought the sci-fi series ‘Doctor Who’ back to television in 2005, December 25 has become an even more important date for many Whovians. Over the last almost two decades, the show has aired a Christmas special to tide fans over until the new series. In recent years, said specials have aired a little later on New Year’s Day.

However, with the return of Davies behind the scenes and the arrival of Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor, the festive episodes are back where they belong. With plenty of fans hopeful about what Gatwa’s first proper adventure will bring, it’s time to get a ranking of the best ‘Doctor Who’ Christmas specials in order. When were the specials at their best? Which Doctor really brought the festive spirit to life?

5. The Runaway Bride introduces us to Donna Noble in the best way possible

Anyone who didn’t know of Catherine Tate before ‘The Runaway Bride’ got quite the introduction. Her portrayal of Donna Noble was an excellent representation of what Tate does best. At the time, we had no idea we were being introduced to one of the most lovable companions in the Whoniverse, and looking back, we’re glad we got this side of her. After all, it just demonstrates how much the character has evolved since. Of course, this isn’t the only reason to love ‘The Runaway Bride,’ although Tate’s performance is definitely the standout. An interesting story and several touching moments - particularly poignant after the recent departure of Rose - really make this episode a joy to watch.’

4. The Christmas Invasion offers an excellent introduction to the David Tennant era

Nowadays, we expect a Christmas special. When the first series ended in 2005, though, this tradition didn’t exist, so we weren’t sure what to expect when Russell T. Davies gave us ‘The Christmas Invasion.’ Thankfully, the episode proved to be exactly what we needed, not that we realized what we needed was a spinning Christmas tree attempting to off Rose Tyler and her loved ones. Great humor combined with an interesting story, the episode also eased us into David Tennant’s incarnation of the Doctor, and what an introduction it was. He didn’t feature that heavily in the 60-minute runtime, but it was enough for him to lose a hand and save the world with a satsuma.

3. The End of Time is an epic goodbye story from a beloved Doctor

Usually, ‘Doctor Who’ Christmas episodes are just festive one-offs. However, rather than bow out of the show in a full series, David Tennant exited as the Doctor in a selection of specials, the last of which aired on December 25, 2009, and January 1, 2010. One of the biggest adventures ‘Doctor Who’ had produced so far, it saw the return of the Master as well as the Time Lords in general. Although it wasn’t quite as festive as some seasonal offerings, the enormity of the story still made it must-see TV on Christmas day. Plus, the episode that followed a year later was one of the biggest tear-jerkers the show has ever given us as David Tennant bowed out of the role.

2. A Christmas Carol adds a sci-fi twist to a Christmas classic

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a story that many people often experience in one form or another during the festive season. So, it’s perhaps no surprise that ‘Doctor Who’ decided to tell their own version of it in 2010, with the late Michael Gambon playing a Scrooge-like figure who Matt Smith’s Doctor attempts to reform. An enjoyable take on a Christmas classic with plenty of heart and wonderful performances - including the vocal talents of Katherine Jenkins - the episode is a real treat. Perhaps not the best choice for younger viewers, but we can see why so many people rate it highly.

1. Voyage of the Damned offers everything a festive episode should have

‘Voyage of the Damned’ appears to be one of the most divisive Christmas episodes ‘Doctor Who’ has ever given us. People seem to either love it or hate it, but we are firmly in the former category. For one, it has some of the biggest twists and turns, with the sudden loss of characters leaving you uncertain who will make it to the end. The sacrifice of Astrid - played by the lovable Kylie Minogue - also pulls at the heartstrings, especially when the Doctor sends her to travel the stars forever. Of course, as well as being a high-stakes adventure that’s a little creepy at times, it also offers some great gags and an introduction to someone who would soon become a fan-favorite character - Wilfred Mott. RIP Bernard Cribbins.

Now that ‘Doctor Who’ has been back on our screens for almost 20 years, it’s hard for newer episodes to capture the magic of the past. However, with Russell T. Davies at the helm once again, we’re optimistic that he can bring back the festive magic. At the very least, he has a nice new budget from Disney to ensure each new adventure looks amazing.