1980s Christmas TV -The Amazing Shows That Made Christmas Telly

Discover the magic of 1980s Christmas TV — from Only Fools and Horses to The Two Ronnies. A wonderful nostalgic look at the golden age of festive television!

Picture the scene, it’s Christmas morning 1983, the turkey is in the oven, and someone in your house is already reading the Radio Times, circling programmes they want to watch. This was 1980s Christmas TV, and it was absolutely brilliant.

One screen, and a schedule packed with genuine gold. With Only Fools and Horses pulling in over 16 million viewers, Blackadder delivering the most perfectly crafted Christmas special and Indiana Jones premiering on BBC1 on Christmas Day 1987.

Here is our love letter to one of the greatest eras of festive television Britain has ever produced.

The Comedy Specials That Defined 1980s Christmas TV

Only Fools and Horses was without question the undisputed king of 1980s Christmas television.

With Del Boy Rodney and the Trotters delivering some of the most watched and iconic Christmas specials in British broadcasting. The 1981 Christmas special alone pulled in over 16 million viewers — a figure that feels almost impossible to imagine today.

🔗Shop Only Fools And Horses Christmas Specials DVD

Blackadder Goes Forth delivered its heartbreaking and perfectly crafted Christmas special in 1989.

The Two Ronnies and Paul Daniels completed a comedy lineup that made Christmas evening television feel like the greatest variety show.

🔗 Shop Blackadder Complete Collection

The Shows That Made 1980s Christmas TV Unmissable

Beyond the comedy specials the 1980s Christmas schedule was packed with programmes that made the day feel special.

Noel Edmonds’ Christmas Day Live brought chaos and laughter to Christmas morning with things frequently not going to plan which only made it more brilliantly entertaining.

The Snowman aired for the first time on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve 1982, and became the most popular Christmas animation in British television.

The Morecambe and Wise Christmas shows Doctor Who specials and Top of the Pops completed the festive schedule.

Watch 1980s Christmas TV Today

So much of 1980s Christmas TV is still available to enjoy and tracking it down is easier than you think:

BritBox: The ultimate destination for classic British TV including Only Fools and Horses and Blackadder Christmas specials.

BBC iPlayer: Selected classic Christmas programmes available to stream.

YouTube: A brilliant free source for classic clips and full programmes now out of copyright.

👉 Don’t miss our 1960s Christmas TV Specials for more wonderful nostalgic television content!

1980s Christmas TV was a special part of British festive life, and we hope you’ve enjoyed our deep dive into 80s festive TV!