Top Of The Pops Christmas Special: Everything You Need To Know

The Top of the Pops Christmas special is one of those TV traditions that feels as much a part of Christmas as the Queen’s Speech and an argument about which film to watch after dinner.

Whether you grew up watching it in its weekly heyday or you’ve come to it through the annual festive edition, TOTP at Christmas is a genuine BBC institution — and it’s back every year on BBC Two with a look back at the biggest music moments of the year.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s special.

When Is The Top of the Pops Christmas Special 2026?

The 2026 Top of the Pops Christmas special hasn’t been officially announced yet; BBC Two typically confirms the date in November.

Based on recent years, expect it to air on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day on BBC Two, with the full show available on BBC iPlayer immediately afterwards.

We’ll update this section the moment the 2026 broadcast date is confirmed – bookmark this page and check back.

Who Is Hosting Top of the Pops Christmas 2026?

Clara Amfo has hosted the Top of the Pops Review of the Year specials since 2022.

Whether she returns for 2026 hasn’t yet been confirmed by the BBC; we’ll update this page as soon as an announcement is made.

What To Expect From This Year’s Show

Since 2022, the Christmas special has moved away from the original live performance format and instead takes the shape of an end-of-year review.

This is a look back at the biggest chart hits, most talked-about artists and standout music moments from the year.

Think highlights, archive performances, chart rundowns for perfect Christmas evening viewing.

For 2026, that means a look back at a genuinely strong year for UK music; expect coverage of whoever dominated the Christmas number one race.

Top of the Pops Christmas — A Brief History

Top of the Pops first aired on BBC One in January 1964 and ran as a weekly show for over 40 years before ending in 2006.

The Christmas special, however, has continued every year since. Making it one of the longest-running festive TV traditions on British television.

Whether you’ve watched Top of the Pops every Christmas for decades or you’re coming to it fresh, it remains one of the most enjoyable hours of festive television on BBC Two.

Clear a spot on the sofa, pour something festive and settle in for the year in music.

👉 Love Christmas music? Check out our 5 Christmas songs to get you in the festive mood for the ultimate festive playlist.