BBC ALBA unveils its packed Christmas schedule

BBC ALBA has today (27 November 2024) revealed a star-studded schedule of programmes for families to enjoy throughout the festive season, featuring inspiring personal stories and the best traditional music from the past year.

Things begin to get lively on the channel from early December, continuing through to the New Year with a captivating mix of original programming guaranteed to thrill, delight and even move audiences to tears.

With programmes brim full of personality this festive season, including Kathleen MacInnes, Cathy MacDonald and Peter MacQueen, BBC ALBA’s festive schedule has everything viewers need to plan their winter watching.

Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA said: “We have a great schedule planned with treats for all ages this festive schedule.  A showcase of the very best of Gaelic content for audiences in Scotland and beyond.

“From the Christmas factual treats and entertaining surprises we look forward to each year, to fabulous musical moments, and of course our iconic Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire, we’ve curated a fabulous selection for the holiday season.”

Kicking off the Christmas celebrations on BBC ALBA, interior designer Erica MacPherson takes viewers on a festive craft journey in Rùm gu Rùm na Nollaig (4 December, 9pm). Erica goes in search of creative ideas to enhance simple Christmas gifts and meets other craft workers to share clever tips on creating stylish additions for the Christmas tree and dining table.

Then the party really ramps up with Hoolie 2024 (8 December, 9pm), bringing fans at  home to the front row of Scotland’s biggest entertainment venue. This year’s event commemorates 100 years of Scottish trad music with a star-studded line-up to mark the moment featuring Capercaillie, Skerryvore, Mànran, RURA and Talisk.

With the countdown to Christmas underway, Abigail MacIver is cooking up 12 ‘treats’ of Christmas in a series of new shorts exclusively on BBC iPlayer. Nollaig Abigail will show viewers how to recreate 12 of her favourite festive goodies, from mincemeat cookies to cocktails. All 12 episodes will be available on 1 December.

For viewers wrestling with flat packs on Christmas Eve, BBC ALBA’s new hit series Dùbhlain DIY (Instructions Not Included) (24 December, 8:30pm) will offer light relief with a festive special with  some well-known  Scottish traditional musicians battling it out to be crowned Dùbhlain DIY Champions.

Also airing on Christmas Eve is a gripping behind the scenes episode of adventure series Dàna | Europe’s Wild Side (24 December, 9pm), showcasing how the exhilarating climbs across Europe were captured on camera.

Younger viewers can join Linda MacLeod on Christmas Eve  as she reads the original Paddington story in Paddington – Am Mathan à Peru  with pupils from Calton Gaelic Primary School (24 December, 5:05pm). The following day, Linda reads Paddington agus an Nollaig (25 December, 5.05pm) with pupils from Govan Gaelic Primary School.

A short film, Dà Sgadan, directed by one of Scotland’s most promising young filmmakers Parker Dawes, airs on Christmas Day at 6pm. This kid’s drama – which is the first major commission for the multi-FilmG award winner – follows Polly and her little sister Peigi, who have their relationship tested when the local gang appear.

This is followed by the finale of Cù Leis Thu? A Puppy for Pàdruig (25 December, 8:30pm). Having travelled the length of Scotland learning about different dog breeds, in search for the perfect pet to join his family, the sixth and final episode explores the rewarding companionship a rescue dog can bring and ends with a fabulous surprise.

Over six series of Dealbhan Fraoich, Heather Dewar has captured in portrait and conversation a host of fascinating guests of all ages. Now in Dealbh Fraoich – A Portrait of Heather (25 December, 9pm) it’s Heather’s turn, with portraits created by three artists working in different mediums and showcased at a special viewing.

Then, on Boxing Day, escape down under with Dr Euan Robertson, a Glasgow University alum from Skye. DR NZ (26 December, 9pm) follows Euan during a six-month stint in New Zealand working alongside a Māori-dedicated healthcare team, learning the language and experiencing how Māori culture is reflected within the hospital.

The international travels then continue to Texas on 30 December, when Scotland’s favourite crofter takes his first trip to the States in Wild West Sweeny (9pm). Sweeny follows in the footsteps of Gaels who transformed America’s Wild West, visiting ranches and rodeos to find out truths behind the Western movies he has always loved.

Hogmanay’s programme line-up begins with a nostalgic feel and a very special collection of archive footage, Faodail – Found Film (31 December, from 8.30pm).   This programme celebrates film collections recorded in the Hebrides between the 1930s to the 1980s, showcasing and making them available for future generations.

In the spirit of Hogmanay BBC ALBA is screening a special tribute to the Cèilidh King himself, Fergie MacDonald who passed away earlier this year. The hour-long documentary, Fergie, The Cèilidh King (31 December, 9.30pm), celebrates Fergie’s lifetime of filling dance halls across Scotland with his distinctive brand of cèilidh music. Fergie’s family and some of his many friends share their memories alongside special, unseen footage from Fergie’s final TV interview.

Skipinnish start off the New Year party in style, as BBC ALBA screens their 25th anniversary Edinburgh Castle Concert, Skipinnish Aig A’ Chaisteal (31 December, from 10.30pm). Fans will be treated to previously unseen clips including backstage interviews with the band, and tunes to start the dancing around the living room, including Walking on the Waves, Alive and The Island.

BBC ALBA’s Hogmanay Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire (31 December), from 11.30pm hosted by Cathy Macdonald and Niall Iain Macdonald will bring in the New Year with some of the biggest names in Scottish trad music live from Nairn Community and Arts Centre. Headliners Mànran will lead the night’s celebrations alongside Seonaidh, Calum Ailig and Alice MacMillan and an all-star house-band under the musical direction of Ingrid Henderson. The iconic show will broadcast live on BBC ALBA and worldwide online and on Radio nan Gàidheal.

BBC ALBA kicks off 2025 with an unmissable documentary about one of Scotland’s most iconic Gaelic singers, Kathleen MacInnes (1 January, 9pm). The film looks at Kathleen’s successful music and acting career, from growing up on the Island of South Uist, to performing alongside David Tennant in Macbeth in London’s West End. Packed with heartwarming moments and stunning performances, the documentary is perfect New Year’s Day viewing for all the family.

Tune in to BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer over the festive period. Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/bbcalba