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Doctor Who Skips 2025 Holiday Special for First Time Since 2005 as ‘The Christmas Invasion’ Turns 20

A 2026 holiday installment is planned following a season-ending regeneration that set up the next era.

Overview

  • For the first time since 2005, the BBC did not air a Christmas or New Year special for Doctor Who in 2025, with the next festive episode planned for 2026.
  • The latest season ended with the 15th Doctor regenerating and the next incarnation’s face revealed, signaling a new chapter without disclosing plot details.
  • The Christmas Invasion’ debuted on Christmas Day 2005, written by Russell T Davies and directed by James Hawes, and introduced David Tennant’s 10th Doctor.
  • The 2005 special drew about 9.84 million viewers and helped cement a tradition that later peaked with 2007’s ‘Voyage of the Damned’ reaching over 13 million.
  • Franchise engagement continued through 2025 via streaming and a Disney-commissioned spin-off, The War Between Land and Sea, which concluded on Dec. 21.