The BBC’s Christmas religious programming for 2025 promises a rich and reflective season of live worship, cultural storytelling, and festive favourites. The network plans to showcase spiritual traditions across the UK and beyond, with a strong emphasis on intercultural understanding and community celebration.
Live Services Highlight Regional Diversity
BBC1 will air its Christmas morning service live from Bradford Cathedral, in honour of Bradford’s role as the UK City of Culture 2025. The service features Canon Ned Lunn’s dynamic Gospel storytelling and a reflection on intercultural connection by Dean Andy Bowerman. Radio 4’s early service comes from Leeds Roman Catholic Cathedral, beginning at 7 a.m.
Christmas Eve includes Carols from King’s, recorded at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, and the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, broadcast live on Radio 4. Midnight Mass is to be held in both Cambridge and Liverpool, showcasing both Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions.
Music and Message Dominate Christmas Day and Beyond
The Revd Kate Bottley returns to Radio 2 for Good Morning Christmas, blending music with personal reflections. On Boxing Day, the Bishop of Washington, Mariann Budde, delivers a meditation on trust and the past year’s events, including her address at former President Trump’s inauguration.
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year message resumes after a year’s pause. It will be delivered by Archbishop-designate Sarah Mullally, ahead of her March installation.
Documentaries and Specials Bring Global and Personal Perspectives
Following the hit film Conclave, BBC2 premieres Secrets of the Conclave, offering rare Vatican footage and interviews about papal election rituals. BBC1 concludes its Prayer and Reflection series at St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, with hymns, scripture, and a sermon by Dr Scott Rennie.
The annual Songs of Praise Christmas Special, from Victoria Hall in Bolton, features performances by Aled Jones and Tony Hadley. My Life at Christmas returns, with Sir Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Baroness Floella Benjamin, and Ade Adepitan sharing festive memories tied to their personal journeys.
Radio Celebrates History and Music of Faith
Advent begins on Radio 3 with Carols Across the Country. The schedule also includes a Gospel special, music by John Rutter, and reflections on Tyndale’s New Testament anniversary. Historian Tom Holland guest-edits Today on Radio 4, focusing on Salisbury Cathedral’s 800 years of worship.
Support and Criticism
Supporters praise the BBC’s inclusive and varied programming, appreciating its blend of tradition and modern storytelling. However, some critics argue that the lineup could provide greater representation of non-Christian faiths during the festive season.
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BBC unpacks a ‘rich and reflective’ array of religious programming this Christmas
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