Finding Father Christmas: Channel 4’s Star-Studded Christmas Eve Special Captures Hearts
Channel 4’s Festive Gift to Viewers
Channel 4 broadcast Finding Father Christmas on 24 December 2025, delivering a film that promises to blend “comedy, adventure and heart”. The 75-minute special aired at 7:30pm, offering families a heartwarming drama perfect for Christmas Eve viewing.
A Quest to Prove Father Christmas Exists
The film follows 16-year-old Chris (Lenny Rush), who still believes in Father Christmas, much to his concerned father’s (James Buckley) worry, who decides it’s finally time to tell him ‘the truth’. However, Chris refuses to believe his dad and embarks on a quest with his conspiracy-theorist cousin Holly (Ele McKenzie) to prove him wrong.
Knowing that his dad idolises Stephen Fry and would take his word for anything, Chris tracks down the great polymath to ask for his help. The journey leads Chris and Holly to a group of scientists and experts – Professor Hannah Fry, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Jason Fox – who seem to have unlocked the science and secrets of Father Christmas.
All-Star Cast and Critical Reception
The production boasts an impressive ensemble, with James Buckley as Chris’ dad, alongside Taskmaster’s Greg Davies, Asim Chaudhry and Rochenda Sandall, while Stephen Fry also stars as well as Hannah Fry, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Jason Fox. The one-off drama is written by Mark Chappell and produced by Big Talk Studios and co-produced by South Shore Productions.
A Message for Modern Families
The film celebrates the magic of Christmas and the bond between father and son, while honouring the memory of Chris’s late mum and the traditions she cherished most. Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor described it as “Channel 4’s big festive treat for 2025” that “weaves together family comedy, heartfelt drama and a playful look at the science of Santa, brought to life by a cast packed with some of Britain’s best-loved stars”.
Finding Father Christmas represents a fresh take on festive programming, combining science with sentiment to explore what it means to believe in Christmas magic at any age.