What Time Is EastEnders On Tonight? Full Christmas Day Schedule Revealed

25 December 2025 Television

EastEnders Christmas Day Double Bill

EastEnders fans wondering what time the beloved BBC soap is on tonight will be delighted to discover a festive treat awaits. EastEnders will air in a festive double bill in two separate slots tonight (Thursday, December 25), breaking from its usual schedule to bring viewers extra drama from Albert Square this Christmas.

Tonight’s Special Broadcast Times

The first part will air at 7.45pm today, and last for half an hour, on BBC One. Following the festive episode of Call the Midwife, the second part will then air at 9.45pm, and last the same amount of time. This differs significantly from the soap’s regular transmission pattern.

How EastEnders Usually Airs

EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One, with episodes typically dropping on BBC iPlayer at 6am before their television broadcast. However, tonight’s Christmas episodes follow a special format designed to maintain the festive surprises. The BBC are hoping to preserve the mystery of tonight’s episode, and so it won’t be available to stream on BBC iPlayer unless each episode has aired.

What to Expect This Christmas

Tonight’s double bill promises high drama in Walford. The episodes feature major storylines reaching their climax, including the return of Max Branning causing havoc and continuing tensions for the Slater family. The special Christmas episodes are part of an extended festive schedule, with additional episodes airing on Boxing Day and through to New Year’s Day.

Why This Matters to Viewers

Understanding when EastEnders airs is particularly important during the festive period when schedules change to accommodate Christmas programming. With over 20 million viewers tuning in for previous Christmas episodes, tonight’s instalments represent essential viewing for soap fans. The split broadcast allows the BBC to showcase other festive favourites whilst still delivering the traditional EastEnders Christmas drama that has become a staple of British holiday viewing since the show’s debut four decades ago.