RTÉ has revealed details of its Christmas line-up with festive specials, documentaries, music, and more among the highlights.
The festivities officially begin with The Late Late Toy Show this Friday night.
On television, Callan Kicks the Year and Fair City's Christmas special lead the homegrown offering.
Brendan Courtney is joined by legendary director Jim Sheridan on Keys to My Life for a trip through his past, while High Road Low Road returns with a snow-filled special as chef Kevin Dundon and social media star Kayleigh Trappe head to Austria.
Christmas in Kilmainham, presented by Marty Whelan, brings festive music and atmosphere from the historic Dublin venue, and Dáithí Ó Sé and Maura Derrane host a seasonal edition of TODAY with an evening of folklore, food, magic and music.
Over Christmas, Dallas star Patrick Duffy travels around Ireland in Duffy's Pub, visiting some of the country’s cosiest bars. Music documentary Meatloaf: From Hell and to Connacht revisits the US rock star’s unlikely Irish tour in 1990, when he played some of the most unexpected venues in the country.
Tommy Sands - Clann an Cheoil celebrates one of Ireland’s most influential folk singer-songwriters and charts how he and his family became renowned internationally as musicians, social activists and storytellers.
Daniel O'Connell - The Emancipator looks at one of the most important chapters in Irish history and marks the 250th anniversary of O’Connell’s birth. Two new episodes of Cloch le Carn focus on the lives and careers of former politician Mary O’Rourke and comedian Jon Kenny.
Westlife take to the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall as Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Shane Filan perform their hits in a TV special ahead of their homecoming residency in 2026. There will also be music documentaries on the careers of Elton John, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli and ABBA.
On RTÉ Radio 1, Oliver Callan presents a special Callan’s Christmas Eve from 9am to 11am, live from Studio 1 in the RTÉ Radio Centre, with guests, a live audience, Christmas favourites and festive performances.
John Creedon brings his usual mix of music and chat with an added festive twist on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, while Westlife’s Mark Feehily shares the music that shaped his life and career.
Actor Ciarán Hinds remembers his friend and former RTÉ colleague Seán Rocks, who died in July, in The Essential Seán Rocks, guiding listeners through some of Rocks’ best Arena interviews from recent years. Dave Fanning looks back at the career of The Cranberries in The Fanning Files as part of the Christmas music line-up.
Sunday Miscellany marks the season with a special recording from the National Concert Hall featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and guests, while Áine Lawlor presents Divine Sparks, featuring carols, seasonal stories and memories.
On 2FM, two teams of presenters face off once again in Now That's What I Call 2025 - The 2FM End-of-Year Quiz.
Diarmuid O'Brien hosts a two-hour dance party on St Stephen’s Day and returns on New Year’s Eve for a four-hour dance marathon to see out 2025. To mark 2FM’s Studio 8 sessions, Dan Hegarty has assembled a series of documentaries on some of the performances recorded there, and he and Graham Smyth will also revive their festive special The Alternative Grumpy Christmas.
RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Christmas schedule includes music, arts, entertainment and seasonal specials across programmes such as Ceol na Nollag, Ceol Binn ó na Beanna, An Taobh Tuathail, Bóthar na Smaointe, An Nollaig i Ráth Chairn and Faoi na Fóide.
On RTÉ lyric fm, Aedín Gormley returns with her annual festive edition of Movies and Musicals, featuring film scores and seasonal favourites, while soprano Claudia Boyle sets the tone for a relaxed lead-in to Christmas on Weekend Classics.
Marty Whelan broadcasts live from Vienna on 3 December, and Liz Nolan's Full Score features a special concert in tribute to composer John Williams. There is also a Christmas concert special, Celine Byrne - A Christmas Celebration.
On RTÉ Player, viewers can revisit Father Ted’s A Christmassy Ted and settle in with comedies such as The Office, Gavin & Stacey and The Young Offenders, along with Christmas specials from Motherland, The Royle Family, Downton Abbey, The 2 Johnnies, Republic of Telly and Bridget and Eamon.
Irish dramas Kin and Normal People return to the platform, alongside new box sets including Scrubs, The Killing and American Crime Story.
For younger viewers, Jason Byrne narrates Twelve Storybuds of Christmas on RTÉ Kids, and there is family animation Santa's Holiday. One school student will switch on RTÉ’s Christmas lights on news2day, and the This is Christmas podcast offers festive chat and features.
RTÉ Player will also host many of this year's most talked-about shows, including The Traitors Ireland, thriller Playing Nice and Love/Hate. Other picks include Nashville, The Traitors UK, The Traitors US and The Traitors Australia, along with classics such as The West Wing, One Tree Hill, Pretty Little Liars and Parks and Recreation.
The Walsh Sisters and The Young Offenders are among the recent Irish series available to stream over the holidays.
Details of RTÉ's Christmas movies and sports favourites will be revealed this week.
RTÉ festive highlights:
RTÉ Television
Christmas in Kilmainham presented by Marty Whelan
Join Marty Whelan on this magical night for a special Christmas broadcast from the spectacular grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Joined by special guests including Imelda May, The High Kings, Dublin Gay Men's Chorus and Diva Voces directed by Duncan Brickenden, the concert also includes a very special appearance from Banat al-Quds, the Daughters of Jerusalem, plus Lisa McHugh and Garron Noone. Featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra under the baton of Karen Ní Bhroin, tune in to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player and RTÉ lyric fm for a night of music, magic, and holiday cheer.
High Road Low Road
Cooking up a storm and getting into the festive spirit ars chef Kevin Dundon and comedian Kayleigh Trappe. They head to Gastein in Austria, where the hills are alive with the sound of Christmas for this special episode of High Road Low Road.
Keys to My Life
Keys to My Life returns this Christmas for an extra-special hour-long episode featuring legendary Irish director Jim Sheridan. From his childhood home in a boarding house off Dublin's Sheriff Street, to the multi-million-euro architectural wonder he built in Dalkey, Jim Sheridan tells the story of his life within the walls of the places where that life was so successfully lived. Accompanied by Brendan Courtney, Jim's journey takes in his first married home in Ballybough - to the tenement rooms in New York's Hell's Kitchen where Jim's filmmaking dreams took form and became a reality.
Callan Kicks the Year 2025
The annual tradition returns with a satirical look back on Irish and international events of the year with a two-part festive mini-series. From a Presidential election to a new Pope, sports triumphs and royal family fails, Callan Kicks the Year dips through all the maddest moments in Ireland and abroad on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this Christmas. Join Oliver Callan and guests for a very special Callan's Christmas Eve from 9-11am on RTÉ Radio 1. Live from Studio 1 in the RTÉ Radio Centre, he will be joined by special guests and a live audience for Christmas favourites and festive performances.
The Late Late Show New Year's Eve Special
Patrick Kielty will ring in 2026, leading a glittering New Year's Eve party packed with music, laughter, and special guests. Viewers will enjoy performances from artists including David Gray, Lyra, Gavin James, and Cliffords, along with surprise collaborations including Sharon Shannon with The Late Late Show house band and a host of Irish musicians. Special appearances from Irish heptathlete Kate O'Connor, comic-musician Garron Noone, and cast members of The Traitors Ireland will add to the celebration as the show reflects on the highlights of 2025 and looks ahead to the new year. The festivities will culminate with a live countdown from Dublin Castle, where Inhaler will welcome 2026 alongside a live audience.
Fair City
Fair City's festive episodes are brimming with emotion, drama, and surprises! The Christmas festivities begin on a poignant note for the Collins family as Sharon and Hayley prepare to scatter Anto's ashes. Meanwhile, Steo scrambles to prove to JJ that he's turned over a new leaf by sidelining Paul - but Paul has his own schemes brewing. Over at the Cassidys' house, holiday cheer collides with chaos as Darren and Kim play matchmaker for Nikki and Sean. Hayley and James continue to butt heads over co- parenting, but, really, how fine is the line between love and hate? With heartfelt goodbyes, budding romances, and plenty of festive fireworks, Carrigstown promises a Christmas to remember!
TODAY Show Christmas!
Join the TODAY show with Maura and Dáithí as they get ready for Christmas! In this one-hour special, the studio gang will be making their last-minute preparations for the big day. Folklorist Shane Lehane will set the mood with his unique nostalgic look back at Christmas past. Chef Kevin Dundon will be in studio with a veritable feast of food, and music is provided by the Scrubs Choir - a choir comprising the medical staff from Cork University Hospital. Both Nuala Carey and Marty Morrissey are out and about ahead of the show in Dingle and Limerick, and Colm Flynn will be in Rome's St Peter's Square to relay how the Vatican prepares for the biggest, most important time of the year.
Duffy's Pub
Patrick Duffy is famous worldwide as Bobby Ewing from Dallas. A third-generation Irishman, he grew up in his parents' bar in Montana and currently owns his own bar in Hollywood. Always fascinated by the communities that develop around their local bar, Patrick has decided to return to Ireland, along with his partner, actress Linda Purl, to see for himself how Irish bars have evolved and changed as he journeys through his beloved country on his way home. Duffy has decided to explore our pub culture and track the changes the pub has undergone in Ireland. He visits as many pubs called Duffy's as he can - and along the way he spends time in other bars meeting locals, hearing stories, absorbing history, and figuring out how things have changed. All the while, he is journeying home to Kilmovee, Co Mayo, to visit the place where his grandfather was born and reconnect with his roots.
Daniel O'Connell - The Emancipator
This one-hour documentary explores the life and legacy of Daniel O'Connell and will mark the 250th anniversary of his birth. The documentary explores one of the most significant periods in Irish history and reveals how O'Connell's achievement continues to shape and impact our world today.
Meat Loaf: From Hell and to Connacht
Meat Loaf: From Hell and to Connacht brings viewers back to Ireland in 1990, when the legendary US rock star performed in some of the country's most unlikely venues. Meat Loaf - whose 1977 album Bat Out of Hell is one of the biggest sellers of all time - was at a career crossroads when an Irish promoter, Tommy Swarbrigg, took a punt on him. What resulted was a chaotic two-week journey through Ireland's heartland that reignited Meat Loaf's love for people and music and ultimately helped get his career back on track.
Cloch le Carn
Cloch le Carn: Mary O'Rourke: The Mammy is a rich, warm, and definitive portrait of a woman who shaped Irish politics for generations, who championed her community with passion, and who remained grounded in family, friendship, and the people she served.
Cloch le Carn: Jon Kenny delves into the late Jon Kenny's multifaceted career, offering insights into his creative process and the profound impact his work had on Irish comedy and culture. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, the programme honours his enduring influence and celebrates the joy he brought to audiences throughout his career.
Tommy Sands - Clann an Cheoil
Tommy Sands - Clann an Cheoil is a new celebratory and insightful documentary that looks at one of Ireland's most successful and influential folk singer-songwriters, Tommy Sands, and how he and his family have acquired an international legacy as musicians, social activists, and storytellers.
Mrs Brown's Boys
Mrs Brown returns for more Christmas capers and festive frolics! Join everyone's favourite mammy and the rest of the clan for fun and games in Christmas Day and New Year's Eve specials. On Christmas Day, Mrs Brown rediscovers the meaning of family as she gathers those closest to her together for a festive photo. Buster unveils another of his signature Christmas trees with maximum impact, and Cathy frets about what presents to buy everyone. On New Year's Eve, tensions are high as Agnes and the gang prepare for an incoming storm. Buster's flying high as he nervously awaits his birthday parachute jump. Winnie receives a shock to the system, and a lost nun looks for help.
Music Specials
Let the music take over this season with Billy Joel: The 100th Live at Madison Square Garden and An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile, or take a chance on ABBA: Against All Odds. Sit back and relax with Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration, and Irish music fans can brew up a storm with The Stunning - We Come Alive.
Westlife Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Westlife perform at the Royal Albert Hall for a spectacular celebration of 25 incredible years. The iconic pop group will take fans on a nostalgic journey through their greatest hits, timeless ballads, and unforgettable moments that have defined their remarkable career. An evening filled with emotion, music, and memories as Westlife mark their legacy and the fans who have supported them every step of the way.
Brand new box sets on RTÉ Player
American Crime Story is the award-winning anthology that turns real-life scandals into must-watch drama. From the explosive OJ Simpson trial to the shocking murder of Gianni Versace and the political firestorm of the Clinton impeachment, each season peels back the headlines to reveal the human stories behind the crimes. Bold, gripping, and unforgettable, this is true crime like you've never seen it.
Scrubs is the beloved medical comedy that mixes heart, humour, and daydreams in the halls of Sacred Heart Hospital. From JD and Turk's legendary bromance to the unforgettable antics of Elliot, Carla, and Dr Cox, the series that redefined the sitcom is a cult favourite.
The Killing (US) is dark, gripping, and impossible to predict. The Killing is the crime drama that keeps you guessing. Set in Seattle, detectives Linden and Holder unravel murder cases that expose secrets, lies, and the human cost of justice. Critically acclaimed and binge-worthy, this is television noir at its finest.
RTÉ Radio 1
Creedon's Christmas
Creedon's Christmas has been a centrepiece on the Christmas Day table for years. As well as the Christmas favourites that we all know and love, this year's selection box includes wonderful songs and carols from Hawaii, Norway, Mexico, and more. Tradition also dictates that John Creedon rings in the New Year on RTE Radio 1. It's full-tilt party classics all the way from 10pm through to the midnight bells and into 2026!
Mark Feehily's Musical Icons
One of the iconic voices behind global pop group Westlife, a celebrated solo artist, and songwriter - and now Mark Feehily is stepping up to the mic in a different way. Join him on RTÉ Radio 1 as he takes us on a journey through the music that shaped his life and inspired his career.
The Essential Seán Rocks
Join Oscar-nominated actor Ciarán Hinds at 4pm on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day on RTÉ Radio 1 for The Essential Seán Rocks as Ciarán remembers his friend - and ours - Seán Rocks, who passed away in July. Ciarán will guide us through a selection of Seán's best Arena interviews from the last few years.
Céilí House
Áine Ní Bhreisleáin is joined in Studio 8 by Donegal band Altan to celebrate their 40th year on the road.
A Celebration of Derek Mahon
When celebrated poet Derek Mahon died in 2020, there could be no gathering to salute him. In 2025, a special event did just that in the RIAM in Dublin when contributors reading his work included John Banville, Paul Muldoon, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, and Stephen Rea.
Sunday Miscellany
Sunday Miscellany celebrates Christmas at the National Concert Hall with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and special guests. This year's show features stories of Santa Claus in Sligo, Midnight Mass in Mumbai, the gift of a heart at Christmas, the composer Palestrina's 500th anniversary – and an invitation to spend New Year's Eve with Rihanna...
The Fanning Files: The Cranberries
At the beginning, Limerick band The Cranberries were just another new band hoping to make a record and play gigs. Then they teamed up with singer/songwriter Dolores O'Riordan. Within a few years, they'd sold over 23 million albums. Their success all over the world - particularly in America - was staggering. As they talk to Dave Fanning, brothers Noel and Mike Hogan, drummer Fergal Lawler, and Dolores tell their own remarkable story, from before the release of the first album, through the successes and pressures of the Nineties, up to the final album In the End released in 2019, the year after the tragic passing of Dolores.
The Intangibles
The Intangibles is a journey through three inherited traditions still in practice in Ireland today. The Mummers of Fingal, Letterpress Printing, and the use of landmarks at sea (marcanna na talamh) represent performing arts, craft, and oral knowledge, respectively. They are examples of our 'intangible cultural heritage', referring to the practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities and groups recognise as part of their culture. This programme aims to celebrate the work of the people who have kept these traditions alive by shining a light on these important aspects of Irish culture.
Poetry People
Christmas Day at 1.15pm on RTÉ Radio 1, Rachael Hegarty unwraps the Poetry People festive special - packed with poems, chat, and cheer from Vona Groarke, Theo Dorgan, Frank McGuinness, Jane Clarke, Áine Ní Ghlinn, and a host of guests. Plus, a brand-new seasonal poem from Colm Tóibín. A little gift for listeners.
Divine Sparks
Join Áine Lawlor for a festive feast of Divine Sparks with beloved carols, seasonal stories, childhood wonder, and memories shared. Plus, award-winning writer Seamus O'Rourke takes us on a journey back to rural Christmases long gone.
RTÉ lyric fm
Marty in the Morning
Join Marty live from Vienna, City of Music, to bring you a magical morning of music, culture, and festive charm! Tune in as Marty waltzes through the heart of Austria's capital, celebrating the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II with an exclusive visit to the Vienna State Opera and Musikverein, plus a visit to the famous Christmas markets. While Santa's enjoying a well-earned day off, Marty's in studio for a Christmas morning celebration. Tune in as he unwraps a glittering gift bag of festive carols and Christmas favourites that even the Grinch would enjoy. We'll jingle all the way with the Muppets and Andrea Bocelli, hear a Christmas tale read by Simon Callow and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and enjoy perennial favourites from Frank Sinatra, Cliff Richard, and Eimear Quinn. We can't guarantee a White Christmas, but with Marty, it's always merry and bright.
Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive
Lorcan Murray presents Classic Drive's Christmas Special, live with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, New Dublin Voices led by Bernie Sherlock, soprano Amy Ní Fhearraigh, and tenor Dean Power as they join forces to bring you the best of Christmas music and carols, including classical, popular, and traditional Irish melodies. Lorcan brings you on a musical journey through Anderson's Sleigh Ride and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker to classic songs White Christmas and The Christmas Song. And it wouldn't be Christmas without choral song as New Dublin Voices perform the haunting Irish carol Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil, amongst other favourites. Join Lorcan and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra as they celebrate through music in those magical weeks before Christmas.
Movies and Musicals with Aedín Gormley
Join Aedín for her annual, not-to-be-missed seasonal soundtrack of songs and festive film favourites - from Willy Wonka to It's a Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz to White Christmas, Elf to ET, and Home Alone to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Plus, there'll be hit songs from Frozen, Mary Poppins, and The Polar Express. Your favourite things guaranteed!
Opera Night with Paul Herriott
The Irish Baroque Orchestra's annual production of Handel's Messiah is an established highlight of the December calendar. It is performed on period instruments and with chorus, capturing Handel's much-loved work in all its original colour and splendour.
Ambient Orbit
Against the backdrop of a dramatic Neolithic landscape, Ambient Orbit brings you a special winter solstice broadcast live from Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in Co Sligo, home to Ireland's oldest megalithic tombs on 21 December, the longest night of the year.
2FM
Now That's What I Call 2025 - The 2FM End-of-Year Quiz
Two teams of 2FM presenters go head-to-head once again for the ultimate end-of-year quiz. Who will win the coveted title and "bragging rights" for this year? Tracy Clifford is in charge as Laura, Roz, Aisling, Mikey, Demi, and Beta battle it out for 60 minutes.
Diarmuid O'Brien
2FM's St Stephen's Night Rave Up with Diarmuid O'Brien is in the mix for a two-hour dance party on one of the biggest nights of the year! He is also ringing in 2026 with a four-hour dance marathon to soundtrack your night out or gaff party at home, with tunes from the Noughties right up until today and some special DJ guests in the mix.
The Story of 2FM's Studio 8 Sessions
From classic Fanning Sessions in the 1980s and 1990s, right up to the present day, 2FM's Studio 8 Sessions - Part 1 features sessions and interviews with NewDad, A House, Gemma Dunleavy, Soak, and Irish hip-hop pioneers Scary Eire. It also features RTÉ music producer Damian Chennells talking about when Noel Gallagher visited Studio 8. In part two of the series, we hear from Dave Fanning and producer Ian Wilson, along with session material and interviews with Saibh Skelly, The Blades, Soulé, and Whipping Boy.
The Alternative Grumpy Christmas with Dan Hegarty and Graham Smyth
Dan and Graham reprise their 2023 and 2024 Christmas specials with this Christmas 2025 extravaganza! Hear alternative Christmas anthems alongside some of their highlights from the year 2025 by acts like Gorillaz, Just Mustard, Little Simz, and Turnstile.
RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta
Ceol na Nollag
An hour of Christmas classics with Tristan Rosenstock, ranging from beloved carols to new Christmas songs.
Bóthar na Smaointe
A major new work by renowned musician and composer Aoife Ní Bhriain, recorded at Stiúideo Cuan in Conamara, in memory of the late Charlie Lennon. These new compositions are inspired by her journey to date as a musician and how she has navigated a unique path between the worlds of classical and traditional music as a master of both.
Faoi na Fóide
In this new production, Séamus Ó Grianna's short fictional story Faoi na Fóide is Mé Sínte, first published in 1926, has been adapted as a radio drama for the first time.
Teach Dhún Lúiche
Áine Ní Bhreisleáin visits the historic Dunlewey House, an estate in west Donegal built almost 200 years ago and speaks to current and past members of staff about the history of the estate. 11am on 26 December.
RTÉ Kids
Storybud
Jason Byrne's Twelve Storybuds of Christmas delivers 12 episodes of festive mayhem. The comedian tells the story of Larry the librarian and Betty the birdwatcher who decide to fake an illness so they can avoid the big family Christmas celebrations in favour of 'having a quiet one'.
Santa's Holiday
Dutiful little elf Maeve and her trusty dog Rocket are faced with an impossible task: to get the hard-working elf Arthur to put down his tools and enjoy the Christmas holidays at Santa's Village! This Christmas Eve on RTÉ One, get cosy and enjoy Santa's Holiday. It's a magical animation for all the family, all the way from the North Pole. Santa's elves are taking a well-earned break, but Arthur won't stop working. It's up to Maeve and her trusty dog Rocket to get him to put down his tools and enjoy the Christmas holidays at Santa's Village!
news2day
On Friday, 5 December the lucky winner of the news2day Christmas Art Competition will turn on the lights at RTÉ HQ live on TV - tune in to RTÉ2 at 4.05pm.
This is Christmas
Listen up! This is Christmas is your one-stop shop for all kinds of festive fun and stories from the RTÉ KIDS Podcast team.
