Doctor Who 2024 Christmas Episode: Release date and time, what to expect, and more

Doctor Who will return this December 2024 with a Christmas special, "Joy to the World," on Disney+ and BBC One!

The tradition of Doctor Who Christmas specials continues and fans should pull up their socks to join the doctor and his companion, Joy, for a new adventure. The upcoming episode will bring back the humor and suspense in the plot with thrilling twists.

While Ncuti Gatwa will reprise his role as the Fifteenth Doctor, he's joined by Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan in the titular role of Joy. This marks the actress's major involvement in the beloved TV series. Her journey will center around time-traveling with the iconic doctor, and the story will kick off with Joy's encounter with a Silurian in her hotel room.

Anticipation for the Christmas Special episode is high, as fans are excited to dive into a new adventure. As characters participate in time travel, they will also encounter historic locations, adding to the appealing episode. Read more to know everything about the upcoming adventure.

Doctor Who 2024 Christmas episode release date and time: When to expect the episode

Joy will encounter unexpected species (Image Source: YouTube @Doctor Who)

As of now, the release date of the Doctor Who 2024 Christmas episode "Joy to the World" hasn't been confirmed, but considering the show’s long-standing tradition, it's expected to come out on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. It's a trend that showrunner Russell T Davies began in 2005 with the first Christmas special episode and is likely to continue.

The episode will stream on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. However, the trend to release Doctor Who's Christmas Special on December 25 broke during Chris Chibnall's time as the showrunner. Now that Davies is back, it’s likely that the upcoming episode will return to the traditional Christmas Day slot. The official confirmation of the date and time is expected to be announced a week before the release.

What to expect from Doctor Who 2024 Christmas episode: Plot details explored

The upcoming episode will see Joy and the Doctor on a new adventure as she meets him for the first time. The plot begins when Joy checks into a hotel in London in 2024, expecting to enjoy a quiet stay. Eventually, she is proved wrong!

Joy will discover a secret door that leads to the Time Hotel, filled with surprises and twists. She will encounter the doctor, and a few dangers, and how can we forget a dinosaur? The two will join forces after learning that an old enemy of the doctor is planning to ruin Christmas, and they must stop the deadly plan. The fate of human history is at stake, and the doctor and his new companion have limited time.

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Who are the cast members in the Doctor Who 2024 Christmas episode?

Silurian will startle Joy (Image Source: YouTube @Doctor Who)

While the upcoming episode will bring a new face, it will also bring familiar faces like Ncuti Gatwa and others. The cast of the Doctor Who 2024 Christmas episode includes:

Jonathan Aris as Melnak (a Silurian, the ancient reptilian species)
Joel Fry as Trev
Peter Benedict as Basil
Julia Watson as Hilda
Samuel Sherpa-Moore as Tenzing Norgay (mountaineer)
Phil Baxter as Edmund Hillary
Steph de Whalley as Anita
Peter Benedict as Basil
Niamh Marie Smith as Sylvia

Each character in the episode plays a crucial role in advancing the adventurous plot. They will contribute to the historical settings that will gradually unfold.

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Is there a preview for the Doctor Who 2024 Christmas episode?

The doctor holding a ham and cheese toastie (Image Source: YouTube @Doctor Who)

Yes, a preview for the upcoming episode is available on YouTube, offering a glimpse into the historical places the doctor will visit. The locations include Manchester in 1940 (during World War II), The Orient Express in 1962 (crossing Italy), Base Camp at Everest in 1953 (during the famous Mount Everest expedition), and A Hotel in London in 2024 (where Joy’s adventure begins).

The doctor is seen holding a ham with cheese toastie and a pumpkin latte while entering different places and finding that he's got the wrong place. The trailer ends with a scene where Joy is welcomed at the Sandringham Hotel and she's given a pink-colored room.

Suddenly, Joy encounters a Silurian (a reptilian species) and tries to defend herself with a hairdryer, adding a humorous tone to the episode. While Joy is confused and startled, the doctor appears with the same food in his hand and gives a notable smile.