**A Cheerful Re-Ranking of All *Doctor Who* Christmas Specials**
Season’s greetings, Whovians! In light of the festive season and the release of the newest *Doctor Who* Christmas special, *”Joy to the World,”* we’ve taken the time to revisit and rearrange our rankings of every holiday episode from the series revival. These specials have treated us to alien confrontations, touching farewells, exciting regenerations, and a wealth of Christmas spirit. But which episodes genuinely embody the essence of Christmas while offering a compelling narrative and emotional depth? Let’s jump in!
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### **15. “The Christmas Invasion” (2005) – Season 1, Episode 14**
The inaugural Christmas special of the contemporary *Doctor Who* era features David Tennant taking on the role of the Tenth Doctor. While largely incapacitated throughout the episode, the Doctor ultimately leaps into action to fend off robo-Santas and a perilous spinning Christmas tree. Tennant’s eccentric charm shines through, yet the episode stumbles with a dated reference to the female prime minister. Despite its important role in history, it feels somewhat imbalanced.
**Where to watch:** Available for streaming on Max.
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### **14. “The End of Time: Part 1” (2009) – Season 4, Episode 17**
This special begins the Tenth Doctor’s farewell storyline, showcasing the return of Wilf, the revival of the Master, and a chaotic plot intertwined with clones and Time Lords. While it establishes the emotional stakes for Part 2, the Christmas aspects are scant, and the narrative comes across more as a prologue rather than an independent story.
**Where to watch:** Available for streaming on Max.
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### **13. “The Return of Doctor Mysterio” (2016) – Season 9, Episode 14**
The Twelfth Doctor encounters a superhero in this special set in New York City. Although the idea of a supercharged journalist battling evil seems entertaining, the episode has difficulty merging its superhero spoof with *Doctor Who’s* trademark appeal. It’s an unusual but forgettable addition to the Christmas roster.
**Where to watch:** Available for streaming on Max.
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### **12. “Last Christmas” (2014) – Season 8, Episode 13**
Santa Claus (portrayed by the delightful Nick Frost) joins forces with Clara and the Twelfth Doctor to confront Dream Crabs in a research station at the North Pole. This episode combines festive whimsy with unsettling sci-fi horror, though its twist-laden conclusion feels too complicated. Nonetheless, it’s an enjoyable and quirky rewatch.
**Where to watch:** Available for streaming on Max.
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### **11. “The Time of the Doctor” (2013) – Season 7, Episode 16**
Matt Smith’s last episode as the Eleventh Doctor is rich with lore, adversaries, and poignant moments. While the subplot of the Christmas dinner adds a touch of holiday cheer, the heavy mythology can make it a challenging revisit. Smith’s enthusiasm, however, guarantees it remains worth watching.
**Where to watch:** Available for streaming on Max.
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### **10. “The Doctor, the Widow, and the Wardrobe” (2011) – Season 6, Episode 14**
This touching special tells the story of a widowed mother who unites with the Eleventh Doctor to rescue her children in an enchanting forest. Combining elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and holiday joy, it serves as a delightful homage to the power of a mother’s love.
**Where to watch:** Available for streaming on Max.
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### **9. “A Christmas Carol” (2010) – Season 5, Episode 14**
In this Dickensian-themed episode, the Eleventh Doctor reinterprets *A Christmas Carol* to rescue a spaceship and redeem a miserly Kazran (played by Michael Gambon). Complete with flying sharks and seasonal whimsy, it’s a charming reimagining of a timeless story.
**Where to watch:** Available for streaming on Max.
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### **8. “The Next Doctor” (2008) – Season 4, Episode 14**
Set in the era of Victorian London, this special features a man convinced he is the Doctor. With Cybermen lurking, a Dickensian ambiance, and an emotional mystery, it’s an enjoyable and festive adventure that offers a refreshing take on the Doctor’s legacy.
**Where to watch:** Available for streaming on Max.
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### **7. “Joy to the World” (2024) – Season 15, Episode 0**
Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor takes center stage in this captivating special, which unfolds in a Time Hotel that allows guests to explore moments from human history. With Nicola Coughlan portraying the titular Joy, this episode provides humor, thrills, and an emotionally powerful conclusion, marking it as an immediate classic.
**Where to watch:** Available for streaming on Disney+.
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### **6. “The Snowmen” (2012) – Season 7, Episode**