First look at All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special

The much-loved period drama, which recently concluded its sixth series, will return to screens on Christmas Eve with a brand-new one-hour festive instalment set during Christmas 1945, the first peacetime Christmas following the end of the Second World War.

The cast of All Creatures Great and Small (Image: CHANNEL5)

Producers teased the special on the official All Creatures Great and Small social media pages, writing: “You thought S6 was over, ACGAS is back with a brand new Christmas Special and as Siegfried said, everybody's home this year. Expect darts at The Drovers, a mock turkey and the perfect dose of Darrowby festive cheer!”

Before the episode airs at 9pm on Christmas Eve, viewers will also be able to enjoy a brand-new behind-the-scenes documentary at 8pm, offering an exclusive look at the sets, filming locations and production secrets that bring Darrowby to life.

Filmed across the Yorkshire Dales, including Grassington and Broughton Hall, the series has become a regional favourite, with fans flocking to the real-life villages that double as the show’s fictional community.

What to expect from the festive episode

Set against the backdrop of a nation rebuilding after the war, the special sees the people of Darrowby embracing hope, humour and togetherness.

With Helen feeling unwell, James unexpectedly finds himself in charge of the village Nativity play, a responsibility that quickly spirals into comic chaos. Siegfried, meanwhile, returns to Mrs Stokes’s farm, where the ever-mischievous goat Hilda is once again causing trouble.

At The Drovers Arms, Mrs Hall leads the Skeldale darts team in a fiercely competitive contest, with a rare prize on offer: a fresh turkey, still a luxury in the aftermath of wartime rationing. But her festive plans take an emotional turn when an old friend arrives, leaving both her and Siegfried facing an important decision.

Elsewhere, fans will see Charlotte and Tristan’s relationship develop further, with Charlotte finally learning what has been weighing heavily on Tristan’s mind.

The Christmas episode follows shortly after Series 6’s emotional finale, which prompted a message of gratitude from the cast and crew thanking viewers for their continued support. The programme has also recently been renewed for two more series, much to fans’ delight.

Channel 5 marked the announcement of the festive special with a series of newly released images and a message: “First look at the Christmas Special. Series 6 of All Creatures gave us so much, but 2025 wouldn’t be complete without a festive treat.”

All Creatures Great and Small: Christmas Special airs on Channel 5 on 24th December at 9pm, with the behind-the-scenes documentary at 8pm.