If you’re one of the millions of people around the world who have watched and enjoyed Doctor Who at some point in your life, or you’re looking to start watching, you’re probably looking forward to the newest special coming out Dec. 25, 2024. But, before you hop in, how about a comprehensive watch list of some of the best, true to form, New Who Christmas specials? Allons-y!
5. “The Runaway Bride”
Being the story that introduced Donna Noble, this one is a classic. As far as Christmas specials go, this one had some good Christmas theming, but did end up going away later in the story in favor of more plot-related theming. The writing felt sharp and really did a great job of beginning the classic back and forth friendship of the Doctor Donna. Some notable things in this one include the Empress of the Racnoss and her amazing, incredibly campy performance.
4. “The End of Time”
Another classic from the 10th Doctor’s run. With the Doctor’s regeneration being a consistent plotline throughout the special, we got a great new perspective on regeneration that we hadn’t really seen before. We had seen the stubborn perspective before, but the 10th doctor brought in a new aspect of emotional turmoil and grief that was new and jarring. The writing could be very bad in some places, but in an amazingly ridiculous way. Some notable things in this one include Wilf, and his relationship with the Doctor; as well as the Master becoming Obama (you just have to watch it to see). One things that weren’t so great about this one was the beginning of the complete mischaracterization of the timelords in New Who.
3. “X-Mas Special (2010)” (A Christmas Carol)
This Christmas special is known for being a pretty well loved episode, and rightfully so. But, to get it out of the way, one thing that was kind of icky about this special was Kazran and Abigail’s love story. The scene with the ghosts of Christmas present singing silent night “for their lives” was just so beautiful and impactful, and “Silence is All You Know” is an astoundingly beautiful song. This was just all around a really well done Christmas episode, and it’s just a very good piece of standalone Christmas media.
2. “The Doctor, the Widow, and The Wardrobe”
This special is just a really fun one. Madge is such a great character, and I really loved how seeing her in her first meeting with the Doctor then having the flash forward and seeing her process her grief gave her some good depth. Another great thing about this episode is the way that the 11th Doctor really shines when interacting with kids. The brief bit of exposition while they were in the tower was a little boring, but the flight after, through the time vortex, was just so powerful to watch. All in all, just a really well put together episode about the power of a mother’s love, that was also very fun to watch.
1. “The Husbands of River Song”
There are many things that could be said about this episode. One could see how cool it was to see the Doctor’s and River’s roles reversed from their first meeting, to their now last meeting. Or maybe it was all the cool alien, set, and costume designs. Or it could have been River’s amazing characterization, and how we get to see this juxtaposition between how she sees other people versus her love for the Doctor.
But, it’s just such an, emotionally impactful episode. The speech at the end where she, with raw honesty in her voice, compares the Doctor’s love to the love of the sunset, or the stars in the sky, would have anyone nearly in tears, and their last moments together in the restaurant will have you fully crying the first time you watch. It’s just a great sendoff to such a long time and beloved character, with an amazingly well executed premise which allows us to see a more tender, real side to her than we ever could have before. Amazing episode, no notes.
