IT'S not just the lovely food we'll be feasting on this Christmas. There's some cracking TV programmes worth reserving your place on the sofa for. Here's what we're looking forward to watching:

Christmas Eve

The Snowman and The Snowdog

The much-anticipated sequel to Raymond Briggs' Christmas classic, The Snowman, will be aired on Channel 4 for the first time at 8pm. The 24-minute animation will be shown 30 years after the original was broadcast and sees a young boy journey to the North Pole with his two new friends. Hankies at the ready.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Yes, it's on every year but we get to watch Michael Caine singing along with the Muppets, who doesn't want to see that?

Christmas Day

Doctor Who

The snowmen in the episode of the same name sure aren't like any we've ever built! Not only does the Christmas special look super scary but we'll also be treated to a 'new' TARDIS, revamped theme tune and new look titles.

Eastenders

Expect the usual misery in Walford this Christmas (have they ever had a happy one?). Max's secret is set to be revealed by brother Derek (who will be killed off in the festive episodes) and we also find out who Kat's mystery lover is. Oooh.

Coronation Street

It's Leanne and Nick's big day. The sweethearts are meant to be entering wedded bliss but with Peter back Leanne is having second thoughts. We reckon she's better off with Nick but will she fall for that Barlow charm again?

Downton Abbey

It's hard to imagine life when Downton Abbey wasn't on at Christmas. This year sees the Crawley family head to Scotland for a break and leave their Downton staff behind. 

The Royle Family

The 2011 Christmas special was postponed due to two of the cast members having other filming commitments, but we'll be able to watch our favourite couch potatoes get up to, er, well, not very much this year.

Boxing Day

The Girl

Sienna Miller plays Tippi Hedren in the drama based on the story of Alfred Hitchcock's obsession with the leading lady of his 1963 film, The Birds. We think it looks rather good.

What will you be crowding round the TV for this Christmas? Do you find Christmas TV massively over-rated? If so, what would you like to watch instead? Let us know in the comments below.

  • BTW Your Christmas and New Year TV listings are inside the Echo Magazine on Saturday, December 22!