The greatest Christmas TV moments of all time ranked – but did your favourite make the cut?
The greatest Christmas TV moment of all-time is the Only Fools and Horses ‘Batman and Robin’ episode.
A poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas found the hilarious moment from 1996 where Del Boy and Rodney unknowingly prevent a crime – while dressed as the dynamic duo – is top of the tree.
Second place went to another moment from the Peckham-based sitcom – when Del finally becomes a millionaire.
The ‘Walking in the Air’ scene from The Snowman came third, while Geraldine’s sprouts ordeal from The Vicar of Dibley came fourth.
And Andre Previn playing ‘all the right notes’ on 1971’s Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show secured fifth spot.
Commissioned by Samsung, the study found 48 per cent think TV is one of the best things about the holidays.
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As such, those polled will watch 10 hours of TV in total from Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day.
Zeena Hill, TV/AV spokesperson at Samsung Electronics UK&I, said: “We’ve been fortunate to experience many amazing Christmas TV moments over the years.
“And this year is no different with particular stand outs including The Great Snowman and a Ghosts Christmas special expected to appear on our screens this festive season.
“We know the viewing experience is just as important as the content itself.”
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Other noteworthy moments include Nessa proposing to Smithy in Gavin & Stacey, the Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers train chase scene, and Dawn and Tim getting together in The Office.
The priests getting trapped in the lingerie section in Father Ted, Den giving Angie divorce papers in EastEnders, and Denise going into labour in The Royle Family are also remembered fondly.
As are Santa’s Little Helper joining the family in the first ever episode of The Simpsons, the revolving Christmas Tree from Mrs Brown’s Boys, and Gary’s proposal in Miranda.
When it comes to new TV, King Charles’ Christmas Day message is the programme those polled are most looking forward to this year, just ahead of Strictly Come Dancing and Call the Midwife.
More than half (55 per cent) intend to watch the King’s first TV address – with 59 per cent eager to do so because it’s a ‘historic moment’ and 52 per cent because ‘it’s tradition’.
While festive telly is an integral part of the holidays for many families, 30 per cent admit agreeing what to watch tends to lead to arguments – such is the extensive choice.
And on average, 5:05pm on Christmas Day is the time such disputes tend to start.
The study carried out through OnePoll, for Samsung, makers of Neo QLED 8K, 4Ks, and QD-OLED TVs powered by Quantum Dot Technology, found 27 per cent like watching Christmas television because it’s a chance to bond with loved ones.
While 41 per cent said telly of this kind makes them feel nostalgic and 41 per cent said it leaves them feeling cosy.
TOP 30 CHRISTMAS TV MOMENTS
- Only Fools and Horses – Batman and Robin
- Only Fools and Horses – Del finally becomes a millionaire
- The Snowman – “Walking in the Air” flying segment
- The Vicar of Dibley – Geraldine’s sprouts ordeal
- The Morecambe & Wise Show – Andre Previn plays ‘all the right notes’
- Gavin & Stacey – Nessa proposes to Smithy
- Father Ted – Priests in the lingerie section
- The Vicar of Dibley – Marriage proposal
- The Morecambe & Wise Show – ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ sketch
- Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers – Train Chase scene
- The Morecambe & Wise Show – ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ with newsreader, Angela Rippon
- Eastenders – Den gives Angie divorce papers
- The Good Life – Tom and Barbara make their own Xmas decorations and gifts
- Downton Abbey – Matthew proposes to Lady Mary
- The Royle Family – Denise goes into labour
- Gavin & Stacey – Smithy’s tinfoil wrapping
- Bing Crosby Christmas Special – David Bowie and Bing Crosby sing ‘Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy’
- The Two Ronnies – Pub chat sketch
- Mrs Brown’s Boys – Revolving Christmas Tree
- EastEnders – Max and Stacey’s affair reveal
- The Office – Dawn and Tim get together
- Porridge – ‘No Way Out’ – Fletcher falls into a tunnel and gets Xmas lunch in the infirmary
- Miranda – Gary proposes to Miranda
- Bottom – A baby turns up on the Eddie and Ritchie’s doorstep and they conclude one of them must be Mary, the mother of Christ
- Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death – Puppy Love
- Doctor Who – David Tennant regenerates
- The Simpsons – Santa’s Little Helper joins the family
- Sherlock – Rooftop finale
- Coronation Street – Hilda Ogden leaves Coronation Street
- The Catherine Tate Show – Nan’s Christmas Carol