Despite the digital era taking many viewers from traditional broadcasting to online platforms, there is no disputing that Christmas time is dominated by our television screens.

The classic Christmas Day family argument normally stems from a fight over the remote; but there are some TV specials that have the whole family laughing or crying together.

Whether it’s reruns of classic moments or the excitement at the return of an old favourite, there is a Christmas TV special for everyone. 

Here are six of the best Christmas TV specials to get you in the festive spirit.

The Vicar of Dibley: The Christmas Lunch Incident (1996)

TV’s favourite vicar Geraldine Granger (Dawn French) spends her second Christmas in Dibley and accidentally agrees to attend four Christmas lunches.

Despite her best efforts to avoid eating too much, she endures four hearty meals around the village - with each of them serving their side dish of hilarity.

The episode ends with a joyful gathering at Geraldine’s and a surprise marriage proposal. 

Doctor Who: The End of Time (2009)

David Tennant's departure from the sci-fi series was an emotional one when he regenerated into the eleventh Doctor in the last moments of the Christmas Day episode.

His emotional final words, ‘I don’t want to go,’ echoed the thoughts of heartbroken viewers, who watched Tennant reluctantly regenerate into Matt Smith as the Tardis prepared for a crash landing.

The explosive Christmas special goes down as one of the most memorable moments in Doctor Who history.

The Snowman (1982)

The beloved children's book about a boy whose snowman comes to life was brought to our television screens in an animated special shown on Boxing Day 1982.

The sweet story directed by Dianne Jackson, which shows a festive adventure through the night for the boy and his new friend, is told through Raymond Biggs' illustrations and music scored by Howard Blake.

For many, The Snowman is an integral part of their Christmas Day with the family.

The Office (2003)

The Office treated its cult following to a two-part Christmas special to end the hit 14-episode mockumentary series.

David Brent (Ricky Gervais), now a minor celebrity after the popularity of the documentary, attempts to find a date for the Christmas party and spectacularly stands up to workplace bully Finchy (Ralph Ineson).

But the best moment of the finale is when will-they-won’t-they couple Tim (Martin Freeman) and Dawn (Lucy Davis) finally kiss at the party and walk off into the sunset...or rather the twinkle of fairy lights.

Gervais and co-writer Stephen Merchant deliver their comedy genius that will make you cry with laughter and pure joy as the characters get the happy endings the viewers had been rooting for.  

Downton Abbey (2012)

Downton Abbey's 2012 special was a far cry from the previous year’s special, which saw Matthew (Dan Stevens) propose to Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) surrounded by falling snow in a festive declaration of love.

Things seem jolly in Downton as newly-married Mary gives birth to their son, but in true Downton style the happiness was short lived. 

On Christmas Day, 8.1 million people tuned in to watch Matthew meet his untimely end when his motor car crashes on the way home from seeing his new-born son, breaking hearts across the nation. 

Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993)

Nick Park's stop-motion comedy The Wrong Trousers is among the greatest of the adventures of inventor Wallace and his dog Gromit. 

Wallace finds himself stuck in a pair of robotic trousers and is unwittingly embroiled in a diamond heist, controlled by their penguin lodger Feathers McGraw.

The family favourite is packed full of film references, clever shots and hilarious mishaps which make the perfect nostalgic Christmas treat.

Black Mirror: White Christmas (2014)

For viewers sick of warm happy endings and who are looking for a darker Christmas tale, Black Mirror has the perfect remedy with Charlie Brooker's typical dose of social commentary on the modern world in White Christmas.

Don’t let the festive themes in the episode fool you. The Christmas installment is a far cry from feel-good merriment and shows the terrifying power of technology and the isolating consequences of three characters actions during the holiday.

If there is one thing you can be sure to take away from the episode, you will never be able to listen to Wizzard's 'I Wish it Could Be Christmas Every Day' again after this dystopian spin on the Christmas special.