RTÉ’S FESTIVE TV LINEUP officially kicks off with The Late Late Toy Show this Friday, with the broadcaster set to roll out a selection of Christmas specials, documentaries and music programmes across December.
The theme for the Toy Show is still hush-hush, but the new trailer teases Patrick Kielty and a team of astronauts on a spaceship.
Another show among the biggest seasonal offerings is Christmas in Kilmainham, a special Christmas broadcast by Marty Whelan from the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
The live show will featuring Imelda May, The High Kings, the Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus, Banat al-Quds, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Garron Noone.
There’s also a festive High Road, Low Road, a show featuring chef Kevin Dundon and comedian Kayleigh Trappe exploring a snow-covered Austrian alpine town.
RTÉ will also broadcast an extended Christmas edition of Keys to My Life, in which Brendan Courtney brings director Jim Sheridan back through the homes that shaped his life – from Sheriff Street to Dalkey to Hell’s Kitchen.
Callan Kicks also featuring in the TV guide, Oliver Callan’s annual two-part review of the political chaos, sports highs and general madness of 2025.
New Year’s Eve will be marked with a special Late Late Show, as Patrick Kielty rings in 2026 with performances from David Gray, Lyra and Gavin James, plus a live countdown from Dublin Castle with Inhaler.
RTÉ’s Christmas drama comes courtesy of a busy Fair City run, while Mrs Brown’s Boys returns with its annual Christmas and New Year specials.
On the documentary side, RTÉ will air Duffy’s Pub, following Dallas star Patrick Duffy as he explores Irish pub culture.
Meat Loaf: From Hell and to Connaught, will chart the rock icon’s chaotic 1990 Irish tour.
The national broadcaster will also show a documentary titled Daniel O’Connell – The Emancipator; Cloch le Carn episodes on Mary O’Rourke and Jon Kenny; and Tommy Sands – Clann an Cheoil.
Music fans can expect specials from Billy Joel, Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, ABBA, and a concert film of Westlife live at the Royal Albert Hall.
RTÉ Player will also launch new box sets this month, including American Crime Story, Scrubs and The Killing.
The broadcaster’s selection of films on show this Christmas is expected to be announced later this week,
