It’s that time of year again when you can snuggle up on the sofa with a glass of wine or a cuppa, a box of chocs and the family and put your feet up and watch some good old-fashioned cookery shows. From Gordon Ramsay’s Cookalong to The Great British Bake Off Christmas special, we’ve got plenty of reasons why you should be extremely excited for this month’s food TV.

Gordon Ramsay Cookalong

Why not cookalong with Gordon Ramsay this Christmas Day? He’ll be taking you through the step-by-step stages for making the perfect Christmas dinner this year. This show is jammed packed with festive entertainment and celebrity guests, ideal for watching with the family.

When’s it on? 25th December, Channel 4, 10am

Nigel Slater’s 12 Tastes of Christmas

These two special episodes see Nigel in his element making some classic Christmas dishes and getting into the spirit of the season. Along with plenty of tempting treats, Nigel takes us on a journey to Norwich to find the perfect Christmas tree – now that’s dedication!

When’s it on? 14th & 21st December, BBC1, 7.30pm

Nigellissma: An Italian Inspired Christmas

We just loved Nigella’s Italian show Nigellissma earlier this year so we’re very exciting that she’s back with a cracking Christmas special. This time lucky Nigella travels to Venice, sharing some of her most loved party ideas and recipes for her festive feast – and we’re all invited.

When’s it on? 17th December, BBC2, 8pm

MasterChef: The Professionals – Michel’s Classics

If you love French food and can’t get enough of Michel Roux Jr, this show will be right up your street. With plenty of succulent and impressive dishes up his sleeve, Michel shows you how to make mixture of mouth-watering faves from honey and rosemary-infused chicken to sweet and spicy mutton pie. Learn some new skills and impress the family this festive season.

When’s it on? 18th December, BBC2, 7pm

The Great British Bake Off Xmas

Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood are back in the  Bake Off Christmas special and we couldn’t be more excited! They’re going to be rustling up our festive favourites like mince pies, traditional Christmas pudding and a classic yuletide cake –  we wonder if Mary Berry will be making her famous Christmas cake? Gather the family around the TV and get watching – it’s not one to be missed!

When’s it on? 18th December, BBC2, 8pm

River Cottage Three Go Mad at Christmas

There’s a party going on at the River Cottage and we’re all on the guest list! Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the rest of the River Cottage team have invited some celebrity friends such as Kathy Burke, Stephen Mangan and Mark Heap together for a festive feast like no other. There’s going to be a delicious 3-course Christmas dinner and Hugh’s going to show us how it’s done.

When’s it on? 16th December, C4, 8pm

Heston’s Fantastical Christmas

What’s Heston up to this Christmas? Visiting Hampton Court, Heston gets creative with edible decorations, Christmas cocktails and a humongous Christmas pudding – large enough to step inside! It looks like Heston has his hands full this December – well he wouldn’t just do a normal Christmas show now would he?

When’s it on? 24th December, C4, 6.30pm

Where to next?

– Classic Christmas recipes

– Christmas turkey alternatives

– Christmas dinner mistakes to avoid