The latest shipping forecast
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
A short reflection and prayer with Canon Noel Battye
Farming Today
The Nativity, as told by a farmer, and starring real animals
14 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Families flock to Roves Farm in north Wiltshire to take part in a Christmas nativity which stars real farm animals - and the farmer - who dresses up as a donkey. Show more
Sir David Attenborough presents the Christmas shearwater. Show more
Dan Snow looks at the final year of the First World War drawing on archive interviews with those who experienced it Show more
Author Neil Gaiman shares his favourite writing. With Peter Capaldi, Nina Sosanya, John Finnemore, Mitch Benn and Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Recorded at the Radio Theatre. Show more
John Lloyd invites former curators Sally Phillips, Lee Mack, Jo Brand and Jimmy Carr to review the Museum’s exhibits and attempts to squeeze one fresh donation out of each of them. Show more
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, reflects on the birth of Jesus in a service for Christmas morning from the Chapel of Lambeth Palace. Show more
Blowing the Bloody Doors Off by Michael Caine
2. Auditions
14 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for years
Small parts, determination and plenty of auditions. Michael Caine reads his memoir and shares stories about his early years. Show more
Woman's Hour
Christmas Day with Prue Leith, Kelechi Okafor, Helen Lewis and Bridget Christie
57 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for over a year
Christmas Day with wise women Prue Leith, Bake Off host, comedian Bridget Christie, actor Kelechi Okafor and Helen Lewis, deputy editor of The New Statesman. Show more
Two women disagree about which of them is a child's rightful mother. Inspired by stories from the old and new testaments. Show more
The Food Programme
Nigella Lawson: A Life Through Food
28 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for over a year
You know her from TV and food writing. But what does Nigella Lawson eat when the cameras are turned off? Join Diana Henry for supper with the Queen of Christmas cooking. Show more
An Audience for the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II on stage and screen
28 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for over a year
Can we measure the popularity of the monarchy and of the Queen by representations on stage and screen? From the coronation to The Crown, Professor Kate Williams investigates. Show more
Maigret visits a girl who claims to have seen Father Christmas pulling up floorboards in her room. Read by Sir Derek Jacobi. Show more
The best of BBC Radio this year with Evan Davis Show more
The latest national and international news and weather reports from BBC Radio 4
The latest weather forecast.
Former choristers share their memories of singing the Once in Royal David's City solo at the beginning of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast on Christmas Eve. Show more
The Gut Instinct: A Social History
2 - A Window into the Gut
14 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for over a year
Tim Hayward peers through a window into the gut, to tell the story of a case that changed medical history. Show more
Emma is touched by some heartfelt words and Ben resorts to blackmail Show more
4 Extra Debut. 1804: A French warship is wrecked in Hartlepool. Is the survivor a spy? Stars Michael Palin, Gina McKee and Monica Dolan. Show more
The Queen's Christmas message to the Commonwealth and the nation, followed by the national anthem.
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
Malachy Tallack’s seasonal tale of family and homecoming, set in Shetland. Show more
Don McLean answers audience questions about his timeless classic 1971 album, ‘American Pie'. With John Wilson. From 2018. Show more
Josie Long presents short Christmas-themed documentaries and adventures in sound - featuring a long time resident of Santa Claus, Indiana and a dive into It's a Wonderful Life. Show more
4 Extra Debut. Comedian Mark Steel chooses actor, filmmaker and political rebel, Charlie Chaplin. With Matthew Parris. From 2018. Show more
The Listening Project
The Listening Project Christmas Special
57 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for over a year
Fi Glover and guests celebrate Christmas reflecting on a lively range of Listening Project conversations involving children. Show more
Six O'Clock News
25/12/2018 The Queen calls for respect and understanding
15 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for over a year
The Queen has called for people to show respect and understanding to others in her Christmas message.
Uncorked
Jancis Robinson talks wine, theatre, and Dr Who with Jodie Whittaker
14 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for over a year
Jancis Robinson recommends wine to Dr Who actor Jodie Whittaker. Taste, opinions, time travel, and clinking glasses. Show more
Tim Vine hears the public’s Christmas stories featuring a seasonal lawn-mowing song and a lost Christmas dinner. From 2018. Show more
There's tension over the turkey at Brookfield and Jenny faces an alternative Christmas Show more
Front Row
Choirs - a celebration of singing together
28 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for over a year
As more and more people join choirs, Kirsty Lang talks to three different choir leaders and members about the benefits of singing together. Show more
Two women disagree about which of them is a child's rightful mother. Inspired by stories from the old and new testaments. Show more
Celebrating 60 years of astonishing success. Celia Hatton sees how the instant noodle, born in a shed in Japan, went global, with the help of students, travellers and prisoners. Show more
Dame Joan Plowright talks to Peter White about her career, life with Sir Laurence Olivier and her blindness. Show more
A very special evening of comedy from David Sedaris with music from the BBC Symphony Orchestra. No matter the time of year, the Grim Reaper could be just around the corner. Show more
Author Neil Gaiman shares his favourite writing. With Peter Capaldi, Nina Sosanya, John Finnemore, Mitch Benn and Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Recorded at the Radio Theatre. Show more
Maigret visits a girl who claims to have seen Father Christmas pulling up floorboards in her room. Read by Sir Derek Jacobi. Show more
Jarvis Cocker hosts a special festive edition, telling stories of a shepherdess and a miracle birth, whilst a wise man keeps watch for unusual signs in the Christmas skies. Show more
Mishal Husain presents seasonal dispatches ranging from the Christmas card sender you can't reply to, festive policing, seeking new soul mates and wassailing with a horse's skull. Show more
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
Comedian and writer Paul Kerensa with a light-hearted reflection on the season's festivities for Christmas night. Show more
Blowing the Bloody Doors Off by Michael Caine
2. Auditions
14 minutes on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for years
Small parts, determination and plenty of auditions. Michael Caine reads his memoir and shares stories about his early years. Show more
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.