When will the three 2026 CHRISTMAS LECTURES® programmes be broadcast?
The 2026 CHRISTMAS LECTURES® will be broadcast on the BBC and iPlayer in late December. The exact date of broadcast and the channel will be confirmed in the BBc Christmas schedules in late November.
If you are outside of the UK, each of Jim's three Lectures will be available via YouTube shortly after broadcast in the UK.
What age range are the CHRISTMAS LECTURES® suitable for?
The CHRISTMAS LECTURES® are aimed at an audience of 11-17 year olds, however they are accessible for people of all ages and all levels of scientific knowledge. They are typically watched by families together – a Christmas family tradition on the BBC.
When and where are the 2026 CHRISTMAS LECTURES® being filmed?
The Lectures will be filmed in front of a live audience of 11-17 year olds in the Ri’s historic Theatre in December.
How do I get tickets for the CHRISTMAS LECTURES® filming?
Tickets for the CHRISTMAS LECTURES are exclusively available for Ri Members and Patrons as a thank you for their support throughout the year. Join us a Member today.
How are tickets allocated to Ri Members and Patrons?
Tickets will go on sale in two tranches to ensure as many Members and Patrons as possible have a chance to access them. The first tranche will be available on Saturday 17 October and the second on Tuesday 20 October. Ri Members and Patrons will be notified in advance via an Ri email newsletter.
Is there any other way to watch the CHRISTMAS LECTURES® filming?
Yes! The filming is simultaneously livestreamed to Ri partner locations throughout the UK. Our 2026 partner livestream venues will be announced in Mid-October.
Can I re-watch the 2025 CHRISTMAS LECTURES®?
All three lectures are now available on iPlayer, for those in the UK.
If you are outside the UK, you can watch them on our YouTube channel here.
For licensing reasons, these YouTube versions of the 2025lectures are restricted to those outside the UK, while those in the UK can watch them on iPlayer.
How can I watch other past CHRISTMAS LECTURES®?
You can watch our archive of Christmas lectures here on our website or on our YouTube channel.
What is the history of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES®?
Michael Faraday started the CHRISTMAS LECTURES® at the Ri in 1825, to engage and educate young people about science. The Ri have hosted the Lectures every year since, stopping only for a few years during World War II. They were the first science programme broadcast on UK television, 90 years ago this year, in 1936. They have been broadcast every year since 1936.
Read more about the history of the Lectures.