CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2023 FAQs

Find out everything you need to know about the 2023 lectures.

Mike Wooldridge is shaking hands with a robot arm and smiling
Image credit: Paul Wilkinson

When will the three 2023 CHRISTMAS LECTURES programmes be broadcast?

The 2023 CHRISTMAS LECTURES were on BBC Four in the UK, on the 26th, 27th, and 28th of December at 8pm.

Where can I watch the 2023 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 2023 lectures are restricted to those outside the UK, while those in the UK can watch them on iPlayer. 

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 2023 CHRISTMAS LECTURES being filmed?

The Lectures were filmed in front of a live audience of 11-17 year olds in the Ri’s historic Theatre on:

Tuesday, 12 December 2023

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Saturday, 16 December 2023

Where and when can I watch a livestream of the 2023 CHRISTMAS LECTURES filming?

You can see a full list of venues that were livestreaming the CHRISTMAS LECTURES here. We had venues across the UK taking part.

How do I get tickets for the CHRISTMAS LECTURES filming?

Tickets for the CHRISTMAS LECTURES are allocated by a ballot for Ri Members and Patrons as a thank you for their support throughout the year. If you'd like to enter the ballot, you need to become a Member which you can do here, and you can enter for the 2024 lectures.

Tickets to the live filming are also made available for free to UK registered schools in disadvantaged areas, which the Ri has been supporting to engage with science throughout the year.

Read our FAQs on the CHRISTMAS LECTURES live filming here.

How can I get more resources and information from the Open University?

We're delighted that the Open University are co-producers of the lectures this year. Find out more on their CHRISTMAS LECTURES microsite.

How can I watch past CHRISTMAS LECTURES?

You can watch our archive of Christmas lectures here on our website.

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 World War II. Read more about the history of the Lectures.