Key Highlights
- BBC New Year’s Eve 2025 features a lineup of entertainment programs including The Graham Norton Show and Jools’ Hootenanny.
- Ronan Keating hosts “A New Year’s Eve Party” with special musical guests from Boyzone, Louise, Shona, and Calum Scott.
- Jools Holland hosts his annual Hootenanny with a variety of musical legends and new stars to ring in 2026.
- Hogmanay 2025 showcases classic Scottish modern tunes backed by Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire, along with traditional performances from Mànran.
- BBC Radio offers a full schedule of New Year’s Eve entertainment including music, interviews, and film screenings on BBC iPlayer.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations on BBC: A Comprehensive Guide
As the clock ticks towards midnight on December 31st, 2025, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is set to provide viewers with a diverse array of entertainment options across television, iPlayer, radio, and sounds. From glamorous chat shows to nostalgic music performances, the BBC has lined up a series of events that promise to make this New Year’s Eve memorable.
The Graham Norton Show: A Night of Sparkling Chat and Jokes
BBC One and iPlayer will host The Graham Norton Show on December 31st at 10:30 PM. Known for its sparkling chat, jokes, and music, this year’s special edition will mark the end of 2025 with a lineup that includes some familiar faces.
Notable guests include Tom Hiddleston from The Night Manager, returning as Jonathan Pine; Oscar winner Laura Dern and comic actor Will Arnett in their latest collaboration, Is This Thing On?; Owen Cooper, the young star of the hit series Adolescence; Carey Mulligan and comedian Tim Key from The Ballad of Wallis Island; and music guest Alison Limerick with her classic dance hit “Where Love Lives.”
Ronan Keating’s New Year’s Eve Party: A Nostalgic Celebration
On the same night, at 11:30 PM on BBC One and iPlayer, Ronan Keating will welcome viewers to a night of music and celebration. This event will feature two of his former Boyzone bandmates, Louise and Calum Scott, as well as Shona, an ex-EastEnders star known for her powerful vocals.
One of the highlights will be the reunion of Ronan with Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch from Boyzone, a group that scored six UK number-one singles in the 1990s. This performance promises to deliver a burst of nostalgia as one of pop’s most iconic line-ups comes together again.
Jools’ Annual Hootenanny: A Night of Rhythm and Blues
BBC Two and iPlayer will host Jools Holland’s annual Hootenanny at 11:30 PM. Known for his ability to bring together a diverse array of musical legends and new stars, Jools will be joined by Ronnie Wood, Olivia Dean, Lulu, Jessie J, Craig David, Heather Small, The Kooks, Imelda May, Joe Webb, David Hermlin, and Ruby Turner.
This lineup promises an evening filled with classic hits and fresh sounds that are sure to keep audiences engaged until the stroke of midnight. As 2025 draws to a close, Jools Holland’s Hootenanny will be a highlight for music lovers across the nation.
Hogmanay: A Night of Traditional Scottish Music
At 11:30 PM on BBC One Scotland and iPlayer, Hogmanay will showcase classic Scottish modern tunes. The line-up includes Nathan Evans, Michelle McManus, Robert Robertson, Georgia Cécile, Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire, and Mànran’s high energy trad performance.
This event is traditionally broadcast live from Edinburgh, with the Lone Piper on the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle and the iconic firing of Mons Meg at Midnight. The city’s amazing firework display will be soundtracked by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, making it a spectacular way to usher in 2026.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks: A Grand Finale
The night will end with BBC One and iPlayer providing live coverage of London’s spectacular fireworks display on the River Thames. As Big Ben strikes midnight, crowds gather to welcome in the new year, creating a magical atmosphere that can be enjoyed from the comfort of home or watched on television.
Entertainment Across Radio and Sounds
BBC Radio will offer a full day of New Year’s Eve entertainment with DJs like James Cusack starting at 6 PM and Connor Coates taking over from 10 PM. BBC Radio 2 will feature two hours of party anthems, old and new, handpicked by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Meanwhile, BBC Radio 3 will provide an all-day program with Soweto guiding listeners into 2026 at midnight.
BBC Radio 5 Live will offer a preview of the best TV shows for 2026 from 10 PM onwards, while Nick Bright will sit in with late-night conversation.
On BBC Radio 6 Music, Beth Ditto will bring two hours of the biggest and best indie hits to dance the night away. And SHERELLE will kick off the New Year’s Eve Loud & Proud takeover with an hour of high-energy jungle and hardcore sounds before handing over to her guests—Call Super, UNIIQU3, and AZADI.mp3.
Additional Film Screenings
For those who prefer a film on New Year’s Eve, the BBC has lined up several options. “Funny Girl,” “West Side Story,” “Back to the Future Part III,” “Despicable Me 3,” “Chicken Run,” and “Mission: Impossible” will be available for viewing throughout the evening.
As we say goodbye to 2025, these programs promise to provide a memorable New Year’s Eve experience. Whether it’s a night of music, chat, or films, BBC has something for everyone as they welcome in 2026 with style and excitement.
