Are Daytime Soap Operas New or Repeats on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day?
Every year, soap opera fans ask the same question: Will daytime soaps air new episodes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, or will holiday programming take over? Soap Opera News has the answer — along with the full schedule for this year.
Below is a clear, show-by-show breakdown of what typically airs during Christmas week for Days of Our Lives, Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless. Whether it’s heartwarming holiday specials, classic episodes, or brand-new drama, fans can see exactly what’s on so they don’t miss a moment of the action.
Show-by-Show Christmas Schedule Breakdown
Beyond the Gates
Beyond the Gates is about to celebrate its very first Christmas on screen, no small feat for a show that only premiered back in February. The soap marks the occasion with a special holiday episode airing Wednesday, December 24, complete with an original song written by series star Clifton Davis, who plays Vernon Dupree.
The festive hour brings plenty of heart and more than a little drama. Dani (Karla Mosley) and Andre (Sean Freeman) celebrate their first Christmas together, while Vernon and Sharon’s (Bonita Brisker) secret is finally exposed in front of the entire Dupree family. Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like a family revelation at Christmas.
Elsewhere, Ted (Keith D. Robinson) gets more than he bargained for when three surprise visitors arrive for the holidays. And love continues to bloom as Eva (Ambyr Michelle) and Izaiah (David Lami Friebe) hit a major milestone in their growing relationship.
Meanwhile, Beyond the Gates is not new on Christmas Day.
There will be a repeat episode. WinterFest begins, and special guest Damone Roberts helps the Duprees prepare for the event. Anita makes a shocking announcement. Jacob issues a warning to his brother. Leslie does everything in her power to give her daughter a magical night with her dad. After an awkward run-in with Ted, Tomas has a major question to ask Kat.
And on December 26, another repeat. Special guest star Keke Wyatt sings at WinterFest. Nicole’s date takes her by surprise. Vanessa’s troubled by Joey’s lack of support, while Kat thanks him for his unexpected help. Leslie tells Marcel there’s a looming scandal that could rock Fairmont Crest.
Days of Our Lives
Since Days of Our Lives streams exclusively on Peacock, the show is not affected by preemptions, which means brand-new episodes all week long.
On Tuesday, December 24, Rafe and Jada search for the missing DiMeras, while the DiMera captives fight desperately for their freedom. Elsewhere, Julie makes the difficult decision to postpone Christmas, and Eli and Lani return to Salem.
On Wednesday, December 25, Marlena surprises Rachel, setting the tone for an emotional holiday. Brady confronts Kristen, Abe and Paulina grow increasingly worried about Theo, and Johnny shares a meaningful moment with EJ. Meanwhile, Sarah gives Chanel an update on her recent test results.
Then on Thursday, December 26, Jeremy helps Julie prepare for the ornament-hanging party. Jack and Jennifer bring Thomas and Charlotte home, and Xander offers Maggie a heartfelt apology.
It’s a full week of emotion, family moments, and classic Days drama in Salem.
General Hospital
On December 24, Port Charles celebrates Christmas Eve. Carly takes a risky gamble, Sonny offers counsel to Dante, and Trina tries to make amends. Meanwhile, Nina and Obrecht pause to count their blessings during the holiday.
On December 25, there is a full network pre-emption, and General Hospital will not air.
The show returns on December 26, when Tracy finds herself missing Monica, and Sidwell hosts a soiree at Wyndemere.
The Bold and the Beautiful
The Bold and the Beautiful keeps the Christmas spirit glowing beginning Wednesday, December 24, when festive surprises take center stage at the Forrester estate.
Despite coming to terms with his retirement, Eric (John McCook), with Donna (Jennifer Gareis) right by his side, manages to pull off a heartfelt holiday surprise that reminds everyone what the season is really about.
Before joining the rest of the family, Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) presents Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) with a special gift. Meanwhile, Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) share a sweet moment beneath the mistletoe — just in time for Steffy (Jacqueline McInnes Wood), Finn (Tanner Novlan), Kelly (Sophia Paras), and Hayes (Bryan David Garlick) to arrive and join in the celebration.
In classic Forrester fashion, the holiday wraps up with everyone gathered around the piano, voices lifted together in a Christmas carol — a tradition that never goes out of style.
Then on Thursday, December 25, B&B revisits the 2024 Christmas episode, where unexpected challenges forced the Forresters and Logans to celebrate the holiday apart.
The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless spreads holiday cheer on Wednesday, December 24, as Victor (Eric Braeden) and Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
Meanwhile, Jack (Peter Bergman) and Diane (Susan Walters) get into the holiday spirit with a cozy, romantic evening at home.
Then on Thursday, December 25, Y&R takes viewers on a trip down memory lane with a classic 2010 Christmas episode. In this timeless tale, Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) receives a visit from the ghosts of Christmas past. Are you ready for some holiday nostalgia?
The show returns with new episodes on Friday, December 26, where someone shares valuable intel, someone makes a tough decision, and someone issues an ultimatum.
When Do New Soap Episodes Return After Christmas?
Your favorite daytime soap operas return with all-new episodes on Friday, December 26.
Photo Credit: CBS/Peacock/ABC.
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