WHEN you've had one too many mince pies or sherries this Christmas, what better way to relax than to sit back and enjoy some festive television.

Bolton takes over the small screen on Christmas Eve, with Peter Kay: 20 Years of Funny shining a spotlight on the comedian's life, from his childhood growing up in Bolton.

It is preceded by The Abba Christmas Party, hosted by another Bolton funnyman — Paddy McGuinness — and, later that night, former Bolton University student Laura White will be singing as part of Christmas Carols on ITV.

Here is a round-up of those programmes and other festive favourites to enjoy.

CHRISTMAS EVE

The Abba Christmas Party (ITV, 8.30pm)

It seems that 32 years after they split up, Abba are more popular than ever. To celebrate their music, Bolton's own Paddy McGuinness hosts a festive party like no other, in which music and TV stars perform the Swedish band's greatest hits.

Those taking to the stage are Susan Boyle, Alexandra Burke, Coronation Street's Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldesley, from Walkden, Scouting for Girls, The Feeling and the cast of West End show Mamma Mia! There is also an interview with Bjorn Ulvaeus, reminiscing about how the band celebrated Christmas.

Peter Kay: 20 Years of Funny (BBC1, 9.05pm)

It is nearly 20 years since Peter Kay was named North West Comedian of the Year 1996, beating the likes of Johnny Vegas to the title at a show hosted by Dave Spikey.

This one-off hour-long programme looks back at the much-loved comedian and actor's life from his childhood growing up in Bolton, to the places and people who have influenced him.

It reveals how Peter began his journey into the world of comedy and his eventual rise to become a household name, playing to a record-breaking 1.2 million fans on his The Tour That Doesn't Tour Tour.

There is also a look at how Kay's career has taken a slightly different direction recently, with the comic switching from his long-time home on Channel 4 to work on the BBC on projects such as Car Share and Cradle To Grave.

Christmas Carols on ITV (ITV, 11pm)

Aled Jones — along with Atherton singer-songwriter Laura White — joins the congregation of St Elisabeth’s Church in Reddish, Stockport, for their traditional candlelight Christmas Eve carol service.

Laura, aged 28, who appeared on The X Factor in 2008, will perform Once in Royal David's City and Silent Night, and also plays the piano.

The celebrations also include festive performances from Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro and Memphis soul singer Toni Green. Along with everyone’s favourite carols, the service also features Christmas prayers and bible readings from Ted Robbins (Phoenix Nights), Alex Bain (Coronation Street) and actor Lee Boardman (Great Night Out).

CHRISTMAS DAY

Doctor Who (BBC1, 5.15pm)

Christmas is all about getting together with your loved ones — even the gallivanting Gallifreyan is up to it this year when he is reunited with his long-lost wife, River Song.

The return of Alex Kingston as the sassy traveller is always a welcome sight, but will the Doctor be as pleased to see her as the viewers at home? Probably not. He's in a really grumpy mood, determined to avoid anything remotely Christmassy. But when he answers a distress call asking for his help, he's recruited by River - who, for now, doesn't seem to recognise him - for a fast and frantic chase across the galaxy involving a monarch in a bad mood and a giant robot bodyguard with attitude. Matt Lucas and Greg Davies also make guest appearances.

Downton Abbey — The Finale (ITV, 8.45pm)

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. And that's certainly the case for Downton Abbey this Christmas.

After five years, 51 episodes and six seasons, it all draws to a close tonight — yes, we'll be saying a fond farewell to the Crawley family, their friends, relatives and staff.

Mary is in the thick of things during this final episode, which sees her trying to build bridges with Edith, after cruelly ruining her life by telling Bertie about Marigold's true parentage. Edith's past, meanwhile, continues to haunt her, despite the fact she feels she no longer has anything to lose.

Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas Special (BBC1, 9.45pm)

The doting mother-of-six is determined to have a safe and peaceful Christmas at home this year. However, with Mark and Betty arguing about the reappearance of his first love Bubbles, carol singers haunting her every waking hour and Buster installing a new Christmas tree with a very unusual safety feature, how will she manage to survive? The first of two festive instalments of the comedy, written by and starring Brendan O'Carroll, with Danny O'Carroll and featuring a guest appearance by Slade frontman Noddy Holder.

BOXING DAY

Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer's Llamas (BBC1, 6.10pm)

The mischievous sheep stars in a TV special, following on from Aardman's hit film. Shaun secretly accompanies the Farmer and Bitzer to a country fair, where he meets kindred spirits in the form of three trouble-making llamas. Inviting the exotic animals back to Mossy Bottom, Shaun tries to persuade his flock that the newcomers are just what is needed to spice things up. However, the trickster camelids soon take their pranks too far, and when they install themselves in the farmhouse, Shaun realises he must oust the destructive intruders and restore peace to his home.

Dickensian (BBC1, 7pm)

Every festive season, there are countless versions of A Christmas Carol on TV, but this new series is attempting to do something more ambitious with the world of Charles Dickens. The 20-part drama takes some of the writer's most memorable characters, from Scrooge to Great Expectations Miss Havisham, and gets them rubbing shoulders in 19th-century London. It's a world where The Old Curiosity Shop sits next to the Three Cripples Pub, Fagin's Den can be found down a murky back alley, and the characters' lives intertwine in unexpected ways.

BEST OF THE REST

CHRISTMAS EVE

Harry Hill in Professor Branestawm Returns (BBC1, 5.20pm)

Jamie's Night Before Christmas (Channel 4, 7pm)

Through the Christmas Keyhole (ITV, 9.45pm)

Walliams and Friend (BBC1, 10.05pm)

Not Going Out (BBC1, 10.45pm)

CHRISTMAS DAY

Stick Man (BBC1, 4.45pm)

Call the Midwife (BBC1, 7.30pm)

Darcey's Ballet Heroes (BBC2, 8.50pm)

Our Cilla (ITV, 10.45pm)

BOXING DAY

The Nation's Favourite Disney Song (ITV, 6pm)

Britain's Favourite Children's Books with David Walliams (Channel 4, 6.30pm)

Peter & Wendy (ITV, 8pm)

And Then There Were None (BBC1, 9pm)