The must-see holiday movies and shows on CBC this year — and the foods to enjoy with them!

If you want the best in fantastically festive films and shows, whether streaming or on TV, CBC has got you covered. And, if you also want to enjoy some amazing, homemade holiday dishes while you watch, CBC Life has your recipes. Watching something is always better when you also have something delicious to go along with it. To that end, we've selected some fine festive programming from the CBC holiday schedule and paired each with inspired recipes, best enjoyed together. Plan your December accordingly.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean

If your own holiday is less than perfect, kick back and laugh at one where everything goes wrong. Now a holiday staple, this near one-man-show definitely depicts the most disastrous Christmas ever — from Mr. Bean blowing his engagement, playing with a department store nativity scene and, of course, stuffing the turkey, this holiday special truly is the best (and worst) of Mr. Bean.

Pair it with: Holiday Leftover Pockets

While there are plenty of things to do with a holiday turkey (including putting it on your head), there are some delectable things to do with it after it's been cooked, too. This resourceful recipe takes everything you couldn't finish the night before (peas, turkey, squash, cranberry sauce, gravy) and combines them all into a seasonal snack that has the best of last night's feast in every bite. We love these pockets so much we think they're worth an early season turkey trial-run.

Watch Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean on Tuesday, December 3 at 8:30 p.m. on CBC.

The Great British Baking Show: Holiday Episodes

The Great British Baking Show (and it's Canadian counterpart) are always serving up a hectic helping of flour flinging, sugar slinging and sweaty brows all in the name of creating the perfect treat — and the holiday-themed episodes are guaranteed to be even more intense. These creations are truly a category unto themselves and determined bakers will stop at nothing to capture that magic… and the judges' approval.

Pair it with: Holiday Batch Cookies

Watching these episodes, it's tempting to attempt to the most impressive confections, but, it's always wise to start simply. These holiday batch cookies are straight-forward, but no less delicious — judges Bruno Feldeisen and Kyla Kennaley made the recipe. And, after you've mastered the shortbread base, you can experiment with toppings to create your very own masterpiece.

The Great British Baking Show: Holiday Episodes are airing throughout December on CBC.

Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas

This musical documentary highlights Jewish songwriters (including Irving Berlin and Gloria Shayne Baker) behind some of the most famous holiday songs, and delves into the meaning of songs you may not have uncovered (like whether Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer is an allegory for the immigrant experience).

Pair it with: Hanukkah Potato Latkes

No matter what your celebrations, anyone would be hard-pressed to turn down this mouth-watering Jewish staple. With a recipe put together by Canada's deli master, Zane Caplansky, you can be assured that you'll end up with the perfect potato treat. 

Watch Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas on Wednesday, December 25 at 11 a.m. on CBC.

Scrooge

This 1951 film is considered by many to be the quintessential telling of A Christmas Carol, well, other than the book, of course. Alastair Sim grumbles and grouches his way through the world until a serious of (still) genuinely terrifying ghost encounters finally warms his heart, and even if you already know the story by heart, another viewing is always welcome.

Pair it with: Orange Spice Pudding with Cognac Caramel Sauce

Your might have expected me to suggest "Christmas goose" but there is another iconic food in this film. When the Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to the Cratchit home, they are of course enjoying Christmas pudding. This recipe will put a citrus-y twist on that dessert. 

Watch Scrooge on Monday, December 23 at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Coronation Street Christmas

The timeless British soap has a never-ending stream of emotional twists and outrageous turns that have kept fans glued for decades, and this Christmas episode does not disappoint. The grand scheme wedding of Michelle and Robert, the mystery of Vicky and the resurgence of The Underworld is more than enough to keep the tensions high on the cobbled road, where everyone is seemingly hiding something. 

Pair it with: Yorkshire Pudding

Go all the way and make this flaky on the outside, warm on the inside pudding. It's the perfect comfort food to help you cope with the drama unfolding on your screen. Let the batter sit overnight then time your baking to be taking these out of the oven just as the camera pans over the roofs.

Watch Coronation Street's Christmas Special Wednesday, December 25th at 5 p.m. on CBC.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

It might have been hard to imagine anyone bringing Dr. Seuss's maniacal Grinch to life, until, of course, Jim Carrey did. 'A mean one' to be sure, until, of course, he returned the very Christmas he stole in the first place, watch one of Canada's most famous comedic actors bring his creepy, sinister best to those darn nice Whos of Whoville.

Pair it with: The Ultimate Christmas Roast

What to serve in place of roast beast (which can be hard to source at any time of year)? We suggest this Ultimate Christmas Roast — a modern take on beef wellington in which nary a beast is harmed. It's a vegan roast complete with cranberry sauce and gravy, and you'll be happy to slice rounds to pass down to the smallest and sweetest tot at your table.

Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas Friday, December 6 at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Jamie's Cracking Christmas

Jamie Oliver's food shows never disappoint but his Christmas specials are fan-favourites. Between mouth-watering reveals of turkey curry, steamed buns, panettone pudding tart, spiced goose and stunning backdrops, this is a delight to watch and drool over.  

Pair it with: Even more Jamie Oliver recipes

Jamie always knows what we need (and we will love that about him). Here are 15 Jamie Oliver recipes especially ideal for enjoying over the winter months, including a mega meatball sub, steaming ramen, fried chicken and a winter's night chili. 

Jamie's Cracking Christmas starts streaming December 6 on CBC Gem.