The Scarecrows’ Wedding is a brand-new animated Christmas special from the BBC and Magic Light Pictures, based on the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
It tells the heart‑warming story of two scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, preparing for their big day — until trouble arrives in the form of the smooth‑talking Reginald Rake.
The half‑hour special features an all‑star voice cast including Sophie Okonedo, Jessie Buckley, Domhnall Gleeson, and Rob Brydon.
When and Where It Airs
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📅 Premieres on Christmas Day (25 December 2025)
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🕒 Airs on BBC One and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
How to Watch The Scarecrows’ Wedding on BBC iPlayer for Free
1. Use BBC iPlayer (UK Only)
BBC iPlayer is the BBC’s free streaming service where you can watch shows and specials like this one at no extra cost — provided you’re in the UK and have a valid UK TV licence.
2. Watch Live or On Demand
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You can watch it live on Christmas Day when it airs on BBC One.
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After the broadcast, it will be available on demand on BBC iPlayer — so you can watch it anytime after the first airing.
3. Sign In or Create a BBC iPlayer Account
To watch it on iPlayer:
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Go to bbc.co.uk/iplayer or open the BBC iPlayer app on your device (iOS, Android, smart TV, etc.).
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Sign in with your email and date of birth (you don’t need to pay to stream; the licence covers it).
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Search for The Scarecrows’ Wedding and start watching!
📌 Note: You must be located in the UK to access BBC iPlayer due to licensing restrictions.
Watching From Outside the UK
BBC iPlayer is geo‑restricted to the UK. If you’re outside the UK and still want to watch it as it streams on iPlayer, people sometimes use a VPN to connect via a UK server and access BBC iPlayer that way — though you should check BBC terms and local laws before doing so.
What Devices You Can Use
BBC iPlayer works on a wide range of devices, including:
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Smartphones & tablets (iOS, Android)
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Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Android TV, Apple TV)
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Streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast)
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Games consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
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Computers and laptops via web browser
Summary
You can watch The Scarecrows’ Wedding for free on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas — simply login to iPlayer (UK only) or tune in on TV when it airs.
It’s a festive treat that families won’t want to miss!
