Chris and Michaela - Under the Christmas Sky

Natural HistoryFor BBC2

Chris and Michaela explore some of nature’s greatest celestial wonders and winter wildlife

In this festive family treat for BBC Two, Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan take viewers on a Christmas adventure to explore some of nature’s greatest celestial wonders and winter wildlife.   

Journeying through some of the most incredible winter landscapes on Earth, Chris and Michaela uncover secrets of the night sky and animal phenomena that are unique to this time of year. 

Their quest takes them to the stunning Arabian desert in Jordan in search of the ‘star of Bethlehem’ - a rare conjunction of two planets that appear very bright and close together in the night sky - a phenomena that some astronomers believe could have been the basis for the religious story. Following in the desert adventures of the Three Wise Men, Chris and Michaela experience traditional nomadic Bedouin life. They camp under the stars, cook in the sand, and learn the importance of conserving the desert’s vulnerable wildlife.

Deep in Norway’s frozen wilderness, Chris and Michaela go in search of the spell-binding Northern Lights, and explore how life thrives in these sub-zero conditions. They go snow-mobiling with an indigenous Sami family; uncover how Rudolf the Reindeer survives the winter months; discover the clever tactics that sea eagles use to feast; and even try their best at husky sledding. 

Full of festive fun, Chris and Michaela bring the wonder of Christmas nature to everybody’s living room.

Writer, Producer & Director Kim Maddever
Executive Producer Dan Kendall
Assistant Producer Maia Krall-Fry
Line Producers Annabel Walker , Karen Lee
Production Coordinators Melanie Roussel , Rachel Martinez