Monday
The Carters discover that Ollie's next assessment will be in the New Year. Wanting to ease the load on a worried Linda, Whitney invites the Carters over for Christmas dinner, but Lee can't help worrying about the cost.
Later, things look up for the Carters when they share some magical news.
Meanwhile, Donna tells a worried Ronnie that Roxy has failed to show up for work again. Ronnie invites Roxy over later so that she can be part of the wedding preparations, but she fails to show up.
Elsewhere, Bex notices that Shakil doesn't seem enthusiastic when they meet up to discuss their relationship. Things get even worse when there's an embarrassing incident.
Also today, Linda comes up with an idea when Ian once again refuses to donate a tree to the Square.
Finally, the local residents start to embrace Christmas.
Tuesday
When Bex confides in Stacey about Shakil, Stacey betrays her confidence by telling Martin everything. This leads to fireworks when Martin goes after Shakil in the middle of the market, much to Bex's embarrassment and she refuses to talk to her father afterwards. There's also another awkward situation when Louise and Shakil have to kiss as part of the play.
Later, will things get any better when Kush gives Shakil some home truths over the way he's behaved recently?
Meanwhile, Ben tries to make things up with Kathy.
Elsewhere, when the social worker returns to the Mitchell house, Sharon breaks down in front of Jay as she struggles with her ambition to give Phil the perfect Christmas.
Also today, Roxy receives a shock, while Dot turns down an invite to join Abi when she spends Christmas with her mum.
Thursday
Martin tries to cheer up Bex after this week's events, but she refuses to listen to him and storms off.
Stacey has some advice for Bex, but will she listen to it?
Meanwhile, it's the first night of the Walford Christmas Show and there's a sold-out audience eagerly anticipating the performance. Will it go according to plan?
Elsewhere, when Phil drops a bombshell on Billy, Jay witnesses the suspicious conversation. Jay is devastated when he asks Phil for answers and realises what they were talking about.
Also today, Sharon shares a heartfelt plea with Ben, urging him to understand Phil's behaviour and to be there on Christmas Day.
Finally, as Whitney continues to worry about Lee's strange behaviour, he tries to get another loan.
Friday
When Phil suddenly starts acting kind, Ben and Louise are highly confused. Soon afterwards, Phil visits the launderette and Dot urges him to carry on fighting, but he admits that he's had enough now and is ready to die.
Later, Sharon catches Phil as he's about to sneak off and go without saying goodbye. Phil insists that he can't spend Christmas with his family and goes ahead with his plan to leave, ignoring a devastated Sharon's protests.
Meanwhile, the Walford Christmas Show goes out on stage for its second night. Will it go to plan?
The Walford Christmas show has its second night in EastEnders
BBC
The Walford Christmas show has its second night in EastEnders
BBC
Elsewhere, Whitney is reaching breaking point over Lee's strange moods and turns to Mick for help. When Mick confronts his son and they have a heart-to-heart, will Lee reveal all?
Also today, Dot's retirement party at the launderette is fast approaching.
Saturday
35-minute episode
The Mitchell family reel from Phil's actions. With Phil still adamant that he wants to be alone at Christmas, he gets some tough love from Shirley.
Later, Phil visits Peggy's grave and comes across Denise by chance. Denise also has some tough words for him, but Phil is adamant that he's doing the right thing for the rest of the Mitchells by keeping to himself over the festive season. Is his mind made up?
Meanwhile, Linda receives some devastating news on the final night of the Christmas Show.
Elsewhere, it's the end of an era when Dot closes up at the launderette for the final time.
Also today, Carmel invites Donna to spend Christmas with the Kazemis tomorrow.
Sunday - Christmas Day
Hour-long episode
It's Christmas Day and Max Branning makes his long-awaited return to Walford.
Where has Max been for the past few months? What has made him want to return now? And will he be getting revenge on those who have wronged him?
Meanwhile, time is running out for Phil, leaving the Mitchells more worried than ever that this could be his last Christmas. Will their worst fears be realised?
Elsewhere, Lee's secrets are becoming increasingly difficult to keep under wraps. Will he finally come clean this Christmas?
Also today, Denise's hopes for a peaceful Christmas with Libby and Patrick don't go exactly to plan when Patrick reveals that he's invited Derek to spend the day with them. Denise is also unhappy when she learns that Kim – who is away on holiday with Vincent – has told their mum about the pregnancy.
Finally, Jack isn't happy when he sees Roxy nursing another hangover.
Monday - Boxing Day
The Beales are celebrating Steven's birthday, but Lauren is stunned when Max texts her to reveal his return and ask her to meet up.
When Lauren asks Jane whether Max can attend Steven's birthday drinks, a nervous Jane is forced to tell Ian what's going on. How will the Beales deal with Max's shock comeback?
Meanwhile, will Lee's secrets be exposed when he finds himself in an impossible situation?
Elsewhere, Ronnie confronts Roxy about her recent drunken behaviour.
Tuesday
Although Ronnie has insisted that she wants a quiet hen party, she changes her mind and vows to party like the old days. While this should be good news for Roxy, she soon drops a bombshell.
Later, when Ronnie hears Aunt Sal reminiscing about Peggy, she's left to reconsider her own relationship with Roxy.
Meanwhile, Lauren tells Abi that Max has returned.
Later, when Max attempts to get back on good terms with his family, is he really being genuine?
Thursday
As the wedding gets ever closer, Ronnie is making some secret plans with Roxy. She encourages Roxy to get back on better terms with Jack.
Later, when Roxy looks after Ricky and Amy alone, it doesn't go well and she storms off. With Ronnie frustrated, will she lose faith in her sister?
Friday
Lee finally reaches breaking point as the events of the past few months catch up with him.
Meanwhile, Max's return is continuing to cause tensions on the Square, with Martin among those who aren't happy to see him.
Elsewhere, a high Roxy tries to grab Shrimpy's attention when she spots him dancing with Donna at the party.
Digital Spy