EventRoyal Institution

Royal Institution CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2026 (Jim Al-Khalili on time, filmed 8 to 12 December)

The Royal Institution's CHRISTMAS LECTURES, presented in 2026 by Professor Jim Al-Khalili on the science of time, are filmed in London in December and broadcast on the BBC and iPlayer in late December. They are aimed at 11 to 17 year olds but are watched by families together.

At a glance

Run by
Royal Institution[1]
Who it’s for
Aimed at an audience of 11-17 year olds, accessible for people of all ages; live filming audience is 11-17 year olds.[2]
Entry
Students apply themselves
Worth
Watch a leading scientist explain big ideas in physics, either in the live audience or on television.
Cost
Tickets for the CHRISTMAS LECTURES are exclusively available for Ri Members and Patrons as a thank you for their support throughout the year. (Broadcast on the BBC and iPlayer; no viewing charge stated.)[3]
Year groups
Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12
Where
UK-wide (London (Royal Institution theatre); broadcast UK-wide)
Format
Hybrid
Dates
to

Sources

4 sources
  1. Royal Institution

    CHRISTMAS LECTURES | Royal Institution

    In the 2026 CHRISTMAS LECTURES® theoretical physicist, broadcaster and author, Jim Al-Khalili, will investigate what time actually is

    Checked 24 October 2026

  2. Royal Institution

    CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2026 FAQs | Royal Institution

    The CHRISTMAS LECTURES® are aimed at an audience of 11-17 year olds, however they are accessible for people of all ages and all levels of scientific knowledge.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  3. Royal Institution

    CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2026 FAQs | Royal Institution

    Tickets for the CHRISTMAS LECTURES are exclusively available for Ri Members and Patrons as a thank you for their support throughout the year.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  4. Royal Institution

    CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2026 FAQs | Royal Institution

    Lecture one: Tuesday 8 December Lecture two: Thursday 10 December Lecture three : Saturday 12 December.

    Checked 24 October 2026

Details checked by the Born to Engineer editorial team. Always confirm dates on the provider’s site before applying.

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Filmed 8, 10 and 12 December 2026 in London; broadcast on the BBC and iPlayer in late December 2026[4]

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