It was the end of an era on television as “Downton Abbey” bid adieu to its viewers in the UK with its Christmas special episode on Friday. The finale of Season 6 of the British period drama was charged with a lot of emotions. The special episode was overflowing with happiness for all its characters.

After a run of five years, six seasons and 51 episodes, ITV bid goodbye to its most loved characters. For fans of the series stateside, the sixth and last season of “Downton Abbey’ premieres in the US on Jan. 3 on PBS. For its US viewers, the Christmas special finale episode airs on March 6.

The “Downton Abbey” finale beat “Strictly Come Dancing” in the battle of Christmas Day ratings. Around 6.6 million viewers tuned in to bid a fond farewell to the Crawleys. The two-hour episode garnered peak figures of 7.1 million.

Warning: Spoilers ahead! Read on if you want to learn more.

Lady Edith

Lady Luck smiled on Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) in the “Downton Abbey” finale. She got married to Bertie Pelham (Harry Hadden-Paton) on New Year's Eve. Previously, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) set up her sister and Bertie together in London. The latter proposed to his love.

Edith faced some initial tension with Bertie’s mom (Patricia Hodge), but overcame it. She told her would-be mother-in-law about her daughter, Marigold. The couple went off to their honeymoon as everyone ushered in New Year.

Lady Mary

Mary, who got married to Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode) in episode 8 of “Downton Abbey,” told her husband that she was pregnant. The avid racer quit racing and was jobless for some time. Later, he started a used car business with Tom Branson (Alex Leech). He was not sure that Mary would like his venture, but she told Henry that she was proud of him.

Charles Carson

Charles Carson (Jim Carter), who served as the butler for the Crawleys, retired from his position. Since he had become too old and was afflicted with a debilitating condition, he was asked to leave. Mr. Carson served as a bridge between the elite and the servants downstairs. Lord Grantham (Huge Bonneville) tells him that he would still continue to steer things in the role of an elder statesman.

Thomas Barrow

The villainous under butler Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier) had left the Crawleys to work for a new family. He returned later to attend Edith’s wedding and got the offer to become the new butler. Barrow was very happy and immediately started his job.

Isobel Crawley

Isobel Crawley, who had earlier discovered her former beau, Lord “Dickie” Merton, has fatal pernicious anemia, found married bliss with him. His anemia was no longer damaging, Telegraph reports.

Anna and John Bates

Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and her husband John Bates (Brendon Coyle) welcomed their first child together – a baby boy. Lady Mary’s maid had suffered a miscarriage at the beginning of Season 6 of “Downton Abbey."

Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess

Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) survives till the finale.

Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham & Cora Crawley, Lady Grantham

Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) tries to keep up with the changing times. During the finale, Robert and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) proves that they have the best marriage. When Robert gets jittery that his wife does not spend much time with him, his sister Lady Rose (Samantha Bond) points out how lucky he is.

Tom Branson

Tom Branson deserved his own happy ending after spending his time making sure Mary got hers. There was a little spark between him and Edith’s employee at her wedding, Metro UK reports.

Curtains came down on the ITV drama “Downton Abbey” with the strains of “Auld Lang Syne” as snow fell outside.

Meanwhile, in another related development, Highclere Castle, where the hit series was shot, is preparing for a big year ahead in 2016, Hello reports. The castle has already sold out many of its openings for spring and it opens doors to its new on-site hotel called London Lodge from March to September, where it will welcome guests to stay overnight for the first time in all of its history.

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