'Sherlock' Season 3 and ‘Doctor Who’ Air Date: BBC Announces Christmas Schedule, Festive Season for Series Fans [WATCH]

The wait is over and soon the answers to the questions of "Sherlock" fans will be unveiled as the BBC has recently announced its festive season schedule. It's good news for those who are eagerly waiting for "Sherlock" Season 3 and for "Doctor Who" buffs as it contains hints to Sherlock Season 3 and "Doctor Who" airdate. Besides these super hit BBC shows, there is a lot more that is lined up for the viewers to enjoy this Christmas.

According to the latest reports, BBC has announced the return of Benedict Cumberbatch as the genius detective in Sherlock Season 3. As per the speculations by Radio Times, the much awaited show's Episode 1 "The Empty Hearse" may air during the Christmas period, dates varying from Dec. 21, 2013 to Jan. 3, 2014.

If the speculations stand true, all the mysteries including how Holmes survived a deadly fall from St. Bart hospital in Season 2's last episode will be unveiled. Though it has been confirmed that Holmes is alive (BBC released the new teaser trailer of Sherlock Season 3), some fans want answers on how he pulled off a fake death.

Besides "Sherlock," a "Doctor Who" Christmas special episode is also in works. Following the much awaited Doctor Who 50^th anniversary episode, another special episode awaits to celebrate the festive season. The trailer of the episode titled "The Time of the Doctor" was recently released by BBC. The special episode will feature Doctor Matt Smith and his assistant Clara. (Click HERE to see the photo)

There is a huge lineup of the return of many of fan favorite series during Christmas period. Packed with special episodes, Christmas will bring back shows like "The Great British Back off," The Great British Sewing Bee," "Strictly Come Dancing," "Call the Midwife" and "EastEnders." The list also includes: "Doctor Who," "Sherlock Season 3," "Not Going Out," "Mrs. Brown's Boys" and "Top of the Pops" and more.

"Brilliant Christmas telly across Drama, Factual, Comedy, Entertainment and Religion is something licence-fee payers rightly expect from the BBC and this year's holiday schedule delivers that," said Danny Cohen, BBC's Director of Television while speaking about the BBC's Christmas Schedule.

"We have massive events such as the Doctor Who re-generation and the incredible return of Sherlock, as well as festive specials from hit shows including Strictly Come Dancing, Mrs Brown's Boys, Call The Midwife, Bad Education, and the Great British Bake Off. And of course there are brand-new treats such as David Walliams' Gangsta Granny and we'll be showing a wide range of religious programming, including a live broadcast of The First Eucharist of Christmas from Westminster Abbey," added BBC's Danny Cohen.

Watch the trailers of Sherlock Season 3 and Doctor Who Christmas Special Episode, below:

Video: Sherlock Season 3 Teaser Trailer