Christmas in Emmerdale is rarely peaceful — but next week, the festive season takes a chilling turn as love, loyalty and survival collide. From a terrifying threat hanging over Robert and Aaron’s future, to Kim Tate facing her most isolated Christmas yet, and Celia’s criminal empire tightening its grip, the village is bracing itself for a week where joy and danger exist side by side.

Here’s a deep dive into the major storylines that will dominate Emmerdale from 22–26 December — and why this Christmas could change everything.

Robron Under Siege as a Dangerous Enemy Strikes

Robert and Aaron should be looking forward to their first Christmas reunited and hopeful, but instead, they find themselves living under a growing cloud of fear. A shadowy enemy is stalking them, targeting their home and relationship in increasingly unsettling ways.

It begins with a smashed windscreen — a blatant warning that someone is watching. Aaron’s suspicions immediately fall on Ross Barton, especially given the tension simmering between them over Robert’s plans to bring Seb back to the village. When potted plants outside Aaron’s flat are later set on fire, the fear escalates into outright terror.

Aaron confronts Ross, convinced he’s crossed a line. But Ross has an alibi — and Robert soon realises the truth is far more disturbing. Someone else is orchestrating this reign of terror, someone far more dangerous, and their actions are only just beginning.

The threat becomes painfully real on Christmas Day itself, when Robert leaves Aaron behind to deal with something he insists can’t wait. As the hours pass and Robert fails to return home, panic sets in. Aaron and Victoria are left fearing the worst.

Seb’s Return Sparks War Between Ross and Aaron

Ross Barton is reeling from the revelation that Robert and Aaron are planning to bring Seb back to Emmerdale. For Ross, the wound is still raw. Giving up Rebecca’s little boy was one of the hardest decisions he’s ever made — and the thought of seeing Seb every day threatens to break him.Ross isn’t just hurt — he’s furious. He questions whether Robert and Aaron can really provide the stable home Seb needs, especially with their turbulent past and enemies circling. As Ross digs his heels in, battle lines are drawn, with Aaron increasingly convinced Ross is capable of sabotaging them.

But when the truth emerges that Ross isn’t behind the attacks, the realisation hits hard: the danger facing Robron is bigger — and closer — than they ever imagined.

Christmas Fear Outside the WoolpackAs Christmas Day dawns, the villagers gather outside the Woolpack for mulled wine and festive cheer, unaware that darkness is closing in on some of their own. Laughter and lights contrast sharply with the tension simmering beneath the surface —

When Robert disappears, the celebrations turn hollow. Festivity gives way to dread, and the village braces itself for devastating news.

Kim Tate’s Loneliest Christmas YetAt Home Farm, Kim Tate is facing a Christmas she never imagined — alone, bitter, and consumed by betrayal. After Lydia admits that she and Sam were responsible for the events that led to Kim’s recent ordeal, Joe Tate goes on the warpath, desperate to make things right.