BBC America has released the first trailer and a collection of images and posters for the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special The Time of the Doctor.  The episode will mark star Matt Smith’s last appearance as The Doctor before he hands off the role to new Doctor Peter Capaldi.  Preceding the special will be a farewell documentary titled Doctor Who: Farewell to Matt Smith, narrated by Alex Kingston and featuring interviews with numerous castmates, writers, producers, and guest stars. All this to say that if you’re a Who fan, you’re probably going to want to set aside some time (or your DVR) this coming Christmas Day.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer and images.  Doctor Who: Farewell to Matt Smith airs on BBC America December 25th at 8pm ET, immediately followed by the Christmas special The Time of the Doctor.

Here’s the official synopsis for The Time of the Doctor:

On the heels of Matt Smith's final episode as the eleventh Doctor, BBC AMERICA is releasing the latest epic trailer from the December 25th Christmas Special, "The Time of the Doctor." Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe's deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars. And amongst them -- the Doctor. Rescuing Clara from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his best friend must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe.