What would Christmas be without cherished television traditions. "The Little Lord", "Indeed... Love", "Three Nuts for Cinderella" have been part of the fixed program for the holidays for many years. And maybe one day this will also become a classic: on Wednesday evening, ARD will broadcast the Christmas episode from the crime series "Nord bei Nordwest". The episode, titled "Ho Ho Ho," premiered on Christmas Day 2021. At that time, 7.45 million viewers tuned in - and with a market share of 26.4 percent, ensured the day's victory.

It is quite possible that this will also work this year. The fans of the smiley thriller are starving, there will only be new episodes in the new year. A warmed-up case from the previous year comes at just the right time. Especially since it fits perfectly into the season. Because Christmas is just around the corner in the fictional village of Schwanitz. However, a contemplative mood may not arise, because the place is cut off from the outside world: the ferry to Travemünde has been discontinued. And then Santa Claus gets shot.

Veterinarian and district manager Hauke ​​Jacobs (Hinnerk Schönemann), his colleague Hannah Wagner (Jana Klinge) and veterinary assistant Jule Christiansen (Marleen Lohse) have their hands full finding the killer. This is made more difficult by the fact that the three people involved are once again involved in personal complications: Christiansen is still in love with the single Jacobs and is extremely jealous of his dealings with his colleague Wagner.

"Christmas specials are like 'Last Christmas'," said "Kino.de" in the TV review at the time. "No one needs it, but everyone wants it." It is very likely that this will be true again this time.

"North by Northwest: Ho Ho Ho!" runs on Wednesday, December 21 at 8:15 p.m. on the first