BBC Three HD, BBC Four HD, BBC News HD, CBeebies HD and CBBC HD will go live on December 10th on Freeview HD, Freesat HD, YouView, Sky HD and Virgin Media.
From the same date the BBC’s iPlayer service will offer HD versions of programmes from the channels.
EPG details for the channels had already appeared on some platforms.
Tony Hall, BBC Director-General, says: “I am delighted that we’re able to launch our new HD channels in time for Christmas, when families gather together to enjoy some of the best TV from the BBC. This year, people will be able to watch even more of our programmes in brilliant quality.”
On Freeview HD and YouView BBC Three HD and CBBC HD will use capacity on the BBC’s existing HD capacity and will be available to all UK homes.
BBC News HD, BBC Four HD and CBeebies HD will use new HD capacity, and will be available to 70 per cent of UK homes by the Wimbledon Championships in June 2014.