Read more: See here Neither departing sidekick Millie Gibson nor incoming helper Varada Seethu will appear in the festive episode, which was filmed last year.
But Coughlan, who also starred in Channel 4 's smash-hit comedy Derry Girls, will take charge of the action alongside Ncuti Gatwa as he faces a fresh menace for Christmas Day.
The Galway-born actress, 37, is best known as hilarious Clare Devlin in Derry Girls and as lovelorn Penelope 'Lady Whistledown' Featherington in Bridgerton.
She has worked with 15th Doctor Ncuti before, with both actors enjoying a role in Hollywood blockbuster Barbie.
Showrunner Russell T Davies favours using guest stars at Christmas - his previous hirings include Catherine Tate in 2006 as Donna Noble - who later returned as a regular companion - Kylie Minogue as Astrid Peth in 2007 and David Morrissey as Jackson Lake in 2008.
It was revealed last year that Coughlan would have an undisclosed role during the upcoming BBC1 series, which starts on Saturday, but not that she would appear at Christmas, nor as a main character. She is now set to make a huge impact when she takes a trip though time and space in the TARDIS.
Singing her praises once filming ended, Russell said: "This has been the most brilliant shoot, with Nicola lighting up the set and bringing joy. From Derry, via Bridgerton, to the TARDIS, it's the trip of a lifetime."
Nicola declared she was thrilled to be joining the so-called Whoniverse, adding: "I've been a fan of Ncuti Gatwa for some time and getting to share the screen with him as the Doctor has been an absolute joy".
The new series of the sci-fi show launches this weekend with Millie playing orphan Ruby Sunday in all eight episodes. By Christmas, however, she will be absent, which marks the start of her gradual departure. Next year she appears in less than half of the episodes, as the Mirror first revealed in January.
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