Even the most jaded person will often take time out and find comfort watching one or two Christmas movies or TV specials during the holiday season. And there is a lot! Trying to cover everything is unrealistic, but this year’s guide is still pretty extensive. Updates will be made as more “encore” presentations are announced.
As to be expected, AMC, Freeform and Hallmark are almost exclusively airing only holiday content this month. Some of your favorite specials might be harder to find this year as some have switched networks (like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman), but don’t fret, you’ll find them listed below too. As for A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Peanuts special is currently streaming on Apple TV+ these days, but you can watch it for free on December 14 and 15 by going to the app. If you need more choices, remember that many streaming services are offering tons of holiday programming too.
Here’s what’s on this year:
December 1
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
8:00 p.m. / ABC / Streams later on HULU and Disney+
The 9th annual special is hosted by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro and (mostly) filmed at Walt Disney World Resort with some features filmed at Disneyland and the Disney Resort Aulani in Ko’Olina, Hawaii. The special also stars Kristen Bell, Auli’I Cravalho, Elton John, John Legend, Seth Mac Farlane, Liz Gillies, Ava Max, Leslie Odom, Jr., Carley Pearce, Pentatonix, Anika Noni Rose, and SEVENTEEN.
December 2
The Polar Express
7:00 p.m. / AMC
AMC’s continues with fan-favorite holiday hits including The Polar Express, the motion capture film that featured Tom Hanks playing a variety of roles and the imagery looking somewhat creepy, yet many people love this film.
Elf
9:00 p.m. / AMC
Inspired by the classic Rankin/Bass stop motion animation tales, Elf is about a human (Will Ferrell) who grew up in the North Pole and travels to New York to find himself.
December 3
CMA Country Christmas
8:00 p.m. / ABC / Streams later on HULU and Disney+
The 15th Annual CMA Country Christmas special is hosted by Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood and features performances by KING + COUNTRY, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Brittney Spencer, Jon Pardi and CeCe Winans.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
9:00 p.m. / ABC
This 1970 Rankin-Bass Productions stop motion animated special tells the story of Santa Claus told by Mickey Rooney.
Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues
Begins streaming today / Apple TV+
In Mariah Carey’s newest holiday special, she shares the stage with the likes of Khalid and Kirk Franklin.
December 4
Christmas in Rockefeller Center
8:00 p.m. / NBC / Streams later on Peacock
This annual TV special tradition is hosted by Kelly Clarkson taken place at the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree. This year’s guests include Backstreet Boys, Dan + Shay, Megan Hilty, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones, Little Big Town, RAYE, and Thalia. In line with tradition, the Radio City Rockettes.
Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular
10:00 p.m. / NBC / Streams later on Peacock
In celebration of Jimmy’s Fallon’s new Christmas album, NBC airs this special hosted by Fallon and includes a large number of guests including Meghan Trainor, Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, J.B. Smoove, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL COOL J, The Roots, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more
December 5
The Great Christmas Light Fight
8:00 p.m. / ABC / Streams later on HULU and Disney+
Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak are back highlighting the best of the best, over-the-top Christmas light displays and putting the rest of us to shame. Season 12 begins with two, one-hour specials.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
8:00 p.m. / NBC
This 1966 cartoon directed by Chuck Jones is the oldest (and perhaps best) presentation of the famous Dr. Seuss storybook.
Frosty the Snowman
8:30 p.m. / NBC
Frosty has moved from CBS to NBC this year. The 1969 special about the singing, dancing snowman is narrated by Jimmy Durante.
December 6
Rudolph and Red-Nosed Reindeer
8:00 p.m. / NBC / Streams later on Peacock
This special debuted 60 years ago on NBC and continued to run on the network through 1971 when it moved to CBS. This year, he’s back where he began with a special 75-minute long special that includes favorite characters like Hermey the elf, prospector Yukon Cornelius, Misfit Toys and the Abominable Snow Monster. The story is narrated by Burl Ives.
December 7
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
8:00 p.m. / AMC
This 1989 movie is a favorite among many and Clark Griswold and his desire to host the perfect Christmas celebration for his family which ends in disaster. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo and Randy Quaid,
December 8
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
7:15 p.m. / Freeform
The Grinch seems to be everywhere this year. While not my personal favorite, this 2000 film starring Jim Carrey fills the bill for many. He is very impressive as the mean, green one.
December 9
The Real Full Monty
8:00 p.m. / FOX
Not exactly a Christmas special (okay, not at all), FOX airs this two-hour special which features Taye Diggs, Chris Jones, Tyler Posey, Bruno Tonioli and James Van Der Beek who did the special as a way to encourage other men to get checked for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer and to “strip” its stigma. Inspired by the original movie and later Broadway stage musical of the same name, the celebrities bare it all in a way to build confidence with each other while also forging a brotherhood.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
9:00 p.m. / Freeform
This 2018 animated film is a great take on the classic with Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch.
December 10
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
8:00 p.m. / ABC
It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened, and Olaf teams up with Sven on a merry mission to bring home the best traditions and save Anna and Elsa’s “first Christmas in forever.”
Lego Masters Holiday Bricktaculars
8:00 p.m. / FOX
Two back-to-back Christmas episodes of the LEGO competition series: “Home Alone” (holiday houses filled with traps) and “Reindeer Replacement” (putting together a twist on the old reindeer-pulled sleigh).
Toy Story That Time Forgot
8:30 p.m. / ABC
During a post-Christmas play date, the “Toy Story” gang finds themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turns out to be dangerously delusional.
Disney’s Prep & Landing
9:00 p.m. / ABC
One of the best TV specials ever featuring Wayne the elf and his idealistic partner, Lanny, who are tasked to keep Santa’s schedule on track.
Disney’s Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice
9:30 p.m. / ABC
December 11
Frosty the Snowman (Encore)
8:00 p.m. / NBC
Shrek the Halls
8:30 p.m. / NBC
The 2007 animated special based on Shrek’s first Christmas ever.
A Motown Christmas
9:00 p.m. / NBC / Streaming later on Peacock
This special showcases iconic Motown legends and contemporary stars who perform holiday hits. Special guests include Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves, The Vandellas, The Temptations, Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Halle Bailey, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, October London, and Pentatonix.
December 12
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Encore)
8:00 p.m. / NBC
The Great Christmas Light Fight
8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. / ABC / Streams later on HULU and Disney+
E! News Presents NBC’s Hot 10 of 2024
9:15 p.m. / NBC / Streams later on Peacock
E! News’ Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight will highlight the biggest and most unforgettable moments of the year from the Olympics to award show trendsetters and the buzziest celebrity couples in addition to blockbuster films, television, music, sports, entertainment and more along with what to expect in 2025.
December 13
The Year Without a Santa Claus
6:45 p.m. / AMC
Another Rankin/Bass special from 1974 where Santa goes on strike and it’s Mrs. Claus to the rescue. Features the iconic battle between the Snow Miser and Heat Miser
Shark Tank
8:00 p.m. / ABC
Holiday episode: The Tank is transformed into a winter wonderland, and entrepreneurs present Sharks with business opportunities that celebrate the magic of the holiday season.
The Polar Express
8:00 p.m. / AMC
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
9:50 p.m. / Freeform
December 14
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Apple TV+
The holiday favorite is free for everyone on the streamer on December 14 and 15.
Nugget is Dead? A Christmas Story
8:00 p.m. / CBS
A brand new made-for-TV movie about Steph Stool (Vic Zerbst) abandons her elegant holiday plans to return home in a small Australian hometown to confront the chaos of her own, less elegant, family.
December 15
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Apple TV+
The holiday favorite is free for everyone on the streamer on December 14 and 15.
The Wonderful World of Disney Present The Sound of Music
7:00 p.m. / ABC
For the umpteenth time, ABC is airing the Oscar-winning classic. Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, we’ve all seen this movie many times before. And will probably watch it again. How DO you solve a problem like Maria?
An Evening with Dua Lipa
8:30 p.m. / CBS
A new concert special featuring live performances of Dua Lipa’s latest album, “Radical Optimism.” The special includes a special duet with Elton John.
December 16
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
5:45 p.m. / AMC
Frosty the Snowman
8:45 p.m. / Freeform
Frosty is not only on NBC this year, but Freeform too. The 1969 special about the singing, dancing snowman is narrated by Jimmy Durante.
Elf
8:00 p.m. / AMC
December 17
Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry
8:00 p.m. / NBC
The two-hour celebration features a variety of Christmas favorites and holiday classics filmed at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. In addition to Little Big Town, performances include Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Sheryl Crow, Kirk Franklin, Josh Groban, Kate Hudson and Orville Peck.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
9:00 p.m. / Freeform
December 18
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024
8:00 p.m. / ABC
Katy Perry, SZA, Tate McRae, Jack Harlow, twenty one pilots, Teddy Swims, Meghan Trainor, Camila Cabello, Kane Brown, Jason Derulo, Benson Boone, Gracie Abrams and more will perform during this IHeartMedia special. The tour itself made stops in Dallas/Fort Worth; Los Angeles; Chicago; Detroit; New York; Boston; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; and Miami.
Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular (encore)
8:00 p.m. / NBC
A Saturday Night Live Christmas
9:00 p.m. / NBC
The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Christmas-themed sketches from its 50 seasons.
December 19
The Great Christmas Light Fight
8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. / ABC
Nate Bargatze’s Nashville Christmas
9:00 p.m. / CBS
Nate Bargatze;’s special features a mix of stand-up comedy, pre-taped comedy shorts, sketches and musical performances. The show will shine a spotlight on the heart and spirit of Nashville during the holiday season, highlighting family, fun and feel-good moments.
Barry Manilow’s a Very Barry Christmas
10:00 p.m. / NBC
This rerun special includes a mix of some of Manilow’s greatest hits (“Copacabana,” “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs” and “Looks Like We Made It”) along with several holiday favorites.
December 20
The National Christmas Tree Lighting
8:00 p.m. / CBS
First celebrated in 1923 with President Calvin Coolidge, this beloved American tradition is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. Hosted by Mickey Guyton, the special features musical performances by Adam Blackstone, Muni Long, Stephen Sanchez, Trombone Shorty, James Taylor, The War And Treaty and Trisha Yearwood.
Josh Groban & Friends Go Home for the Holidays
9:00 p.m. / CBS
Building on its 25-year history celebrating family and raising awareness of adoption from foster care, this year’s holiday special is led by Josh Groban and his special guests.
December 21
The Santa Clause
7:20 p.m. / Freeform
It’s a triple threat with all three Santa Clause movies being presented back-to-back-to-back. Hey, the first two were pretty good. Tim Allen plays the jolly old elf.
The Santa Clause 2
9:25 p.m. / Freeform
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
11:55 p.m. / Freeform
December 22
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
7:00 p.m. / ABC
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents The Santa Clause
8:00 p.m. / ABC
And yes, ABC is airing the first Santa Clause movie the next day.
CMA Country Christmas (encore)
10:00 p.m. / ABC
December 23
Home Alone
6:30 p.m. / Freeform
Accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister gets busy decorating the house for the holidays. But he’s not decking the halls with tinsel and holly.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
9:00 p.m. / Freeform
Wouldn’t you know it? Kevin McCallister gets left behind again in this sequel.
December 24
It’s a Wonderful Life
8:00 p.m. / NBC
NBC again presents this Frank Capra classic starring Jimmy Stewart. An angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents Home Alone
8:00 p.m. / ABC
Christmas Eve Mass
11:30 a.m. / NBC
Watch the Pope Francis-led mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
December 25
The Wonderful World Disney: Christmas Day Parade
10:00 a.m. / ABC
Disney’s annual Christmas celebration returns Christmas morning with its traditional parade, endearing stories, and magical celebrity performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
6:15 p.m. / AMC
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
8:00 p.m. / NBC
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
8:30 p.m. / NBC
Elf
8:30 p.m. / AMC
Four Christmases
10:30 p.m. / AMC
Main Image: Julianne Hough, Alfonso Ribeiro and Elton John (ABC)
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