It’s the time of year for Christmas specials and holiday-themed TV shows that offer their unique take on festive cheer.
Since the era of Bing Crosby, Christmas specials have been a mainstay on television. Whether it’s a beloved series taking a break from its usual plotline to share some festive joy, or a variety show headlined by the latest pop sensation, spotting tinsel, peppermint patterns, and elf hats on your screen signaled that Santa, Rudolph, and your quirky Aunt Cathy were already en route to your home.
This tradition continues to thrive even in the age of streaming. In recent years, platforms like Netflix have produced holiday-themed specials featuring stars such as Kacey Musgraves, Mariah Carey, and Sabrina Carpenter, each bringing music, humor, and eggnog along with an array of special guests. Many of these shows fade from memory after the season ends, but a select few are entertaining enough to become holiday classics. Here are 16 of the best ones.
Best Christmas specials
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
When it first premiered, A Charlie Brown Christmas was almost revolutionary. It retained the simplicity and directness of the original comic strip, featuring a jazzy soundtrack, the absence of a laugh track, and real children voicing the Peanuts characters—uncommon elements in TV animation at the time. Moreover, the storyline touched on themes like childhood depression as Charlie Brown tries to chase away the holiday blues by organizing a play. CBS executives anticipated failure, but the special became one of the greatest television features ever made, animated or otherwise. Half a century later, it remains deeply embedded in the hearts of those who have experienced it, delivering a poignant message about the true essence of Christmas: it’s not about the size of the tree but the love with which you adorn it.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Long before Jim Carrey and Benedict Cumberbatch donned the Grinch persona, this musical comedy introduced the first animated rendition of Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s book. Boris Karloff, famed for his role as Frankenstein, lent his voice to the grouchy green character whose heart was “two sizes too small.” On Christmas Eve, the Grinch becomes exasperated with the carolers and festive enthusiasts in Whoville and resolves to steal Christmas from them. Despite a close call with Cindy Lou Who, he succeeds in taking everything associated with Christmas from Whoville. However, on Christmas morning, instead of hearing cries of despair, he hears the Whos exuberantly singing. Realizing the true spirit of the holiday, he returns all the stolen goods and is warmly welcomed to join the festivities, even having the honor of carving the roast beast.
3. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Another cherished Christmas cartoon, this story about a snowman brought to life by an old silk hat is as memorable as its catchy theme song. Narrated by the iconic Jimmy Durante, the tale begins with a group of schoolchildren building a snowman named Frosty. By chance, they receive a magician’s hat, delivered by his rabbit, Hocus Pocus. When the kids place the hat on Frosty’s head, he magically comes to life. However, the magician, Professor Hinkle, wants his hat back. Understanding that Frosty needs to reach a colder place—like the North Pole—to avoid melting, the children embark on a journey through town, with Hinkle following closely behind.
4. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
This timeless tale remains a favorite today, with its heartwarming story about the most famous reindeer of all capturing the hearts of children—and adults too. It’s hard not to sympathize with Rudolph when he’s excluded from the Reindeer Games. Along the way, he encounters fellow outcasts: Hermey, an elf with ambitions of becoming a dentist; Yukon Cornelius, a silver-and-gold-seeking prospector with a penchant for peppermint; and the crew on the Island of Misfit Toys. Rudolph ultimately finds acceptance when he rescues his parents and his admirer, Clarice, from Bumble, the abominable snowman, and Santa Claus requests his help to guide the sleigh on a stormy Christmas Eve. Additionally, Sam the Snowman, voiced by Burl Ives, narrates the charming story.
5. The Simpsons: ‘Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire’ (1989)
Like many classic TV comedies, The Simpsons took a few seasons to truly find its rhythm. However, its very first episode laid the foundation for much of what fans would come to adore about America’s favorite family—a surprising feat, considering that Christmas specials often feel like standalone anomalies. Bart is introduced as the rebellious troublemaker, singing a cheeky version of “Jingle Bells” at a school pageant and getting a tattoo, prompting Marge to use the family’s gift budget to have it removed. Meanwhile, Homer, after being denied a holiday bonus at work, embarks on the first of many side jobs as a department store Santa. In his typically well-intentioned yet clueless manner, he squanders his earnings at the dog track. Longtime fans know what follows. Nearly four decades later, the series continues, albeit not as vibrantly, but this inaugural episode served as a prelude to what many consider the defining show of the 1990s. What a gift.
6. The LEGO Star Wars Christmas Special (2020)
Depending on your viewpoint, the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special is either a delightfully bizarre camp classic or an uncomfortably awkward disaster. Lucasfilm clearly leans toward the latter opinion, having withheld the special from streaming platforms and refrained from any official release. However, its spirit—albeit with a touch of irony—lives on in this Disney+ feature, which revives the concept of Life Day for fans familiar with Rey, Finn, and Porgs. Utilizing stop-motion Lego figures akin to The Lego Batman Movie, the show offers a playful, lighthearted journey through the Star Wars multiverse, packed with references and cameos while cheekily poking fun at its predecessor. And if you’re still craving Wookiee holiday customs, just remember—not a word to George—but the original is still out there… somewhere.
7. Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas (1977)
A year after The Band took its final bow, a new ensemble emerged to carry on the legacy of classic American music—comprised, as it happens, of felt, bluegrass-loving otters. Jim Henson created and directed this delightfully quirky and charming twist on ‘The Gift of the Magi,’ featuring a modest couple of musically talented critters who enter a battle of the bands, each hoping to win the cash prize to buy Christmas gifts for the other. A big-screen adaptation by Bret McKenzie, known for Flight of the Conchords and The Muppets, was announced a few years ago, and all we can say is: yes, please.
8. Christmas At Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1988)
In the 1980s, the late, great Paul Reubens and his whimsical, giggling manchild character were at the forefront of children’s television, captivating both imaginative youngsters and artistic adults. Consequently, he had access to an impressive array of celebrity guest stars. He took full advantage of this for his primetime holiday special, featuring appearances by everyone from Joan Rivers and Cher to k.d. lang, all joining Pee-wee and his animated furniture for a festive gathering. In the special, Pee-wee also teaches Little Richard to ice skate, takes Magic Johnson on a sleigh ride, and enjoys Grace Jones’s eccentric post-punk rendition of ‘Little Drummer Boy.’ It’s a delightful, humorous, and wonderfully offbeat experience.
9. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
After Thanksgiving, Santa Claus catches a cold and is advised by his doctor to alter his routine. Believing that no one cares about Christmas anymore, Santa decides to take a break, entrusting elves Jingle and Jangle with finding proof that people still believe in him. Accompanied by Santa’s youngest reindeer, Vixen, the elves journey to Southtown. Following a series of adventures, Vixen ends up at the dog pound, and can only be released if Jingle and Jangle manage to make it snow in Southtown on Christmas Day. This Rankin/Bass stop-motion semi-classic also features memorable characters like the Snow Miser, the Heat Miser, and a little girl who pens a heartfelt letter to Santa lamenting her Blue Christmas.
10. Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (2020)
It took 25 years to make it official, but Mariah Carey has undeniably become the Queen of Christmas. A year after her iconic ’90s holiday hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You” finally reached No. 1, Apple TV+ delighted audiences with a delightfully enchanting Christmas special featuring the incomparable Miss Carey. Centered around a charmingly silly premise—in one of the bleakest years, Santa needs assistance in spreading holiday joy, so his elf secretary, who bears a striking resemblance to Billy Eichner, calls on pop’s most cheerful superstar—Carey performs a setlist of holiday classics, with appearances by stars like Ariana Grande and Snoop Dogg. But she reserves the best for last, and it goes without saying what that is.
11. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
This animated special features Fred Astaire as the narrator, S.D. Kluger, a mailman whose truck is stuck, prompting him to share the tale of Santa Claus and the origins of various Christmas traditions. The story starts at the very beginning, when an abandoned baby named Claus is adopted by the Kringles, a family of elves, and renamed Kris. As he grows up, Kris aims to revive his family’s toy-making heritage but encounters resistance from the grumpy Burgermeister, who has outlawed toys in his town. Ultimately, Kris Kringle prevails, cementing his legacy as Santa forever.
12. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (1974)
Set at the turn of the century in the fictional town of Junctionville, NY, this animated special features Santa Claus becoming quite upset after an anonymous letter in the local newspaper claims he doesn’t exist. In response, St. Nick decides to return all unopened letters from the town. However, the true hero of the story is not a person but a mouse—Father Mouse, who works as an assistant to a clockmaker and discovers that his son, Albert, is behind the letter. To make amends, Albert helps work on a singing clock tower that includes a special recording pleading with Santa not to skip Junctionville on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, Albert sneaks into the tower and accidentally damages the clock, leaving the townspeople worried it won’t chime. Will it?
13. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
This story follows a young orphan named Aaron, who finds joy in playing his drum for his animal friends: Samson the donkey, Joshua the camel, and Baba the lamb. Aaron’s past is filled with sorrow, explaining his preference for animals over people. When his drumming makes his friends dance, he is compelled to join a caravan of mediocre performers traveling to Jerusalem. Eventually, Aaron and his companions escape and encounter the Magi on their journey to Bethlehem, guided by a bright star. When Baba is severely injured by a Roman chariot, one of the Magi suggests that the baby they seek can help. As a ‘gift’ to this newborn, Aaron plays his drum for the child and his parents, resulting in Baba’s miraculous healing.
14. Tales from the Crypt: And All Through the House (1989)
He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake… and he’s certainly aware if you’re a frustrated wife who just drove a fireplace poker through your husband’s skull on Christmas Eve while your child sleeps upstairs. In this holiday-themed episode of the eerie horror anthology, legendary character actor Larry Drake (known for Dr. Giggles) plays an escaped mental patient dressed as Santa. He stumbles upon a backyard murder cover-up and turns the night into a Silent Night, Deadly Night scenario, complete with an axe murder. It’s a delightfully chaotic and twisted Christmas tale, perfect for enjoying once the little ones are tucked in bed.
15. The Snowy Day (2016)
It took fifty years for someone to adapt Ezra Jack Keats’ beloved slice-of-life children’s classic about a snow day in inner-city New York into an animated short. While Amazon’s version takes a few creative liberties—most notably transforming it into a Christmas story rather than just a typical snow day—it’s hard to argue with the addition of Boyz II Men to a beloved children’s narrative. The animation pays homage to Keats’ timeless tale, and although the message of inclusivity is emphasized quite heavily—this is a children’s story, after all—the soothing harmonies of Boyz II Men add a gentle touch even to the more heavy-handed moments.
16. Black Mirror: White Christmas (2014)
In a twist on Charlie Brooker’s usual technophobic, dystopian themes, the Black Mirror Christmas special features Jon Hamm and Rafe Spall as they engage in conversation in a secluded cabin, sharing their most joyful holiday memories. Well, not exactly. This is Black Mirror, after all. While it’s true that the stars spend their cabin time discussing past Christmases in this standout episode of the world’s darkest anthology series, these stories involve online surveillance, fabricated realities, sentient digital clones, technologically advanced crime and punishment, and naturally, a few grisly murders. But one story includes a snow globe, because, after all, it’s Christmas.
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