The holiday season isn’t complete without the magic of Christmas TV specials.
These timeless classics are more than just festive entertainment — they’re a part of our holiday traditions.
From heartwarming stories to laugh-out-loud comedies, these specials remind us of the joy, nostalgia, and occasional chaos that make this time of year so special.
Whether you’re snuggled up with hot cocoa or reliving childhood memories, these Christmas specials are the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the best Christmas TV specials to rewatch every holiday season.
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it?!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
There’s a reason this animated gem has stood the test of time: it’s pure holiday magic.
From Boris Karloff’s unforgettable narration to the heartwarming moment when the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes, this special is the blueprint for all holiday redemption stories.
Sure, Jim Carrey gave it his best shot, but nothing beats the charm of the original.
With its whimsical animation and timeless message about the true meaning of Christmas, this one’s a must-watch every year.
Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas Online
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Who could forget the Miser Brothers? This Rankin/Bass classic gave us some of the catchiest holiday tunes ever — “Heat Miser” and “Snow Miser” still live rent-free in our heads.
The story of Santa feeling too underappreciated to make his rounds is surprisingly relatable (who hasn’t felt a little burnt out during the holidays?).
With its whimsical stop-motion animation and heartfelt reminder about spreading joy, this special is a perfect mix of quirky fun and Christmas spirit.
It’s proof that even Santa needs a little love to keep the season bright.
Watch The Year Without a Santa Claus Online
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
This jolly, happy soul has been melting hearts for decades.
Whether you watched it as a kid or are introducing it to your own kids now, Frosty the Snowman captures that pure, magical feeling of childhood Christmases.
From the iconic song to Frosty’s sweet bond with Karen, it’s impossible not to get a little misty when he waves goodbye.
Let’s be real — if you’re anything like me, this is one you loved growing up and still love today.
Watch Frosty the Snowman Online
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
This Rankin/Bass gem takes us back to the origins of everyone’s favorite jolly gift-giver.
With Fred Astaire narrating and Mickey Rooney voicing Kris Kringle, it’s a festive combo of charm and nostalgia.
From the Winter Warlock’s redemption arc to the toe-tapping “Put One Foot in Front of the Other” song, this special makes you believe in Christmas magic all over again.
It’s one of those timeless classics that feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy holiday blanket.
Watch Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town Online
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
There’s no contest — this is the ultimate Christmas special. From Rudolph’s shiny red nose to the Island of Misfit Toys, every frame of this Rankin/Bass classic is pure nostalgia.
The story of an outcast finding his place has a timeless magic that hits just as hard today as it did decades ago.
Throw in Burl Ives’ iconic “Holly Jolly Christmas,” and you’ve got holiday perfection.
It’s easily my favorite Christmas special of all time, and honestly, nothing else even comes close.
Watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Online
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
This heartfelt Rankin/Bass special reminds us what Christmas is truly about.
Paired with one of the greatest Christmas songs of all time, the story of a humble boy offering his simple gift to baby Jesus cuts right to the heart of the season.
It’s not about Santa or presents — it’s about love, faith, and giving from the heart.
Every time I watch this, it’s a powerful reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas, and it never fails to move me.
Watch The Little Drummer Boy Online
A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)
Available to purchase on DVD/Also available on YouTube
This special is pure holiday joy, with all your favorite Muppets gathering under one roof for a chaotic, heartwarming celebration.
Watching the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock characters come together feels like a nostalgic fever dream in the best way possible.
It’s packed with laughs, heartfelt moments, and even a cameo from Jim Henson himself.
If you’re looking for something that brings the spirit of family and togetherness (with a side of Gonzo’s antics), this is it.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This one is more than just a Christmas special — it’s a family tradition in my house.
It’s a timeless classic, with its simple animation, Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz score, and Charlie Brown’s quest to find the true meaning of Christmas.
My husband, a lifelong Charlie Brown aficionado, loved it, and it became a staple in our holiday TV lineup. Even to this day, my son will still watch it.
Whether it’s Linus’s heartfelt speech or that sad little tree, this special never loses its magic.
Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas Online
Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)
This special feels like stepping into a memory of my grandpa reading the poem to me on Christmas Eve, keeping the magic alive in a way only he could.
The story of a little mouse and a clockmaker trying to win back Santa’s favor is charming, but it’s the nostalgic connection to that childhood anticipation that makes it so special.
Watching it now brings back those nights of barely sleeping, filled with wonder and excitement for Santa’s arrival.
It’s a reminder of the joy our loved ones bring to the holidays.
Watch ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Online
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
This Disney classic brings together three heartwarming holiday stories featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and more.
Each tale is packed with charm and timeless lessons about love, family, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Whether it’s Mickey and Minnie’s take on The Gift of the Magi or Goofy and Max learning to believe in Santa, this special is the perfect mix of nostalgia and holiday magic.
It’s one of those feel-good traditions that never loses its sparkle, no matter how often you watch it.
Watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Online
A Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)
Available for purchase on DVD or watch for free on YouTube
This quirky special is a hidden gem for anyone who loves a good mix of holiday spirit and creative humor.
Hosted by a pair of claymation dinosaurs, it features whimsical renditions of classic Christmas songs like “We Three Kings” (complete with singing camels!) and “Carol of the Bells” with hilarious quacking ducks.
It’s a perfect throwback to the offbeat charm of 80s TV and a reminder that Christmas can be fun, festive, and just a little weird in the best way possible.
You can’t help but smile at its clever mix of tradition and silliness.
The Simpsons Christmas Special (1989)
Available to watch on YouTube
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without The Simpsons.
This very first episode of the iconic series introduced us to the chaotic yet lovable Simpson family and their holiday misadventures.
From Homer’s stint as a mall Santa to the arrival of Santa’s Little Helper, it’s packed with laughs and heartfelt moments that capture the imperfect magic of the season.
Even after all these years, it remains a hilarious and nostalgic reminder that family is what the holidays are all about, no matter how dysfunctional.
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977)
This Jim Henson classic is brimming with heart, music, and the true spirit of giving.
Emmet and his Ma’s efforts to create a meaningful Christmas despite their hardships are both touching and inspiring.
The jug-band competition, with its catchy tunes and quirky characters, adds just the right amount of fun to the heartfelt story. It reminds us that love and selflessness are the greatest gifts of all.
If you haven’t watched this one yet, you’re in for a holiday treat that’ll stick with you.
Watch Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas Online
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)
This one holds a special place in my heart. My grandpa loved Mr. Magoo, and watching this together became one of our cherished holiday traditions.
As the bumbling yet endearing Magoo takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, this charming adaptation of Dickens’ classic delivers laughs, touching moments, and a surprisingly heartfelt take on the story.
It’s proof that even a little bit of slapstick can carry a lot of Christmas spirit.
For me, it’s as much about the memories as the magic of the special itself.
Watch Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol Online
A Garfield Christmas Special (1987)
Garfield may be known for his snark, but this Christmas special is packed with surprising heart.
From Garfield’s hilarious disdain for holiday cheer to his sweet bond with Jon’s family — especially Grandma — this one hits all the right notes.
It’s a perfect blend of laughs, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments wrapped up in that classic Garfield charm.
And let’s be honest: who doesn’t relate to Garfield’s love of food during the holidays? It’s a festive favorite that never gets old.
Watch A Garfield Christmas Special Online
Shrek the Halls (2007)
Available for purchase on DVD
Leave it to Shrek to deliver a Christmas special that’s equal parts chaos and charm.
In true ogre fashion, his attempt to create the “perfect” holiday for Fiona and the kids spirals into hilarious mayhem thanks to Donkey, Puss in Boots, and the whole gang.
But beneath the laughs is a surprisingly sweet message about the messiness of family and how Christmas is really about being together.
It’s a fun, festive ride that brings plenty of holiday laughs with a big green heart.
Watch Chicago Med Online
The Flintstones Christmas Carol (1994)
Available for purchase on DVD
This holiday special takes us back to Bedrock for a prehistoric twist on Dickens’ classic.
Fred takes on the role of Scrooge in a community theater production, and as expected, chaos ensues. The mix of Flintstones humor and heartfelt Christmas spirit makes this one unforgettable.
My grandpa was a huge fan of The Flintstones, and if he’d been around when this came out, I know it would’ve topped our holiday watchlist.
It’s a festive favorite with just the right mix of nostalgia and charm.
Watch Chicago Med Online
Wrap It Up Like a Present
There you have it — Christmas specials that bring nostalgia, laughter, and a whole lot of holiday cheer year after year.
Whether you’re revisiting childhood favorites or sharing these classics with the next generation, these shows remind us of what makes the season so magical.
Now it’s time to grab your favorite holiday snacks, get cozy, and let the rewatching begin!
Which of these is your go-to Christmas classic? Let us know in the comments!
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