The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a magical Christmas TV special.
These timeless classics are more than just holiday entertainment—they’re part of our holiday traditions.
From heartwarming stories to hilarious comedies, these specials remind us of the joy, nostalgia and occasional mayhem that make this time of year so special.
Whether you’re snuggling 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 really 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 triples in size, this special is the blueprint for all holiday redemption stories.
Sure, Jim Carrey tried his best, but nothing can match the charm of the original.
With its whimsical animation and timeless message about the true meaning of Christmas, this film is a must-see every year.
Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas online
A Year Without Santa Claus (1974)
Who can forget the Scrooge Brothers? This Rankin/Bass classic gave us some of the catchiest holiday songs of all time – “Heat Miser” and “Snow Miser” are still free in our heads.
The story of Santa Claus feeling too underappreciated to make his rounds is surprisingly relatable (who doesn’t feel a little frazzled during the holidays?).
The special is the perfect blend of quirky fun and Christmas spirit with its whimsical stop-motion animation and heartfelt reminders about spreading joy.
This proves that even Santa needs a little love to keep the season bright.
Watch A Year Without Santa online
Frosty the Snowman(1969)
This happy, happy soul has been melting hearts for decades.
Whether you watched it as a child or are introducing it to your own children now, Frosty the Snowman captures the pure, magical feeling of a childhood Christmas.
From this iconic song to Frosty’s sweet bond with Karen, it’s impossible not to feel a little lost as he waves goodbye.
Let’s be honest, if you’re anything like me, this is a product you’ve loved growing up.
Watch Frosty the Snowman online
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town(1970)
This Rankin/Bass gem takes us back to the origins of everyone’s favorite happy gift giver.
Narrated by Fred Astaire and voiced by Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle, it’s a festive mix of charm and nostalgia.
From the Winter Warlock’s redemption arc to the lilting “put one foot in front of the other” song, this special will make you believe in the magic of Christmas all over again.
This is one of those timeless classics that feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy holiday blanket.
Watch Santa Claus is Coming to Town online
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Make no mistake – this is the ultimate Christmas special. From Rudolph’s shiny red nose to the island of anachronistic toys, every frame of this Rankin/Bass classic is pure nostalgia.
The story of an outcast finding his place has a timeless magic that is as powerful today as it was decades ago.
Add in Burl Ives’ iconic “Holly Jolly Christmas” and you’ve got the perfect holiday treat.
This is hands down my favorite Christmas special of all time, and honestly, nothing comes close to it.
Watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer online
The Little Drummer(1968)
This heartfelt special from Rankin/Bass reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.
The story of a humble boy offering a simple gift to baby Jesus is paired with one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written and cuts to the heart of the season.
It’s not about Santa or gifts – it’s about love, faith and heartfelt devotion.
Every time I see this, it’s a powerful reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas, and it always moves me.
Watch The Little Drummer Boy online
A Muppet Christmas (1987)
Available on DVD/also on YouTube
This special is pure holiday joy as all your favorite Muppets come together under one roof for a chaotic and heartwarming celebration.
Watching the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock characters come together in the best possible way feels like a nostalgic fever dream.
It’s filled with laughs, heartfelt moments, and even a cameo from Jim Henson himself.
If you’re looking for something that brings a sense of family spirit and togetherness (with a side of gonzo antics), this is it.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This isn’t just a Christmas special – it’s a family tradition in my family.
It’s a timeless classic, with simple animation, Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz score, and Charlie Brown’s exploration of the true meaning of Christmas.
My husband, a lifelong Charlie Brown fan, loved it and it became a staple of our holiday television. To this day, my son still watches it.
Whether it’s Linus’ heartfelt speech or the sad little tree, this special never loses its magic.
Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas online
It Was Christmas Eve (1974)
This particular one feels like stepping into the memory of my grandpa reading this poem to me on Christmas Eve, keeping the magic alive in a way that 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 childhood hopes that makes it so special.
Watching it now brings back memories of those nights when I could barely sleep, filled with wonder and excitement for Santa’s arrival.
It reminds us of the joy our loved ones bring to the holidays.
Watch “It’s Christmas Eve” online
Mickey’s Christmas Fairy Tale (1999)
This Disney classic brings together three heartwarming holiday stories of Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy.
Each story is filled with charm and timeless lessons about love, family, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Whether it’s Mickey and Minnie performing “The Gift of the Magi” or Goofy and Max learning to believe in Santa Claus, this special is the perfect blend of nostalgia and holiday magic.
It’s a feel-good tradition that never loses its shine no matter how many times you watch it.
Watch Mickey’s Christmas Fairy Tale online
Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)
Available to purchase on DVD or watch for free on YouTube
This quirky special is a hidden gem for those who love a perfect mix of holiday spirit and creative humor.
Hosted by a pair of claymation dinosaurs, it offers 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 the perfect throwback to the offbeat charm of ’80s television, and a reminder that Christmas can be fun, festive, and a little weird in the best of ways.
You can’t help but smile because of its clever blend of tradition and silliness.
The Simpsons Christmas Special (1989)
Available to watch on YouTube
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without The Simpsons.
The first episode of this iconic series introduces us to the chaotic yet lovable Simpson family and their holiday misadventures.
From Homer’s role as mall Santa to the arrival of Santa’s Little Helper, it’s filled with laughs and heartfelt moments that capture the imperfect magic of the season.
Even after all these years, it’s still a hilarious and nostalgic reminder that family is what the holidays are all about, no matter how abnormal.
Emmett Ott’s Jug Band Christmas (1977)
This Jim Henson classic is filled with heart, music, and true dedication.
Emmett and his mom’s efforts to create a meaningful Christmas despite all the hardships is both touching and inspiring.
The Jug Band Game, with its catchy tunes and quirky characters, adds just the right amount of fun to this touching story. It reminds us that love and selflessness are the greatest gifts.
If you haven’t seen this one, you’re in for a holiday treat you won’t soon forget.
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.
Starring the bumbling but lovable Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge, this charming adaptation of Dickens’ classic delivers laughs, touching moments, and a surprisingly heartfelt story.
This proves that even a little slapstick can bring a lot of Christmas cheer.
To me, the memories are as important as the magic of the special itself.
Watch Mr Magoo’s Christmas Carol online
Garfield Christmas Special (1987)
Garfield may be known for his mischief, but this Christmas special is packed with surprising heart.
From Garfield’s hilarious disdain for holiday cheer to his sweet relationship with Jon’s family, especially Grandma, it hits all the right notes.
It’s the perfect blend of laughter, nostalgia and heartfelt moments, wrapped in classic Garfield charm.
Let’s be honest: Who doesn’t love Garfield’s love of food during the holidays? This is a holiday favorite that never goes out of style.
Watch Garfield Christmas Special Online
Shrek Hall(2007)
Available on DVD
Let Shrek deliver a Christmas special that is both chaotic and charming.
In true ogre fashion, he tries to create the “perfect” holiday for Fiona and the kids, but is thrown into hilarious chaos thanks to the help of Donkey, Puss in Boots and the whole gang.
But beneath the laughter lies a surprisingly sweet message about the chaos of family and how the true meaning of Christmas is togetherness.
It’s a fun, festive ride with a green heart and plenty of holiday cheer.
Watch Chicago Med online
The Flintstones Christmas Carol (1994)
Available on DVD
This festive special takes us back to bedrock for a prehistoric twist on Dickens’ classic.
Fred plays the role of Scrooge in a community theater production and, as expected, chaos ensues. The combination of Flintstones humor and heartfelt Christmas spirit makes this movie unforgettable.
My grandfather was a huge fan of The Flintstones, and if he had been around when this book came out, I know it would have been at the top of our holiday viewing list.
This is a holiday favorite with just the right blend of nostalgia and charm.
Watch Chicago Med online
wrapped like a gift
That’s it – Christmas specials that bring nostalgia, laughter, and lots of holiday cheer year after year.
Whether you’re revisiting childhood favorites or sharing these classics with the next generation, these shows remind us what makes this season so magical.
Now’s the time to grab your favorite holiday snacks, relax, and start rewatching!
Which of these is your Christmas classic? Let us know in the comments!
