Remember the magic of waiting for that one special night? The entire family gathered around the television, the living room lights dimmed, and the opening chords of a beloved holiday special filling the room. For generations, these animated classics weren’t just shows; they were events, marking the true start of the Christmas season. Today, the magic hasn’t faded—it’s simply evolved. You’re no longer at the mercy of a single TV guide listing. Now, you can create your own holiday viewing tradition, streaming timeless tales of misfit reindeer, cheerful snowmen, and grumpy green cynics whenever the spirit moves you.
Let’s dive into your comprehensive, holly-jolly guide to watching the most cherished Christmas specials of all time. Whether you prefer the nostalgia of live TV, the convenience of streaming, or owning a digital copy for endless replays, we’ve got you covered.
How & Where to Watch The Classics
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The granddaddy of them all! This 1964 stop-motion masterpiece from Rankin/Bass, featuring the island of misfit toys and a dentist elf, returned to its original network home (NBC) this year. If you missed its initial airing, Freeform is your cable haven, with multiple showings throughout the holidays.
- Freeform Air Dates:
- 7:15 p.m., December 18
- 3:10 p.m., December 19
- 4:45 p.m., December 21
- 12:35 p.m., December 22
- 7:15 p.m., December 24
- 4 p.m., December 25
For on-demand joy, stream it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Tubi, or Pluto TV. Consider it a $9.99 gift to yourself to own it on Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play.
Frosty the Snowman
“Happy Birthday!” Follow that jolly, magical soul every time his hat goes on. Freeform is again the broadcast champion for Frosty.
- Freeform Air Dates:
- 8:20 p.m., December 18
- 2:35 p.m., December 19
- 4:10 p.m., December 21
- 1:40 p.m., December 22
- 8:20 p.m., December 24
- 3:30 p.m., December 25
Subscribers can melt into the story anytime via Hulu/Disney+, Peacock, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss’s timeless tale of a heart “two sizes too small” gets its annual network showcase on NBC, Christmas Day at 8 PM.
- TBS Air Dates:
- 9:30 p.m., December 15
- (Additional dates have passed)
Stream it to your heart’s content on Peacock. It’s also available for digital purchase.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
This poignant 1965 special about the true meaning of Christmas is in a unique spot. While Apple TV+ holds the rights, they generously open the doors for everyone to watch for free on select days. Mark your calendar: Apple TV+ offered free access to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” this past weekend. It’s a wonderful chance to share Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz score and Linus’s moving speech with everyone.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
Rankin/Bass weaves a brilliant origin story for Santa, narrated by Fred Astaire. Tune into Freeform for multiple showings.
- Freeform Air Dates:
- 8:55 p.m., December 18
- 1:30 p.m., December 19
- 3:05 p.m., December 21
- 11:30 a.m., December 22
- 8:55 p.m., December 24
- 10 a.m., December 25
Stream it for free with ads on Tubi, or find it on Hulu, Peacock, and Disney+.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Why not both? Tim Burton’s stop-masonry marvel plays on Freeform.
- Freeform Air Dates:
- 11:25 p.m., December 19
- 11:25 p.m., December 23
- (Additional dates have passed)
It also streams exclusively on Disney+, a perfect pick for a quirky holiday night.
The Year Without a Santa Claus
Worried about Santa taking a sick year? This classic introduces the unforgettable Heat Miser and Snow Miser.
- AMC Air Dates:
- 8 a.m., December 19
- 7:30 a.m., December 20
- 8:15 a.m., December 22
- 1:30 p.m., December 23
- 6:45 a.m., December 24
- (Additional dates have passed)
Find it for digital rental/purchase on major platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Video.
Crafting Your Holiday Viewing Tradition
The beauty of today’s viewing landscape is choice. You can:
- Relive the Live Event: Circle those Freeform, NBC, and AMC times in your TV guide. There’s still a unique thrill in watching together, as it airs.
- Stream a Marathon: Pile on the blankets, make some cocoa, and use streaming services to journey from Rudolph’s island to Whoville without leaving the couch.
- Mix and Match: Start with a live showing of Frosty on the 24th, then stream Rudolph on demand before bed. The power is yours!
This holiday season, the spirit of these classics is more accessible than ever. It’s the perfect time to pass down the magic, share the stories, and keep the merry and bright glowing for generations to come. Happy watching, and may your holidays be filled with joy, nostalgia, and a little bit of misfit toy magic.
