27 Christmas TV Specials To Watch Throughout December 2024
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
In the words of Mariah Carey, "It's tiiiiiiime!" That is: Time for the Christmas season to begin. While the Queen of Christmas made her kickoff announcement at the start of November, even if you're a stickler for when the celebrations should really begin, it's December now, so there's no denying that it really is time. And if you want to get in the mood, a Christmas TV special can really help.
As always, there are a lot to choose from, including iconic specials from the 1960s, all the way up to new specials premiering for the first time this year. After all, some people want to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for the millionth time, and some people want to see a Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan duet on Sabrina's very own Christmas variety show. And some of us want both!
Read on to learn more about 27 Christmas specials that are airing this year. And, by the way, this list does not include Christmas movies. But if you're interested in new xmas movies for 2024, we got ya.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
Sunday, December 1 - 8 p.m. - ABC
Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro host this Disney-themed holiday special. Musical guests will perform holiday classics, as well as songs from Disney movies, such as Auliʻi Cravalho singing a song from Moana 2 and Anika Noni Rose performing a track from Mufasa: The Lion King.
CMA Country Christmas
Tuesday, December 3 - 8 p.m. - ABC
This one's exactly what it sounds like: Country stars singing Christmas songs. Filmed in Nashville, the show features Trisha Yearwood, Cece Winans, Amy Grant, and more.
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
Tuesday, December 3 - 9 p.m. - ABC
Take it back to 1970 with this classic animated special about Santa Claus.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center
Wednesday, December 4 - 8 p.m. - NBC
The giant Christmas tree in Rockefeller center is always set aglow to kick off the holiday season. But before the big moment, there's musical performances. This year's artists include Jennifer Hudson, Little Big Town, Thalia, Megan Hilty, and Kelly Clarkson, who is also hosting the show.
Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular
Wednesday, December 4 - 10 p.m. (and again December 18 - 8 p.m.) - NBC
After the Christmas tree lighting, NBC will air Jimmy Fallon's Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, which comes after the release of his new holiday comedy album, Holiday Seasoning. The musical special features guests including the Jonas Brothers, Dolly Parton, Justin Timberlake, and The Roots.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Thursday, December 5 - 8 p.m. (and again December 25 - 8 p.m.) - NBC
On December 5, NBC is airing two vintage half-hour holiday animated specials, starting with 1966's How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Frosty the Snowman
Thursday, December 5 - 8:30 p.m. (and again December 11 - 8 p.m.) - NBC
The antics of the Grinch are followed by Frosty the Snowman from 1969.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Friday, December 6 - 8 p.m. (and again December 12 - 8 p.m.) - NBC
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year!
A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter
Friday, December 6 - 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. ET - Netflix
Sabrina Carpenter is hosting her own holiday variety show this year. The singer will perform songs from her holiday EP Fruitcake and duet with special guests, including Tyla, Chappell Roan, and Shania Twain.
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
Tuesday, December 10 - 8 p.m. - ABC
ABC is airing four Disney animated specials on December 10. The first is Olaf's Frozen Adventure, which is a spinoff of Frozen.
Toy Story That Time Forgot
Tuesday, December 10 - 8:30 p.m. - ABC
This 2014 holiday special, obviously, features characters from Toy Story.
Prep & Landing
Tuesday, December 10 - 9 p.m. - ABC
Two elves try to help Santa and his sleigh make it through a storm in Prep & Landing.
Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice
Tuesday, December 10 - 9:30 p.m. - ABC
The elves' adventures continue in this sequel.
Shrek the Halls
Wednesday, December 11 - 8:30 p.m. - NBC
Shrek + Christmas = Shrek the Halls. All the major characters from the original returned for this 2007 special about Shrek learning to celebrate Christmas.
A Motown Christmas
Wednesday, December 11 - 9 p.m. - NBC
Halle Bailey and Smokey Robinson host A Motown Christmas, which features musical performances from both classic Motown artists—Martha and the Vandellas, The Temptations, Gladys Knight—as well as Ashanti, mgk, JoJo, Jamie Foxx, and Pentatonix.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 - Apple TV+
A Charlie Brown Christmas used to be one of the classic specials that aired on network TV. Now, it's on Apple TV+. If you don't have a subscription, the streaming service is making the show available for two days for free: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15.
An Evening with Dua Lipa
Sunday, December 15 - 8:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. PT - CBS
This one sounds more vaguely Christmas-related, but if you're a fan of Dua Lipa, you should like it! Dua performs some of her biggest hits at Royal Albert Hall in London and also reflects on some personal moments from her life, including her holiday memories.
Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry
Monday, December 16 - 8 p.m. (and again Dec. 19 - 8 p.m.) - NBC
Country group Little Big Town host this Christmas special that also features Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, and Sheryl Crow.
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024
Wednesday, December 18 - 8 p.m. - ABC
The iHeart Radio Jingle Ball concert tours across America throughout December, and this TV special features some of the performances. Some of this year's pop star participants include Camila Cabello, Graice Abrams, SZA, Jack Harlow, and Katy Perry.
A Saturday Night Live Christmas
Wednesday, December 18 - 9 p.m. (and again Dec. 23 - 8 p.m.) - NBC
Check out two hours worth of Christmas-themed Saturday Night Live sketches that aired during the show's nearly 50-year history.
Nate Bargatze’s Nashville Christmas
Thursday, December 19 - 9 p.m. - CBS
Comedian Nate Bargatze hosts this special that filmed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The variety show combines stand-up comedy, sketches, and music.
Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas
Thursday, December 19 - 10 p.m. - NBC
Get "Mandy" stuck in your head until 2025 by watching this special from singer Barry Manilow.
National Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, December 20 - 8 p.m. - CBS
For the 102th time (!!), the National Christmas Tree will be lit in Washington, D.C. Mickey Guyton hosts the annual special with performances by Trisha Yearwood, Muni Long, and James Taylor.
Josh Groban & Friends Go Home for the Holidays
Friday, December 20 - 9 p.m. - CBS
This special hosted by Josh Groban is about the importance of family, with a particular focus on adoption. Guests include Jennifer Hudson and Tori Kelly.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
Wednesday, December 25 - 10 a.m. ET / 9 a.m. CT / 5 a.m. MT/PT - ABC
If you want something to watch on actual Christmas morning, check out the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, which has taken place for over 40 years.
Beyoncé's NFL Halftime Performance
Wednesday, December 25 - 4:30 p.m. ET - Netflix
Sure, you might already be planning to watching basketball or football on Christmas—or maybe nothing sounds worse. Either way, you might be interested to know that Beyoncé is performing a halftime show during the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans game that will air on Netflix.
Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas
Thursday, December 26 - 9 p.m. - NBC
Don't want Christmas to end? Dolly Parton can help with that. Her 2022 Christmas special will air on NBC on Boxing Day.
You Might Also Like