It’s time once again for our annual Christmas and Holiday TV Viewing Guide, whose most important function is alerting you to airings of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
But we’ll go beyond that, of course. We’ll tell you when you can watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (all eleventy-billion versions), “Elf,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Christmas Vacation” — even “Die Hard” (although it’s not really a Christmas movie).
We’ll also include airings or new original (first run) holiday movies from Hallmark (which seem to run year-round now?), Lifetime, BET, VH1, Paramount, OWN, Comedy Central, Netflix and other networks and platforms as we spot them. And since these movies have thankfully become more inclusive in recent years, they’ll go beyond Christmas to tell stories of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
A few notes about how we put together our TV guide.
▪ To keep it manageable, we’re mostly sticking to prime-time airings on broadcast networks and basic cable, plus the new streaming movies and specials.
▪ If you miss something like “Rudolph,” “Frosty” or “Grinch,” rest assured that we’ll get multiple airings across multiple channels.
▪ All times listed here are Eastern.
NOTE: The day-by-day schedule starts below our sections on “Charlie Brown” and “Rudolph.”
How to watch ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
Several years ago, the beloved Peanuts franchise was purchased by Apple, so you’ll need the Apple TV+ streaming service to watch. The good news, I guess, is that you can watch it there year-round, if you want.
▪ How much does Apple TV+ cost? Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month and you can cancel after the holidays.
▪ How to watch “Charlie Brown” free? The streaming service does allow free viewing of “Charlie Brown Christmas” for two days: Dec. 14-15.
How to watch ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’
One important change this year for “Rudolph” (and “Frosty the Snowman”): After more than 50 years on CBS, those Rankin-Bass holiday classics will move to NBC. (Vulture notes that “Rudolph” actually premiered on NBC in 1964.) ABC, which debuted “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” in 1970, will hold on to that show and air it on Dec. 3.
The first airing of “Rudolph” will happen on Friday, Dec. 6, the same date it premiered in 1964. It will air again on Dec. 11.
For cable TV watchers, “Rudolph” will still air periodically on Freeform, including on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9:10 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6:10 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 16 at 9:20 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7:55 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6:15 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 11 a.m.
What to watch on Thanksgiving Day
“98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (8:30 a.m., NBC)
This annual New York City parade is the granddaddy of them all. It ushers in the holiday season with lots of balloons, floats, marching bands, celebrities, Broadway musical performances and much more. Oh yeah, and Santa Claus.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (6 & 9 p.m., E!)
In this 1946 Frank Capra classic, a suicidal man ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve sees his life in a new light thanks to his guardian angel. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
“Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs. Miracle” (8 p.m., Hallmark)
In this new movie, Mrs. Miracle uses Christmas magic to reunite three siblings who must decide who will inherit the family’s real estate empire, following their grandmother’s passing.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (8 & 10 p.m., TNT)
The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
Friday, Nov. 29
“Deck the Walls” (8 p.m., Hallmark)
In this new movie, interior designer, Rose DeMonte, uses her skills back in her hometown to renovate a Christmas Charity Home for her brother Sal and his contractor Brysen’s home flipping company.
“Elf” (8 & 10 p.m., TBS)
Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.
Saturday, Nov. 30
“Christmas with the Kranks” (7 & 9 p.m., AMC)
In this 2004 movie, a Chicago couple (Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis) scramble to put together a holiday celebration after their daughter decides to come home for Christmas.
“Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” (8 p.m., Hallmark)
Hallmark’s just going for the gold with this one: A Chiefs superfan tries to win the Fan of the Year Award as a Christmas gift for her family, falling in love with someone in the Chiefs front office along the way. Starring Hunter King and Tyler Hynes.
“BeBe Winans’ We Three Kings” (8 p.m., Lifetime)
In this new Lifetime movie, a retired musician hatches a plan to bring his three daughters home for Christmas for the first time since their mother’s death. Holiday songs and old memories soon make the estranged siblings realize that life is better when they’re all together.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (8 p.m., Bravo)
In this 1946 Frank Capra classic, a suicidal man ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve sees his life in a new light thanks to his guardian angel. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (8 & 10 p.m., TBS)
The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
Sunday, Dec. 1
“Operation Mistletoe” (7 p.m., The CW)
In this new movie, Grace’s former crush comes home for Christmas and her best friend tries to play matchmaker by hiring her to decorate the house he plans to sell.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (7 p.m., AMC)
The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” (8 p.m., ABC)
All-new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
“Make or Bake Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark)
A woman finds herself falling in love while working undercover as a seasonal employee at a quaint bakery.
“The Christmas Quest” (8 p.m., Hallmark)
In this new movie, an archeologist and her ex-husband, an expert in ancient Norse languages, are sent to Iceland at Christmastime to search for the legendary treasure of the Yule Lads. When others join in the hunt, the pair find themselves swept into a thrilling adventure as they race to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. Starring Lacey Chabert and Kristoffer Polaha.
“Santa Clause 2” (8 p.m., FX)
In this 2002 “Santa Clause” sequel, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has been in the role of Santa for the past eight years, and his loyal elves consider him the best one ever. But his world turns upside down when he’s dealt a double whammy of news: Not only has his son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd), landed on this year’s naughty list, but Scott discovers that he must marry by Christmas Eve or he will stop being Santa Claus forever. “Santa Clause 3” airs immediately after.
“Elf” (9:15 p.m., AMC)
Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.
Monday, Dec. 2
“Polar Express” (7 p.m., AMC)
The conductor of a train to the North Pole guides a boy who questions the existence of Santa Claus. Stars Tom Hanks.
“A 90s Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark)
In this 2024 movie, a workaholic lawyer destined to spend Christmas alone is transported back to 1999 after an unexpected run-in with a particularly wise ride-share driver.
“Holiday Baking Championship” (8 p.m., Food)
In Episode 6, Jesse Palmer asks the remaining seven bakers to team up and make ooey-gooey caramel and chocolate desserts. The real party begins as the ice luge arrives and bakers make boozy trifles for judges Carla Hall, Duff Goldman and Nancy Fuller.
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (8:20 p.m., Freeform)
In this live-action version of the Grinch story, released in 2000, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).
“Elf” (9 p.m., AMC)
Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (9:55 p.m., Freeform)
This 1970 stop-motion special is maybe the greatest Christmas special ever created (my opinion, but I’m right). Fred Astaire explains the Santa Claus origin story — which includes his struggle against the bitter Burgermeister Meisterburger, who fights to keep Kris Kringle from delivering toys to the children of Sombertown. This is Santa 101, folks, with great music.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
“Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch“ (7:55 p.m., Freeform)
In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
“CMA Country Christmas” (8 p.m., ABC)
A holiday celebration featuring Christmas classics.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (7 p.m., AMC)
The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (9 p.m., ABC)
This 1970 stop-motion special is maybe the greatest Christmas special ever created (my opinion, but I’m right). Fred Astaire explains the Santa Claus origin story — which includes his struggle against the bitter Burgermeister Meisterburger, who fights to keep Kris Kringle from delivering toys to the children of Sombertown. This is Santa 101, folks, with great music.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
“92nd annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center” (8 p.m., NBC)
Kelly Clarkson hosts the 92nd annual tree-lighting ceremony kicking off the holiday season with a dazzling display of musical talents, star-studded surprises and the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
“Four Christmases” (8 p.m., AMC)
When their plans for a holiday getaway fall apart, a couple (Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon) must spend Christmas Day trudging to a quartet of family get-togethers in this 2008 comedy.
“Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” (10 p.m., NBC)
Jimmy Fallon and a lineup of celebrity guests celebrate the season with performances from Fallon’s new album, “Holiday Seasoning” — featuring Meghan Trainor, Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, the Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake and more.
Thursday, Dec. 5
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (6:20, 8:25 & 10:40 p.m., WeTV)
The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (8 p.m., ABC)
In the Season 12 premiere, the Campbell, Connors, Foy, Hughes, Masone, Cook, Rezendes and Joules-Cornetti families compete for the $50,000 grand prize.
“A Dance in the Snow” (8 p.m., Hallmark Mysteries)
In this new movie, Melanie wants to create an inclusive Christmas dance for her daughter Jenny, not realizing Jenny is planning a dance of her own to honor Melanie.
“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (8 p.m., NBC)
Boris Karloff narrates an animated tale about the lonely and heartless title character who decides to dress up as Santa and steal the Christmas decorations, gifts and feast from the people of Whoville.
“You Better Watch Out” (8 p.m., Lifetime Movie Network)
In this new holiday thriller from Lifetime, a woman stumbles into the middle of a kidnapping while stranded at a small-town airport on Christmas Eve.
”A Christmas Story” (8 p.m., TNT)
Little Ralphie tries to convince his parents in the 1940s to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas in this 1983 favorite. (The big marathon comes Christmas Eve!)
“Elf” (8 & 10 p.m., AMC)
Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.
“Frozen II” (8:25 p.m., Freeform)
In this 2019 sequel, Elsa the Snow Queen has an extraordinary gift — the power to create ice and snow. But no matter how happy she is to be surrounded by the people of Arendelle, Elsa finds herself strangely unsettled. After hearing a mysterious voice call out to her, Elsa travels to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond her kingdom — an adventure that soon turns into a journey of self-discovery. “Frozen” airs at 6 p.m.
“Frosty the Snowman” (8:30 p.m., NBC)
The 1969 animated adaptation of Romeo Muller’s story of a snowman who comes to life, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” (10:30 p.m., Freeform)
When the kingdom of Arendelle empties out for the holiday season, Anna and Elsa realize that they have no family traditions of their own. So Olaf sets out on a merry mission to bring home the very best traditions and save Christmas.
Friday, Dec. 6
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (8 p.m., NBC)
Woo-hoo! It’s our first Rudolph sighting of the holiday season! In this beloved 1964 stop-motion classic, the reindeer with the shiny nose guides Santa’s sleigh through a bad storm on Christmas Eve. Narrated by Burl Ives.
“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” (8 p.m., Disney)
Mickey and his friends tell three stories including A Very Goofy Christmas and Mickey and Minnie’s Gift of the Magi.
“Private Princess Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark)
In this new Hallmark movie, Vi, better known as Princess Violet of Wingravia, adores the privileges of being a royal, but none of the responsibilities. After being disappointed by Vi one time too many, the Queen decides to test her daughter’s mettle once and for all and issues an ultimatum: Vi must pass a vigorous leadership boot camp in Colorado or lose the throne to her uncle. At boot camp, Vi and her fellow cadets are put through a rigorous grind under the uncompromising supervision of Captain Ryan Douglas.
“Noelle” (10:55 p.m., Freeform)
In this 2019 movie starring Bill Hader and Anna Kendrick, Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit but wishes she could do something important like her brother Nick, who will take over for their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away...but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.
Saturday, Dec. 7
“A Very Merry Beauty Salon” (8 p.m., Lifetime)
In this new Lifetime movie, a woman’s budding romance with a charismatic CEO challenges her thoughts on love and family.
“A California Christmas” (8 p.m., The CW)
In this new movie, a wealthy charmer with his carefree life on the line, poses as a ranch hand to get a hardworking farmer to sell her family’s land.
“Sugarplummed” (8 p.m., Hallmark)
In this new Hallmark movie, a woman who hopes to bring her family closer together makes a wish for a holiday as picture-perfect as the ones she sees in a made-for-TV holiday movie. To her shock, the film’s relentlessly optimistic main character magically steps off the screen to make Emily’s wish come true. Starring Maggie Lawson and Janel Parrish.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (8 & 10:15 p.m., AMC)
The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
”A Christmas Story” (8 p.m., TBS)
Little Ralphie tries to convince his parents in the 1940s to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas in this 1983 favorite. (The big marathon comes Christmas Eve!)
“Frosty the Snowman” (8:35 p.m., Freeform)
The 1969 animated adaptation of Romeo Muller’s story of a snowman who comes to life, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
“A Season to Remember” (9 p.m., OWN)
Symone, a career-driven sports reporter, is determined to land a holiday-worthy interview with the help of Iggy, a newly hired, free-spirited cameraman who challenges her methods.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (9:10 p.m., Freeform)
In this beloved 1964 stop-motion classic, the reindeer with the shiny nose guides Santa’s sleigh through a bad storm on Christmas Eve. Narrated by Burl Ives. “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” airs at 12:55 a.m. if you can stay up that late.
Sunday, Dec 8
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (6 & 9 p.m., E!)
In this 1946 Frank Capra classic, a suicidal man ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve sees his life in a new light thanks to his guardian angel. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (6:10 p.m., Freeform)
In this beloved 1964 stop-motion classic, the reindeer with the shiny nose guides Santa’s sleigh through a bad storm on Christmas Eve. Narrated by Burl Ives.
“Elf” (7 & 9 p.m., AMC)
Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.
“Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch“ (7 p.m., The CW)
In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (7:15 p.m., Freeform)
In this live action version of the Grinch story, released in 2000, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).
“How to Fall in Love by Christmas” (8 p.m., Lifetime)
In this new movie, Nora Winters tries to save her lifestyle brand by writing a column about her efforts to fall in love by Christmas. With the help of a handsome photographer, Nora learns there may be a lot to love about looking for love during the holidays.
“Leah’s Perfect Gift” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - Leah Meyer is a bonafide lover of Christmas, but she has always admired the holiday from afar because she’s Jewish. Though her family celebrates Hanukkah, Leah has longed to experience a traditional Christmas. When her boyfriend Graham invites her to spend the holidays with his classic Connecticut family, she eagerly accepts. Excited to dive into the quintessential Christmas she’s always dreamed of, Leah quickly discovers that fitting in with Graham’s uptight family and his not-so-welcoming mom is easier said than done. As holiday traditions clash and awkward moments pile up, it is not quite the cozy Christmas she expected.
“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” (8 p.m., FX)
The Guardians are on a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill and head to Earth in search of the perfect present.
”Home Alone” (8 p.m., Disney)
Accidentally left behind by his Paris-bound family at Christmas time, an 8-year-old (Macaulay Culkin) makes mincemeat of two burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) in the house. “Home Alone 2” follows.
“Dashing Through the Snow” (9:55 p.m., Freeform)
In this 2023 movie starring Ludacris and Lil Rey Howery, a social worker, no longer believes in the magic of Christmas after a traumatic experience. At the request of his estranged wife, he brings his daughter Charlotte to work where a magical adventure begins for them.
Note: Programming descriptions are provided by networks and studios.