The holiday season is here, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by watching some classic TV Christmas specials? From beloved animated tales to heartwarming live-action stories, these specials have become an integral part of our holiday traditions. Here are nine TV Christmas specials to watch tonight and make your holiday season even more magical.
Classic Animated Specials
These animated specials have been delighting audiences for generations, and their timeless charm continues to captivate both children and adults alike.
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This timeless classic tells the story of the Peanuts gang and their search for the true meaning of Christmas. With its poignant message, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a must-watch during the holiday season.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Based on Dr. Seuss's beloved children's book, this animated special follows the grumpy Grinch as he attempts to ruin Christmas for the residents of Whoville. With its witty humor and stunning animation, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a holiday classic that will leave you smiling.
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
This stop-motion animated special has been a holiday staple for over five decades, telling the story of a misfit reindeer who saves Christmas with his shining nose. With its catchy soundtrack and lovable characters, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a must-watch for the whole family.
Heartwarming Live-Action Specials
These live-action specials offer a more realistic take on the holiday season, often with a dash of magic and wonder.
4. A Christmas Story (1983)
Set in the 1940s, this live-action special follows a young boy's quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. With its nostalgic charm and witty humor, A Christmas Story is a holiday classic that will leave you feeling nostalgic.
5. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This classic live-action special tells the story of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real deal. With its heartwarming message and memorable characters, Miracle on 34th Street is a holiday classic that will leave you feeling merry.
Modern Holiday Specials
These modern specials offer a fresh take on the holiday season, often with a dash of humor and wit.
6. Shrek the Halls (2007)
This animated special follows the lovable ogre Shrek as he prepares for his first Christmas with his new family. With its witty humor and lovable characters, Shrek the Halls is a modern holiday classic that will leave you laughing.
7. Disney's Prep & Landing (2009)
This animated special follows a group of elves as they prepare for Christmas Eve. With its stunning animation and witty humor, Prep & Landing is a modern holiday classic that will leave you feeling merry.
British Holiday Specials
These British specials offer a unique take on the holiday season, often with a dash of humor and wit.
8. Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (2010)
This live-action special follows the Doctor as he attempts to change the ways of a miserly old man on Christmas Eve. With its witty humor and clever plot twists, Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol is a modern holiday classic that will leave you feeling festive.
9. The Office (UK): Christmas Special (2003)
This live-action special follows the employees of the Wernham-Hogg paper company as they prepare for the holiday season. With its witty humor and cringe-worthy moments, The Office (UK): Christmas Special is a modern holiday classic that will leave you laughing.
As the holiday season is upon us, take some time to watch these TV Christmas specials and make your holiday season even more magical. Whether you prefer classic animated tales or modern live-action stories, there's something for everyone on this list. So grab some hot cocoa, snuggle up by the fire, and enjoy these holiday classics with your loved ones.
What is the most popular Christmas special of all time?
+A Charlie Brown Christmas is widely considered the most popular Christmas special of all time, with over 50 million viewers tuning in to watch it every year.
What is the oldest Christmas special on this list?
+Miracle on 34th Street, released in 1947, is the oldest Christmas special on this list.
What is the most recent Christmas special on this list?
+Shrek the Halls, released in 2007, is the most recent Christmas special on this list.