These Classic Christmas Animated Specials Are Back On TV! Tune in Tonight For Some Holiday Magic
Take a walk down memory lane with these animated holiday classics that are perfect for the winter weather!
The jolly spirit of Christmas simply isn’t complete without the addition of classic holiday animated films. Specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Year Without Santa Claus and A Charlie Brown Christmas are essential for the cozy weather and cookie-bingeing that takes place this time of year. Check out where to catch your absolute favorite Christmas specials, whether on live TV or through your everyday streaming platforms!
1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
It’s the 60th anniversary of this Christmas classic and in honor of its birthday, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is officially back on its home station. The animated special will air on NBC for the first time since 1972, when it moved to CBS.
The claymation adventure follows a reindeer with a bright red nose who is asked by Santa to guide his sleigh through a Christmas Eve storm. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer originally aired on December 6, 1964.
The television special initially hit NBC on December 6 this year, but will be shown again on December 12 for those who might’ve missed it. The show is also available for purchase on Google Play, Apple TV and Prime Video, but is a bit pricey at $7.99.
2. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
This 1969 Christmas animated adventure is a holiday must! Frosty the Snowman is one of the most popular Christmas television specials, and it is officially here to watch! The story follows the adorable snowman brought to life by a magical top hat, which belonged to magician Professor Hinkle. But when he hunts Frosty down for the hat, the jolly snowman faces the possibility of melting or losing his hat, so he boards a train to the North Pole with a young girl named Karen.
Originally airing on December 7, 1969, the movie, based on the classic song of the same name, aired on December 11, 2024. But don’t worry! If you didn’t catch it, Frosty the Snowman will be available for streaming on Hulu, Prime Video and Disney+.
3. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
The 1970 special Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town features a mailman (Fred Astaire) revealing the true origin story of Santa Claus. The movie originally aired on December 13, 1970, and is available to stream on Hulu and Prime Video.
4. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Bogged down by a nasty cold and feelings of unappreciation, in this 1974 Christmas show Santa Claus considers skipping Christmas. But two of his elves, Jingle and Jangle, search to find people who still believe in Santa and encounter Heat and Snow Miser on their journey.
The holiday special originally aired on December 10, 1974 and is available to view on Philo with a subscription, or to rent/purchase from YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV or Prime Video.
5. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Yet another holiday special from Charles M. Schulz is A Charlie Brown Christmas, which aired originally on December 9, 1965. The cartoon, based on the Peanuts comic strip, has Charlie Brown feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas. So, to overcome his feelings of sadness, Chuck becomes the director of the holiday play and tries to embrace the festivities to find the real meaning of Christmas.
A Charlie Brown Christmas is only available to watch on Apple TV this season.
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Based on the 1957 book by Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! follows the Grinch, the solitary creature who resides above Whoville and hates Christmas. Rather than joining in on the festivities with the Whos, the Grinch decides to steal Christmas by taking all of the gifts, decorations and food from the town.
Originally airing on December 18, 1966, this classic Christmas special has been recreated multiple times, first in the form of 2000’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey and then 2018’s The Grinch. But the animated classic can be viewed on live TV on December 25 at 8 PM (Christmas Day!), streamed on Peacock or rented/purchased on Prime Video.
7. Jack Frost (1979)
The holiday special tells the story of the Christmas character Jack Frost and his time as a human. Although Jack Frost is normally invisible, his ability to be human allows him to try and win the love of a young maiden.
Initially released on December 13, 1979, Jack Frost is now available for streaming on Tubi and Prime Video.
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