Christmas time is upon us once again. It’s that special time of the year where neighborhoods light up in red and green, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and we reconnect with those we love (or try very hard to tolerate because they’re on the wife’s side of the family).
This is also the time of year when TV networks roll out some holiday specials in time for sweeps, both old and new. Some specials are bonified classics that are loved by everyone, the kind of thing that makes you stop what you’re doing and watch. Others are like the stale fruitcake that gets dusted off and regifted around the world every year: a nightmare before Christmas (a tip of my Santa hat to the great Johnny Carson for that joke).
But don’t fret! I did all the previewing so you don’t have to! Relax during this festive season and enjoy my recommended holiday viewing!
This guide will span from November 17-January 1, and will be split up by network. As every special has not been confirmed, be sure to check back often!
All times CST.
Nov. 22 (Thanksgiving)
The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS – 8 AM
This is CBS’ coverage of the 92nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Kevin Frazier and Keltie Knight (host and correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, respectively) will commentate on the parade as it passes by the network’s headquarters on Sixth Avenue. Similar to NBC’s main coverage, there will be performances from the cast of Broadway musicals Dear Evan Hanson and King Kong, as well as appearances by stars from some of CBS’ shows.
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without taking in this decades-long tradition. The many balloons, floats, and bands that march through the streets of the Big Apple always give a sense of awe and wonder. No matter whether you watch it on CBS or NBC, you don’t want to miss it.
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions – 11:30 AM
Here’s another Thanksgiving tradition. Before the turkey is ready or while you’re trying not to die after eating your weight (and maybe more) in food, it’s fun to take in a good game of pigskin passing. The NFL will have three games on Turkey Day, this game from Ford Field in Detroit. As of writing, Da Bears currently lead the NFC North, while the Lions are in dead last.
Nov. 23
Frosty the Snowman (1969, Rankin/Bass Productions) – 7 PM
I doubt there is anyone who can claim they never watched Frosty, but I’ll give a synopsis. The titular snowman (voiced by Jackie Vernon) tries to get to the North Pole to escape rising temperatures in town and a professor (voiced by Billy De Wolfe) who wants his magic hat back.
This classic has aired at least once a year on CBS for almost fifty years and always gets an audience. This will be followed by its sequel, Frosty Returns, at 7:30. Both can also be seen on December 8.
Nov. 24
The Story of Santa Claus (1996, Arnold Shapiro Productions) – 8 PM
A toymaker named Nicolas (voiced by Ed Asner and Jim Cummings) makes a wish to give every child in the world a toy for Christmas.
This is an origin story of Santa Claus, possibly made to rival Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. It is a rather touching tale of the jolly fat man.
Nov. 27
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964, Rankin/Bass Productions) – 7 PM
Did you really expect me to write a synopsis for this? This is another favorite from holiday geniuses Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass. Like Frosty, this can also be seen on December 8.
Dec. 8
Frosty the Snowman; Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (encores) – 7 PM, 8 PM
Dec. 26
The 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors – 7 PM
This honor is given to a select group throughout the performing arts for their contributions to American culture, who are celebrated at a gala in Washington D.C.
This year’s honorees are the “Goddess of Pop” Cher, minimalist composer Philip Glass, country singer Reba McEntire, jazz artist Wayne Shorter, and Hamilton co-creators Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler, and Alex Lacamoire.
Jan. 1, 2019
The 130th Tournament of Roses Parade – time TBD
Every major network will be broadcasting their coverage of the first major event of the New Year, as marching bands, equestrian units, and flower-decorated floats make their way down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California ahead of the Rose Bowl. Chaka Khan will serve as Grand Marshal. This year’s theme is “The Melody of Life.”
Nov. 21
A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving – 8 PM
SNL looks back through 44 seasons to the very best of their Thanksgiving skits.
Nov. 22
The 92nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – 8 AM
NBC provides the main coverage of the parade as it goes down 34th Street towards the TV zone at Herald Square, the entrance of Macy’s flagship store in New York. Most marching bands performing in the parade would stop here to do a special drill along with their music, while all artists on floats will lip sync part of one of their recent hits. Many Broadway casts will also perform a song from their shows before the parade “steps off.” I recommend this coverage more than CBS. The parade will be replayed following…
The National Dog Show presented by Purina – Noon
The Kennel Club of Philadelphia hosts this competition showcasing the best breeds in the terrier, toy, working, sporting, hound, non-sporting, and herding groups. Only one good boy or girl will be named Best in Show.
The show will actually take place November 17 and be taped for broadcast. John O’Hurley of Seinfeld fame and American Kennel Club judge David Frei will present coverage. You can also watch this on November 24 at 7 PM.
Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints – 7:20 PM
This game will be at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The Saints currently lead the NFC South, while the Falcons are in third place.
Nov. 23
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (MGM Animation, 1966) – 7 PM
You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
This is the original and perhaps better version of Theodor Geisel’s book made into film. With Illumination Entertainment’s The Grinch in theaters, it comes at the right time. This will also air on TBS December 6, and there will be a second airing on NBC Christmas Night at 7:30 PM.
Nov. 24
The National Dog Show presented by Purina (encore) – 7 PM
Nov. 28
86th Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center – 7 PM
This special features live performances from Rockefeller Plaza and the lighting of the tree by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and some special guests. The tree will stay up until January 7.
A Legendary Christmas with John and Chrissy – 9 PM
R&B singer and future judge on The Voice John Legend and his wife, model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen will perform songs from Legend’s new Christmas album.
This looks to be a fun special, as it will be interesting to hear Legend’s takes on some classic Christmas hits.
Dec. 3
Deal or No Deal: Happy Howie Days – 9 PM
After ten years, the briefcases are back! In celebration of the show’s return on CNBC December 5, America’s Got Talent host Howie Mandel returns to grant a few families the chance of a lifetime. Will we see someone win one million dollars…or one penny?
Dec. 4
Saturday Night Live: Best of Christmas – 8 PM
The legendary skit show celebrates the season with its best Christmas skits and performances. This will be re-aired December 13 at 8 PM.
Dec. 13
Saturday Night Live: Best of Christmas (encore) – 8 PM
Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve)
It’s a Wonderful Life (RKO Radio Pictures, 1946) – 7 PM
George Bailey (James Stewart) is shown what life would have been like had he never existed.
This is a legendary film that has warmed the hearts of many every Christmas. Clarence’s (Henry Travers) line “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings” has been used even beyond the holidays, and the scene of George running through the street yelling “Merry Christmas” is unforgettable.
At the risk of sounding extremely lame, it’s a wonderful movie.
Christmas Eve Mass – 10:30 PM
The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, led by Pope Francis.
Dec. 25 (Christmas Day)
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (encore) – 7:30 PM
Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve)
NBC’s New Year’s Eve – 9 PM
Jan. 1, 2019
130th Tournament of Roses Parade – 10:30 AM
2019 NHL Winter Classic: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Boston Bruins – Noon
The Winter Classic is a return to the childhood of many NHL players, the way hockey started and is really meant to be played: outdoors. This year’s game will be at Notre Dame Stadium, home of the Fighting Irish, and will be considered a Blackhawks home game due to the distance between Chicago and South Bend, Indiana. This will be the ‘Hawks’ fourth appearance and the Bruins’ third.
Take it from this Chicagoan. A Blackhawks game at the United Center is exciting and exhilarating, from the deafening cheers during the national anthem to the final horn. When the Winter Classic or the Stadium Series is in Chicago (or close enough to it), the excitement level is amplified. I’m very excited for this game, and hope the ‘Hawks can finally pick up a win on New Year’s Day.
The Blackhawks are in sixth place in the Central Division, while the Bruins are in fourth in the Atlantic Division.
Note: This will also include local broadcasts on ABC7 (WLS-TV).
Nov. 17
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – 5:30 PM (WLS only)
This is a tradition that kicks off the holiday season in Chicago, as Mickey and Minnie Mouse turn on the lights for the first time on Michigan Avenue. The parade of floats, balloons, and marching bands will start at Michigan and Oak Street and head down to Wacker Drive, and conclude with a fireworks show. Like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, there will be live performances from special guests, including pop singers Cailee Rae, Alex Aiono, and former American Idol contestant Michael J. Woodard.
If you’re not in the Chicago area, be sure to check your local listings, or you can stream the parade here!
Nov. 21
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (United Feature Syndicate, 1973) – 7 PM
Peppermint Patty (voiced by Christopher DeFaria) invites herself and a few friends over to Charlie Brown’s (voiced by Todd Barbee) house for Thanksgiving dinner, despite him not knowing how to make anything.
Following this special will be “The Mayflower Voyagers” from the series This is America, Charlie Brown, in which the Peanuts gang portray the pilgrims in 1620.
As I said about The Peanuts Movie in my summer watching list, the comics and specials are absolutely timeless. No matter how old you are or how many times you have seen this or the other films, it always feels like you’re seeing it for the first time.
Nov. 23
Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town (Rankin/Bass Productions, 1970) – 7 PM
THE origin story of Kris Kringle (voiced by Mickey Rooney). Need I say more?
Nov. 26
The Great Christmas Light Fight (season premiere) – 7 PM
Families compete for $50,000 and bragging rights as the best Christmas-decorated house.
Some people keep it simple at Christmas, while others go the extra mile. I’ll let you guess what this show is about.
Nov. 29
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration – 8 PM
Disney kicks off the holidays with a preview of the events and light displays at all five of their theme parks, along with performances at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Dancing With the Stars: Juniors host Jordan Fisher, Sarah Heyland of Modern Family, and The Proposal host Jesse Palmer will host.
Dec. 2
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special – 9 PM
I think you know what to expect.
Dec. 6
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Lee Mendelson Films, 1965) – 7 PM
Charlie Brown (voiced by Peter Robbins) tries to find the true meaning of Christmas while directing a pageant. This will be followed by Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tales.
This is iconic, and my all-time favorite Christmas film. If you watch only one thing this holiday, make it this. In fact, you should watch this again on December 20!
Dec. 7
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special (encore) – 8 PM
Dec. 16
The Sound of Music (20th Century Fox, 1965) – 6 PM
Maria (Julie Andrews), while studying to become a nun in Austria, is sent to the Von Trapp house to be the governess of seven children.
Dec. 20
A Charlie Brown Christmas (encore) – 7 PM
Dec. 25 (Christmas Day)
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade – 9 AM
Parades of Disney characters (and franchises owned by Disney) will march down Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. In-between, some heartwarming holiday stories will be shared, along with more musical performances.
Dec. 27
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1986) – 7 PM
Charlie Brown (voiced by Chad Allen) tries to celebrate the New Year while writing a book report. This will be followed by She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown, in which Peppermint Patty (voiced by Patricia Patts) prepares for her first figure skating competition.
Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve)
Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest – 7 PM
Musical performances will take over Times Square in New York City to help ring in 2019, culminating with the ball drop at midnight EST.
Countdown Chicago 2019 (WLS only) – 11:05 PM
The ABC7 news team covers the last hour of 2018 with parties all over Chicago leading up to the countdown to midnight and fireworks at Navy Pier.
Jan. 1, 2019
130th Tournament of Roses Parade – time TBD
Nov. 22 (Thanksgiving)
Uncle Dan’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – 8 AM
Here’s another Chicago holiday tradition. This is a smaller-scale and more local version of the parade in New York, traveling down State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street. WGN’s TV zone is actually in front of the Macy’s (formerly Marshall Field’s) on State!
Bozo, Gar, and Ray: WGN-TV Classics – 11 AM
WGN film critic Dean Richards takes a look back at three of Channel 9’s most beloved shows: Bozo’s Circus, Garfield Goose and Friends, and the Ray Rayner Show. Also shown are three black-and-white Christmas shorts: Hard Rock, Coco, and Joe, Suzy Snowflake, and Frosty the Snowman (not to be confused with the film). This will also be aired on December 16.
Family Classics: Big – 6:30 PM
A brand new episode of the WGN favorite! Dean Richards presents the 1988 film Big starring Tom Hanks. This will be re-aired on November 25.
Nov. 25
Family Classics: Big (encore) – 2:30 PM
Dec. 14
WGN Morning News Drive-Through Toy Drive – 4 AM
This is one of Channel 9’s most popular and successful events of the year. Viewers are encouraged to stop by WGN studios on West Bradley Place during the newscast in and drop off toys to donate for children less fortunate.
Family Classics: Scrooge – 7 PM
Dean Richards presents the 1951 film Scrooge starring Alastair Sim. This will also be aired on December 16.
Dec. 16
Bozo, Gar, and Ray: WGN-TV Classics (encore) – 1 PM
Family Classics: Scrooge (encore) – 3 PM
Dec. 25 (Christmas Day)
Midnight Mass
A celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ from Holy Name Cathedral.
The Yule Log – 1:30 AM
Footage of a burning fire with Christmas carols.
Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve)
Family Classics: Duck Soup – 10:30 PM
Dean Richards presents the 1933 Marx Brothers film Duck Soup. This will be followed by a second episode featuring Horse Feathers (WGN’s first broadcast of 2019!). Both will be re-aired on January 6.
January 1, 2019
Family Classics: Horse Feathers – Midnight
All of the above shows on WGN can be streamed here!
Nov. 25
The Hollywood Christmas Parade – 7 PM
Tinseltown celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with a lineup of marching bands, balloons, equestrian units, musical performances, and of course, celebrity guests. Nancy O’Dell of Entertainment Tonight will serve as Grand Marshall.
Dec. 16
2018 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball – 7 PM
The Jingle Ball is a twelve date tour, each with its own unique lineup hosted by a local iHeartRadio Top 40 station. This special will be the Z100 (WHTZ) Jingle Ball in New York City on December 7, taped for broadcast. Performing artists include Cardi B, Shawn Mendes, Dua Lipa, and more.
Dec. 18
Greatest Holiday Commercials Countdown 2018 – 7 PM
Greatest Holiday Video Countdown – 8 PM
Dec. 30
iHeartRadio Music Festival: Night 1 – 7 PM
This is one of iHeart’s biggest events of the year with some of the biggest names in music. The festival was taped for broadcast September 21-22 in Las Vegas. Artists performing on night one include Fleetwood Mac, Jack White, Childish Gambino, Mariah Carey, and more.
Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve)
iHeartRadio Music Festival: Night 2 – 7 PM
Artists performing on night two include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Imagine Dragons, Justin Timberlake, and more.
Nov. 22 (Thanksgiving)
Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys – 3:30 PM
This game will be at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. The Redskins currently lead the NFC East, while the Cowboys are in third.
Dec. 29
Chic-Fil-A Peach Bowl – 11 AM
From Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Capital One Orange Bowl – 3 PM
From Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic – 7 PM
From AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Jan. 1, 2019
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl – Noon
From State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
Rose Bowl presented by Northwestern Mutual – 4 PM
Allstate Sugar Bowl – 7:30 PM
From the Superdome in New Orleans.
As of writing, teams have not been selected.
Besides all of these specials, there are plenty of other Christmas movies that will be making the airwaves a little more festive. I will not go through every single cable movie channel, as there are a butt-load, but I’ll list some you just have to see this holiday.
The Bishop’s Wife (RKO Radio Pictures, 1947): A bishop (David Niven) prays for divine guidance, and more than gets it from an angel (Cary Grant). This can be seen on Turner Classic Movies.
A Christmas Carol: A grouchy bank owner is visited by four ghosts on Christmas Eve. There is no one channel to watch, as multiple adaptations will be airing. The best places to look would be TCM and Freeform (formerly ABC Family).
Meet Me in St. Louis (MGM, 1944): 1903 in the life of the Smith family leading up to the St. Louis World’s Fair.
Though this is not necessarily a Christmas movie, this film saw the debut of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” This can be seen on TCM.
A Christmas Story (MGM, 1983): Ralphie (narrator voiced by Jean Sheppard, child played by Peter Billingsley) re-tells the story of his quest to get a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle for Christmas. This is based on part of Sheppard’s book “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.”
This film is well-known for being on both TBS and TNT for 24 hours straight through much of Christmas Eve and Day. Fox also produced a live musical adaptation last year, but it is unknown if it will be re-aired.
Holiday Inn (Paramount Pictures, 1942): A cutting-edge documentary about one of America’s most well-known hotel chains.
You thought I was serious?
After converting his farm into an entertainment venue, Jim (Bing Crosby) and a former co-star (Fred Astaire) fall in love with Linda (Marjorie Reynolds).
Again, this is not technically a Christmas film, but this is the debut of “White Christmas.” This movie can be seen on TCM.
Elf (New Line Cinema, 2003): Buddy (Will Ferrell), an elf at the North Pole, finds his biological father (James Caan) in New York City. This film can be seen on Freeform.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Warner Brothers, 1989): Despite millions of setbacks, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) attempts to have a family Christmas.
Though it cannot be confirmed, the film appears to be set in a Chicago suburb. Clark is seen wearing a Bears hat when he trying to turn on his Christmas lights. In another scene, he is wearing a custom “Griswold 00” Blackhawks jersey. This movie can be seen on Freeform.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Universal Pictures, 2000): Now hold on! I know that many people hated this version of the classic story. I thought it was a bit odd myself. I am only putting this movie on the list for The Grinch’s (Jim Caray) response to being invited to the Whobilation. If you really want to see this, it will be on Freeform.
Home Alone (20th Century Fox, 1990): Chaos ensues when Kevin is accidentally left home alone while his family spends Christmas in Paris.
This film is confirmed to be shot in some of Chicago’s suburbs. The McAllister house still exists in Winnetka, and has been the dream of many to own. This can be seen on Freeform.
Any film on the Hallmark Channel or Lifetime: Good Lord, you have to see one to believe it. They may be even worse than soap operas. The acting is awful, and the plots are completely transparent, but the terribleness makes it so good to watch.
What is your favorite holiday special? Let me know in the comments!
Here’s another holiday treat for you! Check out this hidden gem from the Internet Archive!
First time to the blog? Check out my first post!
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