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Christmas is in the air, which means it’s time to snuggle up on the couch and enjoy a dose of holiday magic.

There’s no shortage of Christmas-related programming this time of year, from non-stop holiday flicks on Hallmark to new Christmas episodes of shows like NCIS. But there’s nothing like revisiting old favorites to give us a feeling of comfort and joy. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up when and where to watch some of the most beloved holiday TV specials in 2024, including A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ is streaming on Apple TV+ 

Rats! Charlie Brown and gang have been absent from broadcast TV since Apple scooped up the rights to the various Peanuts TV specials several years ago. That means that, once again, the only way to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas in 2024 is on Apple TV+. Subscribers can stream the classic Peanuts holiday special anytime. It will also stream for free on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. 

‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’ is streaming on Disney+

Ebenezeer Scrooge – portrayed by Scrooge McDuck, of course – learns the true meaning of Christmas in this 1983 animated adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic. Mickey’s Christmas Carol also features Mickey as Bob Cratchit, Goofy as Scrooge’s former business partner Marley, and Jiminy Cricket as the Ghost of Christmas Past. So far, there are no TV airings scheduled for 2024 that we know of, but it is available to stream on Disney+. 

‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town’

One of several Rankin/Bass Christmas specials, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town is narrated by Fred Astaire and was first broadcast in 1970. In 2024, it will air on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC after CMA Country Christmas. It will also air multiple times throughout December on Freeform as part of the network’s 25 Days of Christmas event. 

‘Frosty the Snowman’ airs Dec. 5 

Black and white image of little girl riding on snowman's back from the animated movie 'Frosty the Snowman'
‘Frosty The Snowman’ | CBS/Courtesy of Getty Images

A snowman comes to life when a little girl named Karen puts a magical hat on his head in the 1969 animated special Frosty the Snowman. It airs Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with an encore on Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.

Frosty the Snowman is also streaming on Hulu and Prime Video and will air on Freeform multiple times in December.

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ airs Dec. 6 

Image of stop-motion characters from 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' standing in a group, including Santa, Rudolph, Yukon Cornelius, the Snowman, and elves
‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ | NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and a cast of other misfits team up to save Christmas in the 1964 stop-motion Christmas special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. After decades on CBS, this year it moves to NBC and airs Friday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. That’s the exact same date it premiered 60 years ago as part of the General Electric Fantasy Hour. It airs again on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is also available for purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV and will air on Freeform multiple times in December.  

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ airs Dec. 5 

The Grinch sliding down a snowbank on a sled while standing on top of an over-stuffed sack from the 1966 animated special 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'
‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Dr. Seuss’ book about a heartless Grinch who tries to keep the Whos in Whoville from celebrating Christmas was published in 1957. In 1966, it was turned into an animated special, with narration by Boris Karloff. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! airs Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with an encore presentation on Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. It is also streaming on Peacock.

‘Shrek the Halls’ airs Dec. 11 

A newer addition to the list of holiday specials, Shrek the Halls debuted in 2007 and features characters from the Shrek movies celebrating Christmas. It airs Dec. 11 at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.

Where to watch other vintage Christmas specials  

Related

Hallmark Christmas Movies Are Now Streaming on Netflix

Don’t see your favorite on the list above? Many other beloved Christmas specials are available to stream, including: 

  • Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas (1977) on Peacock and Tubi
  • Rent or buy The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) on Apple TV and Prime Video
  • The Little Drummer Boy (1968) on Hulu and Prime Video
  • Jack Frost (1979) on Prime Video and Tubi
  • A Garfield Christmas (1987) on Peacock
  • The Snowman (1982) on Pluto TV

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