Must-Watch Christmas Shows To Binge For The Holidays
Christmas specials have been a staple of television programming for decades, bringing festive cheer to audiences of all ages. From animated classics to modern takes on holiday traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.
Timeless Animated Classics
A Charlie Brown Christmas, first aired in 1965, is a heartwarming tale about the true meaning of Christmas.
The special’s jazzy soundtrack, paired with its simple yet effective animation, has made it a holiday staple.
Another beloved classic is How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, which premiered in 1966 and features the iconic voice of Boris Karloff as the Grinch. Frosty the Snowman, released in 1969, is a fun and catchy tale about a snowman who comes to life thanks to a magical hat.
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which debuted in 1964, is a timeless classic about a misfit reindeer who finds acceptance and saves Christmas. The special’s memorable characters, including Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius, have become integral to the holiday tradition.
Modern Takes on Holiday Classics
The Simpsons: “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” (1989) is a hilarious take on the traditional Christmas special.
The episode, which introduced the world to the lovable Simpson family, is a relatable and entertaining tale about the struggles of the holiday season.
The LEGO Star Wars Christmas Special (2020) is a fun and flippant romp through the Star Wars multiverse, throwing out references and cameos while directly needling its predecessor.
Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas (1977) is a delightfully weird and weirdly delightful take on “The Gift of the Magi.”
The special, which features a cast of felt, bluegrass-loving otters, is a heartwarming tale about the importance of giving during the holiday season.
Celebrity-Studded Specials
Christmas At Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1988) is a hilarious and entertaining special that features a star-studded cast, including Joan Rivers, Cher, and kd lang.
The special, which is hosted by the beloved Pee-wee Herman, is a fun and quirky take on traditional holiday programming.
Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (2020) is a dizzily charming Xmas special starring the Queen of Christmas herself.
The special, which features a lovably goofy premise, includes a setlist of traditional classics, with cameos from the likes of Ariana Grande and Snoop Dogg.
Stop-Motion Classics
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) is a stop-motion semi-classic that tells the story of Santa Claus’s decision to take a holiday himself.
The special, which features the iconic Snow and Heat Miser, is a fun and entertaining tale about the importance of believing in St. Nick.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970) is another stop-motion classic that tells the story of how Santa Claus and a number of Santa-connected Christmas traditions came to be.
The special, which features Fred Astaire as the narrator S.D. Kluger, is a heartwarming tale about the importance of giving and kindness during the holiday season.
There you have it, an abundance of Christmas shows to binge for the holidays.
Whether you’re a fan of timeless animated classics or modern takes on holiday traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.
So grab some hot cocoa, cosy up by the fire, and get ready to binge-watch your way through the holidays!
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