Your 2022 Christmas TV guide: When to watch Rudolph, Charlie Brown & holiday classics
For many, the Christmas season officially starts as soon as the last drumstick is consumed on Thanksgiving Day. But in the world of television, holiday programming has already begun.
To help you keep track of it all, we’ve put together a list of your favorite holiday TV specials, as we do each year. We cover everything from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and all the many “Grinch” iterations, plus classic movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Elf” and (OK, OK) “Die Hard.”
We’ll also list the new original holiday movies. Hallmark (which is 24/7 on holiday movies now) may have started this trend, but other networks have joined the game, including Lifetime, BET, VH1, Paramount, Comedy Central, Bounce, ION and OWN. This year, we’ll add original movies from The Food Network (one featuring Bobby Flay and another with Duff Goldman) and HGTV. The movies are more diverse than ever, covering Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
And of course, there will be new movies from streamers like Netflix and Apple TV+ (Apple has a Christmas musical starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds).
▪ Just to keep this manageable, we’re sticking mostly to prime-time programming on broadcast networks and basic cable, plus the new streaming movies and specials.
▪ If you miss a broadcast network airing of something like “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” or “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” those will likely air multiple times in December, across multiple channels.
▪ We’ll be updating this guide throughout December as more holiday specials populate the TV schedule, so bookmark this and check back often.
*All times listed are Eastern Time.
How to watch ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
Before we dive into the schedule, we should note that this beloved Peanuts holiday special is now owned by Apple TV+ and is available to stream there all year round. Apple TV+ recently upped its prices to $7.99 per month, but it might be worth it for the month of December. If you don’t want to subscribe, you can watch it free Dec. 22-25 on the streaming service.
Wednesday, Nov. 23
“Countdown to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (8 p.m., NBC) - A look at the incredible stories behind the floats, balloons and bands on their journey to the streets of New York.
“A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving” (9 p.m., NBC) - A star-studded collection of “Saturday Night Live’s” most hilarious Thanksgiving-themed sketches from various seasons, including Debbie Downer: Thanksgiving Dinner, Thanksgiving Parade, Friends-giving, Apple Picking Ad, the Loud Family and many more.
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (8 and 10 p.m., AMC) - The greatest Thanksgiving movie ever? Of course. An ad exec (Steve Martin) and a shower-curtain-ring salesman (John Candy) become co-travelers on the way to Thanksgiving in Chicago.
Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day)
“The Noel Diary” (Netflix) - When best-selling author Jake Turner (Justin Hartley, “This Is Us”) returns home at Christmas to settle his estranged mother’s estate, he discovers a diary that may hold secrets to his own past and that of Rachel (Barrett Doss) — an intriguing young woman on a mission of her own. Together, they embark on a journey to confront their pasts and discover a future that’s totally unexpected.
“96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (9 a.m., NBC) - Live from New York, this annual parade kicks off the holidays with its signature mix of giant helium balloons and floats. Appearances by marching bands, musical performers, celebrities and more. It repeats at 2 p.m.
“Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS” (9 a.m., CBS) - CBS will also air the Macy’s parade. Kevin Frazier and Keltie Knight anchor in New York. Appearances by Jeremy Sisto and Liza Lapira; musical performances by the casts of the hit Broadway musicals “Moulin Rouge” and “SIX the Musical.”
“6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade” (9 a.m., ABC) - The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade from the local affiliate, 6abc (and Dunkin’, of course). Featuring performances, Disney characters, colorful floats, balloons, marching bands and Santa Claus.
“The National Dog Show” (Noon, NBC) - This broadcast is a Thanksgiving Day tradition. More than 2,000 purebred dogs vie to be named “Best in Show” at the annual event, hosted by John O’Hurley and David Frei, with additional insights from Mary Carillo.
“Baking All the Way” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - An accomplished pastry chef finds herself at odds with the owner of a bakery as she tries to finish her Christmas cookbook.
“My Southern Family Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - Under the guise of a journalist, Campbell has a chance to get to know her biological father for the first time — without him ever knowing who she really is.
“A Wesley Christmas” (9 p.m., BET) - With all their baggage in tow, adult siblings travel to their childhood home to celebrate Christmas with their parents and the entire family.
Friday, Nov. 25
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (6 and 9 p.m., E!) - In this 1946 Frank Capra classic, a suicidal man ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve sees his life in a new light thanks to his guardian angel. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
“Steppin’ Into the Holiday” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - Sparks fly between a former Broadway star and the owner of a dance studio as they work together to revive a traditional Christmas Eve show. It stars Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer.
“A Royal Corgi Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - Sparks fly between a crown prince and a canine behavior expert as they work together to train a rambunctious dog before an annual holiday ball.
“Frosty the Snowman” (8 p.m., CBS) - The 1969 animated adaptation of Romeo Muller’s story of a snowman who comes to life, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
“Last Christmas” (8 p.m., FX) - In this 2019 movie, nothing seems to go right for young Kate, a frustrated Londoner who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. But things soon take a turn for the better when she develops a growing attraction to a charming suitor who seems too good to be true. It stars Emma Thompson, Henry Golding and Emilia Clarke.
“Frosty Returns” (8:30 p.m., CBS) - John Goodman is the voice of Frosty in this sequel in which Frosty is threatened by a snow-removal spray. Narrated by Jonathan Winters.
“The Christmas Clapback” (9 p.m., BET) - Every year, three sisters battle each other for a chance to win the Christmas cook-off competition. However, when a vivacious social media influencer enters the competition, the sisters must choose to rise together — or fall divided.
”A Christmas Proposal” (9 p.m., CBS) - In this CBS television movie from 2021, a hotshot Seattle attorney asks a down-on-her-luck chef to pose as his girlfriend, hoping to impress his family during a Christmas visit. Their business arrangement soon gets complicated as real sparks begin to fly during the holiday season.
”Fred Claus” (9 p.m., TBS) - Santa Claus (Paul Giamatti) bails his ne’er-do-well brother Fred (Vince Vaughn) out of trouble and puts him to work in his factory.
Saturday, Nov. 26
”Silent Night: A Song for the World” (8 p.m., The CW) - The creation and cultural impact of the world’s most famous Christmas carol, composed in 1818 in Salzburg. Hugh Bonneville narrates.
”12 Days of Christmas Eve” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - Santa gives a successful businessman 12 chances to relive the same day so he can repair his damaged relationships with his loved ones.
”Haul Out the Holly” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - Emily comes home to visit her parents, only to discover they’re leaving for a trip of their own. While staying at their house for the holidays, Emily meets members of the community who want her to join in the neighborhood’s Christmas festivities. It stars Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Melissa Peterman and Ellen Travolta.
”Faith Heist: A Christmas Caper” (8 p.m., Bounce) - On Christmas Eve, Pastor Benjamin and his motley crew of congregants find themselves locked in the local mall just as a fearsome team of armed thieves breaks in to rob the place.
”Home Alone” (8 p.m., FX) - Accidentally left behind by his Paris-bound family at Christmas time, an 8-year-old (Macaulay Culkin) makes mincemeat of two burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) in the house. “Home Alone 2” follows.
”Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” (8 and 10 p.m., FX) - In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
”Time For Him to Come Home for Christmas” (10 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn’t recognize. On the message, a man she doesn’t know makes one final plea for the love of his life to give him a second chance.
Sunday, Nov. 27
”A Holiday Spectacular” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In 1958, an heiress puts her high-society wedding plans on hold to fulfill her secret dream of dancing in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.
”A Christmas Spark” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - Molly is a recently widowed woman who reluctantly takes on the job of directing a Christmas pageant. She soon finds herself falling for Hank, the leading man and the town’s most eligible bachelor.
”The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” (8 p.m., ABC) - Celebrity musical performances from Becky G, Chloe Flower, Black Eyed Peas, Katharine McPhee, Il Volo, Jordin Sparks, Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, Ne-Yo and Run DMC; Derek Hough and Julianne Hough host.
”Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays” (8 p.m., ION) - When an egotistical social media influencer’s dog is kidnapped, her long-suffering assistant teams up with a charming local vet to find the puppy before Christmas. As the two investigate suspects, they form a romantic bond along the way.
”National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (8 & 10 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
”The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” (9:50 p.m., Freeform) - In this 2006 movie, the third in the “Santa Clause” franchise, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), aka Santa, contends with visiting in-laws (Ann-Margret, Alan Arkin) and a scheme by mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short) to freeze him out of Christmas. NOTE: You can make it a marathon by starting with “The Santa Clause” at 5:10 p.m. and then “The Santa Clause 2” at 7:20.
”Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown - Best of Gingerbread” (10 p.m., Food Network) - Get in the holiday spirit with a dazzling display of gingerbread creations from the grand masters of their craft. From ornate houses to mad monsters to Santa’s vacation destinations, almost anything can be made out of this edible art form.
Monday, Nov. 28
”Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July” (5:45 p.m., AMC) - In this 1980 movie, Santa must save the day when Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman encounter an evil wizard.
”The Great Christmas Light Fight” (8 p.m., ABC) - Season 10 opens with an incredible interactive display with custom-made inflatables and a giant playable piano; a motorized amusement park ride; a light display on a 90-acre farm; a light show that is brought to life through music; a whimsical stairway.
”Office Christmas Party” (8 p.m., FX) - In this 2016 comedy, two co-workers (Jason Bateman, T.J. Miller) hoping to close a sale and save their jobs must rally their colleagues to throw an epic Christmas party.
”’Twas the Night Before Christmas” (8:15 p.m., AMC) - In this animated special, Santa Claus removes the citizens of a small town from his delivery itinerary after an insulting letter in the newspaper, and a clockmaker and his family endeavor to regain his favor.
”Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (8:45 p.m., AMC) - Rudolph the reindeer comes to the rescue when an evil bird kidnaps the New Year baby. Voices of Red Skelton, Frank Gorshin, Morey Amsterdam.
”White Christmas” (10 p.m., AMC) - In this 1954 classic, former Army buddies (Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye) put on a show with a sister act to save their general’s hotel in Vermont.
Tuesday, Nov. 29
”Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (8 p.m., CBS) - It’s our first Rudolph of the holiday season. The reindeer with the shiny nose guides Santa’s sleigh through a bad storm on Christmas Eve in this beloved 1964 classic. Narrated by Burl Ives.
”Love Actually: 20 Years Later - A Diane Sawyer Special” (8 p.m., ABC) - Diane Sawyer hosts a special celebrating the 20th anniversary of this divisive (but great!) holiday movie.
”Reindeer in Here” (9 p.m., CBS) - In this animated special, Blizzard, a young reindeer living at the North Pole, and his unique group of friends band together to save the future of Christmas, creating a magical holiday tradition in the process.
”Michael Bublé’s Christmas in the City” (10 p.m., NBC) - In this 2021 special, the singer hosts a holiday special from New York City celebrating his chart-topping album, “Christmas”; featuring music, comedy and special guests.
Wednesday, Nov. 30
”90th Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center” (8 p.m., NBC) - The 90th annual tree-lighting ceremony in New York kicks off the holiday season with a dazzling display of musical talents, star-studded surprises and the lighting of the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
”Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around” (10 p.m., NBC) - In this 2021 special, Kelly Clarkson celebrates the holidays with musical performances and special guests, including Brett Eldredge, Ariana Grande, Jay Leno, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Odom Jr., Amy Poehler and Santa Claus, while giving back to those in need.
Thursday, Dec. 1
”Home Alone” (6 p.m., FX) - Accidentally left behind by his Paris-bound family at Christmas time, an 8-year-old (Macaulay Culkin) makes mincemeat of two burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) in the house. “Home Alone 2” follows.
”Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas” (8 p.m., CBS) - Inspired by the hopeful spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton returns to Dollywood to star in a new holiday musical with special guests Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jimmie Allen, Zach Williams, Miley Cyrus and many more.
”Serving Up the Holidays” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - A top chef falls for a handsome rival while on a holiday cooking getaway to regain her Christmas spirit.
”Frozen II” (8 p.m., ABC) - In this 2019 film, Elsa the Snow Queen travels to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond her kingdom after hearing a mysterious voice call out to her, and an adventure soon turns into a journey of self-discovery.
”National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (8 & 10 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
Friday, Dec. 2
”The Polar Express” (7 and 10:15 p.m., AMC) - The conductor of a train to the North Pole guides a boy who questions the existence of Santa Claus. Stars Tom Hanks.
”The Year Without a Santa Claus” (9 p.m., AMC) - Feeling sad and unwanted, Santa takes the day off before Christmas; voices: Mickey Rooney, Shirley Booth; animated.
”Cloudy With a Chance of Christmas” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - Sparks fly between a TV weatherwoman and a talk show host as they get ready for an annual Christmas Eve festival.
”A Big Fat Family Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - A photojournalist gets close to a co-worker as she shoots her family’s annual holiday party for a cover story.
”Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” (9:30 p.m., Freeform) - In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
Saturday, Dec. 3
”Elf” (7 and 9 p.m., AMC) - Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.
”Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire & Legend of the Lost Fire” (8 p.m., CBS) - Robbie competes against Blitzen for a spot on Santa’s sleigh team; Robbie turns to a tribe of Vikings to help thwart Blitzen’s launch of a theme park called Reindeer World.
”A Christmas Story” (8 and 10 p.m., TBS) - Little Ralphie tries to convince his parents in the 1940s to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas in this 1983 favorite. (The big marathon comes Christmas Eve!)
”Fabled Holiday” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - Talia and her childhood best friend unexpectedly reunite in a curiously familiar-looking town that’s full of Christmas spirit.
”A New Orleans Noel” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - Sparks fly between an architect and her handsome counterpart as she spends Christmas with his family in New Orleans.
”The Story of Santa Claus” (9 p.m., CBS) - In this special, a jolly couple comes to live at the North Pole and begins a toy-giving tradition. It features the voices of Ed Asner, Betty White and Tim Curry.
”Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (9:15 p.m., Freeform) - This is the 1948 version of the theatrical short telling the story of the reindeer with the shiny nose. Directed by Max Fleischer, narrated by Paul Wing.
”The Holiday Stocking” (10 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - A new angel gets the chance to address his one regret — that he didn’t help his sisters reconcile while he was still alive. Returning to Earth as a stranger, he gets each of them to revive their parents’ old tradition of encouraging charity.
”Frosty the Snowman” (10:20 p.m., Freeform) - The 1969 animated adaptation of Romeo Muller’s story of a snowman who comes to life, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
”Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (10:50 p.m., Freeform) - This 1970 stop-motion special is maybe the greatest Christmas special ever created (my opinion, but I’m right). Fred Astaire explains the Santa Claus origin story — which includes his struggle against the bitter Burgermeister Meisterburger, who fights to keep Kris Kringle from delivering toys to the children of Sombertown. This is Santa 101, folks.
Sunday, Dec. 4
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (7 and 9:15 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
“Undercover Holiday” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - Returning home for the holidays, pop star Jaylen tells her protective family that Matt is her new beau, when in reality, he’s her overzealous security guard.
“Merry Textmas” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - Sparks fly between an app developer and a handsome graphic designer as he spends Christmas in Mexico with her family.
“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (8:20 p.m., Freeform) - In this 1992 sequel to “Home Alone,” Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is once again separated from his family at Christmas. This time, the boy hero accidentally boards a flight to New York (the family is headed to Miami) and lands in Manhattan, where he battles two burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) he faced before. “Home Alone” precedes it at 6:40.
“Fit for Christmas” (9 p.m., CBS) - This is one of the few broadcast network original movies airing this season. The plot: A Christmas-obsessed fitness instructor begins a holiday romance with a mysterious businessman. The new relationship soon complicates his plans to turn a beleaguered community center into a financially profitable resort.
“The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” (10 p.m., Freeform) - In this 2006 movie, the third in the “Santa Clause” franchise, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), aka Santa, contends with visiting in-laws (Ann-Margret, Alan Arkin) and a scheme by mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short) to freeze him out of Christmas. NOTE: You can make it a marathon by starting with “The Santa Clause” at 6 p.m. and then “The Santa Clause 2” at 8.
Some programming descriptions are provided by networks.
