Take a Stroll Through These Christmas Episodes From Our Favorite TV Shows
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During the month of December, your television is bound to be filled with Christmas movies and holiday specials like never before—and it's a moment you should definitely take advantage of! Just make sure that in between binge-watching your favorite funny Christmas movies and holiday romances, that you also make time to watch the Christmas episodes from some of your favorite TV shows! What a good idea, right? If you're wondering where to start, we're here to help! We created a list of the best Christmas TV episodes that should be on your watchlist this year.
Whether it’s a heart-warming special or an episode filled with family chaos, there are so many unforgettable Christmas-themed TV shows out there. There are classics, like Happy Days and The Brady Bunch, along with dramas and even musicals (A Very Glee Christmas will have you humming along). Of course, there are plenty of TV sitcoms, like Gilmore Girls and Friends, that will come as a no-brainer—their laugh-out-loud Christmas-themed episodes are the comedic relief you need during the holiday gathering. So what are you waiting for? Pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa and get ready to stream these holiday shows!
The Golden Girls — "Have Yourself a Very Little Christmas"
Our favorite gals (Blanche, Rose, Sophia and Dorothy) decide to give back this holiday and volunteer at their local soup kitchen on Christmas. This is when they learn a shocking fact about a dear friend.
Virgin River — “The More the Merrier” and “Father Christmas”
Virgin River fans rejoiced when the wholesome Netflix series dropped two holiday episodes in season 5. It was the refresher we all needed after the dramatic town fire.
Hart of Dixie — "Blue Christmas"
It wouldn't be Hart of Dixie without a chunk of drama! The mayor is planning to propose to his longtime girlfriend during the holidays, but there's just one problem: The town's Santa is nowhere to be found! Well, looks like a Plan B is definitely needed.
Cheers — "Christmas Cheers"
Everybody (customers, townies, and staff members) will be at the bar for Christmas in this episode of Cheers. The holidays are about togetherness, after all! Even if not everyone is in the best mood.
Sister, Sister — "Christmas"
Tia and Tamera channel the spirit of giving this Christmas, and do something beyond anyone's expectations of them at their age: Pay off Ray's father's debt! While this one is as funny as all of the other episodes, it'll also bring a few tears to your eye.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch — "Sabrina's Perfect Christmas"
Sabrina has decided that she's had enough of Hilda and Zelda, and opts to spend the holidays with her BFF Morgan instead. This is when she finds out her friend's family isn't exactly who they say they are...
This Is Us — "Last Christmas"
Anyone who watches This Is Us knows how strong Kate is as a person, but not even she could bear the pain of appendicitis on Christmas! It's a holiday spent in the hospital for this crew, but it may be just what they needed to bring each other together.
Full House — "A Very Tanner Christmas"
Michelle and Stephanie apparently don't understand why everyone is so sad this Christmas, because their wishlist is extra long! If only they knew how much Danny misses Vicky and just how much Rebecca misses those white Christmases she experienced as a child.
Grey's Anatomy — "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"
It may be Christmas, but life at the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital is busier than ever. The crew of medical professionals will have to make some tough decisions this holiday, making them feel grateful for the lives that they have outside of work.
New Girl — "Christmas Eve Eve"
Secret Santa with your group of friends is always fun. Secret Santa with the crew from New Girl is as dysfunctional (and hilarious) as you might have expected.
The Office — "Christmas Party"
Between Michael Scott's iPod debacle and Jim's thoughtful secret Santa gift to Pam, this Christmas episode from The Office is one to return to during the winter months.
Happy Days — "Guess Who's Coming to Christmas"
In short: This Christmas special serves as a reminder to check in on your friends every now and then, especially around the holidays.
The Golden Girls — "'Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas"
No one does Christmas quite like the Golden Girls! This holiday special includes all the comedy, heartbreak, and drama.
Ted Lasso — "Carol of the Bells"
It didn't matter if Ted Lasso's Christmas episode dropped in the middle of summer. The special is filled with enough holiday cheer that you'll feel spirit no matter when you watch it.
Gilmore Girls — "The Bracebridge Dinner"
Lorelai's Christmas party and snowy town of Stars Hollow are all you need to fall in love with this one.
The X-Files — "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas"
Not even the most conniving pair of ghosts could have gotten in the way of Mulder and Scully's iconic Christmas gift exchange.
Boy Meets World — "A Very Topanga Christmas"
Topanga has opinions— everyone knows that. But when she gives Cory suggestions on how he should celebrate his Christmas, he begins to wonder if she has too much influence on his life.
Seinfeld — "The Strike"
If you're confused as to why this episode is on this list, we have two words for you: Happy Festivus!
Glee — "A Very Glee Christmas"
If there was only one reason we could give you to watch this episode, it would have to be the merry rendition of "Baby, It's Cold Outside."
Buffy the Vampire Slayer — "Amends"
One of the more touching episodes of this series. The Christmas special shows the true power of love and how it can prevail in any situation.
Downton Abbey — "Christmas at Downton Abbey"
A Christmas proposal is a dream for many. For Mary, it's reality. Watch the episode for that dreamy scene alone.
Parks and Recreation — "Christmas Scandal"
Depending on your type of humor, this might just be the funniest episode on this list.
Family Matters — "Christmas Is Where the Heart Is"
Carl and Steve Urkel wind up stuck on a train during the holiday, and that's exactly why the title of this episode is what it is. The comedy also drives a wholesome message to the heart.
Mad Men — "Christmas Waltz"
Spending Christmas at a bar with your boss doesn't exactly sound ideal. But that's what this melancholy episode of Mad Men entails.
The Brady Bunch — "The Voice of Christmas"
As per usual, this Christmas special entails loads of family chaos. But it all leads to a feel-good moment when the Brady kids decide to postpone the holiday until their suddenly sick mother feels better.
Frasier — "Perspectives on Christmas"
Frasier has given us many holiday episodes, but "Perspectives on Christmas" stands out simply because everyone gets a say in how they think this year's Christmas unraveled.
I Love Lucy — "The Christmas Show"
Fun fact: This I Love Lucy episode made history as the first-ever “flashback” episode on television.
Saved by the Bell — "Home for Christmas: Part 2"
Zack Morris and the gang take on holiday jobs at the mall where they end up helping a family in need get back on their feet.
Supernatural — "A Very Supernatural Christmas"
Hardly a traditional merry Christmas, but this episode serves as a deeply important and memorable one. (After all, Dean Winchester did think this would be his final Christmas.)
Friends — "The One with the Holiday Armadillo"
There's a few lessons to learn from the Holiday Armadillo in this special. (Hint: It has to do with Hanukkah.) This one is sure to get a few laughs out of you.
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