Tonight’s top picks
8 p.m.on WJLA Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
A lanky mailman with the voice of Fred Astaire explains Santa’s origins in this animated 1970 special, which sidesteps the St. Nicholas part. In this version, the future jolly old elf is a foundling adopted by the Kringles, a family of toymakers. He grows up with toys in his blood, so to speak, and feels called to give them away to the local youngsters — but mean old Burgermeister Meisterburger will have none of that.
8 p.m.on WUSA F rosty the Snowman
In this animated classic, Jackie Vernon provides the voice of Frosty, the legendary snowman with a corncob pipe and a button nose. Frosty comes to life when a magician’s hat lands on his head. With the help of children, he heads for the North Pole before he melts — but he’s pursued by the magician, who wants his hat back. Billy De Wolfe supplies the voice of the magician, and Jimmy Durante narrates the tale. The sequel “Frosty Returns” immediately follows.
8 p.m.on LIF E Movie: Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune
They ended both their marriage and their joint career several years ago, but now Georgia and Joe Winter (Reba McEntire, John Schneider) have agreed to reunite and perform together at a charity event per a request from their daughter, Belle (Candice King). Not surprisingly, however, the gig serves as a nudge back into the past for the erstwhile couple as they rehearse for their appearance. John James (“Dynasty”) and Broadway star Norm Lewis also star in this Christmas drama; Justin David co-stars.
8: 30p.m.on WRC 5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas
Adapted from Jimmy Fallon’s bestselling yuletide Christmas book, this new half-hour animated special follows a bookish little boy who eagerly counts down the final days before Christmas, accompanied by his little sister and trusty blue dog. Every night it becomes a little harder for him to drift off to sleep, yet every night when he finally does, something magical happens.