Essential holiday TV
10 specials to brighten your Christmas
After a year that was long and hectic for many, the arrival of the holiday season guarantees some cheer in a very specific form: the TV shows and specials that were made to bring more spirit into our homes. Some have aired for more than 40 years, while others present a modern take on Christmas cheer. Here are 10 specials, and very special episodes, that carry the common holiday theme of togetherness with loved ones – some in unconventional ways.
The Great British Baking Show: Holidays
When the kids are preoccupied with their new toys, and the adults are digesting dinner, nothing could be more comforting than the dulcet tones of “The Great British Baking Show.” Listen to soothing narration about baked goods as you fall asleep with a stomach full of fixings – or find inspiration for your next creation the morning after Christmas.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’
This must-watch for kids, featuring narration by Fred Astaire, tells the story of Kris Kringle and his journey to becoming Santa Claus and of several holiday traditions. The music alone, featuring that timeless titular song, is more than enough reason to start the season with a rewatch.
Where to watch: Vudu, itunes store
Friends, ‘The One with the Holiday Armadillo’
What makes a holiday tradition so special? That’s what “Friends” is looking to answer in this special episode. Ross tries to create a brand-new tradition with his son: the Holiday Armadillo, aka David Schwimmer in a giant armadillo costume. After Chandler shows up in a Santa costume, southwestern-style Christmas chaos ensues.
Where to watch: HBO Max
‘Frosty the Snowman’
Is there anyone who can go a single Christmas without getting the song “Frosty the Snowman” stuck in their head? The special first aired in 1969 and has been a standard ever since. Watch as the beloved Frosty comes to life and goes on an adventure to the North Pole. The story ups the ante when Santa himself comes to the rescue.
Where to watch: Vudu
‘A Christmas Carol’
In this 1999 adaptation, Patrick Stewart brings the tried-and-true story to light with a grimmer, more adult aspect. Movies aimed at children are wonderful, but it’s nice to watch a holiday classic without anxiously awaiting the moment every character will burst into song. Stewart, with his live theater bona fides, turns an incomparable performance.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
‘Olive, the Other Reindeer’
Olive isn’t a Jack Russell terrier who wants to be a reindeer; she actually is a reindeer. Or, so she thinks. When she finds her owner inconsolable over Christmas’ cancellation, she takes it upon herself to fix things. After all, didn’t Santa say he needs the help of “Olive the other reindeer”? With Drew Barrymore in the lead voice role, this 2D-animated kids’ musical from 1999 packs in heaps of cuteness and charm.
Where to watch: Youtube
The holiday movies that made us
In its third season, Netflix’s “The Movies
That Made Us” features smartly edited 45-minute documentaries that pull back the curtain on the making of culturally iconic films.
The episodes on “Elf” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – originally packaged as “The Holiday Movies that Made Us” and now separate episodes – shed light on these two staples of holiday watch lists. A Christmassy bonus: the “Home Alone” episode in season one.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘A Muppet Family Christmas’
In a kind-hearted gesture, the Muppets surprise Fozzie Bear’s mother with a visit for Christmas.
As all of the Muppets gather for Christmas, Kermit becomes more worried about Miss Piggy, who’s late due to a photo shoot. It’s a sweet snapshot of a lovable and hectic family holiday, and the beloved cast of “Sesame Street” makes an appearance.
Spoiler alert: Not even Christmas can cheer up Oscar the Grouch.
Where to watch: Youtube
‘Dash & Lily’
This 2020 romantic comedy series, which unfortunately lasted only one season, focuses on the titular characters passing notes across various locations in New York.
Over eight episodes, the whimsical holidayset love story can be watched in the week leading up to Christmas or binged in one go on Christmas Day. This one’s ideal for teenagers who might have outgrown the kids’ stuff.
Where to watch: Netflix
Raising Hope, ‘The Chance Who Stole Christmas’
When Burt Chance, the grandfather in this 2010s Fox network family drama, gets named interim mayor, he soon learns that power and responsibility aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Should he save the community pool, or save Christmas? The show pokes fun at “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” in a lighthearted reminder of the holidays’ true meaning.
Where to watch: Hulu