Where to Watch the Best Classic Christmas TV Specials this Year
Your guide to finding the holiday television classics on broadcast TV, streaming services, and digital rental or purchase.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
For generations, watching classic Christmas television specials has been as much a part of the holiday season as decorating the Christmas tree, hanging stockings, and baking Christmas cookies. From Rudolph’s glowing red nose to Charlie Brown’s little Christmas tree, these familiar stories have become treasured traditions in millions of households.
But finding them isn’t always as simple as turning on the television anymore. Some still air on traditional broadcast networks, others have moved to streaming services, and a few are available primarily through digital rentals, purchases, or physical media. And with distribution agreements changing from year to year, it can be difficult to keep track of where your favorites have ended up.
To make things easier, we’ve assembled a guide to 15 beloved Christmas specials and where you can watch them during the 2026 holiday season. Whether you’re looking for free television broadcasts, subscription streaming, or an option to rent or purchase a favorite, here’s what we know so far.
A note about availability: All listings refer to the United States. Confirmed broadcast dates are identified separately from on-demand viewing options. Streaming catalogs and rental prices can change, and additional television broadcasts may be announced as the holiday season approaches.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas in this beloved Peanuts classic, featuring Vince Guaraldi’s unforgettable music and one of television’s most recognizable little Christmas trees.
Where to watch:
- Apple TV: Available with a paid subscription.
- Free streaming: December 12–13, 2026, on Apple TV, without a paid subscription.
- Broadcast television: No 2026 broadcast confirmed.
Apple TV’s official 2026 holiday announcement
A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)
Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the rest of the Muppet gang gather at Fozzie’s mother’s farmhouse for a Christmas celebration featuring appearances by characters from Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock.
Where to watch:
- Subscription streaming: No authorized mainstream U.S. streaming service confirmed.
- Broadcast television: No 2026 airing confirmed.
- Physical media: Older VHS and DVD editions exist, although North American releases contain edits.
This is one of the more difficult holiday specials to find. Music licensing and the involvement of characters from multiple productions have complicated its availability. Be aware that some versions circulating online may be unauthorized or incomplete.
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
When Santa decides to take a year off, Mrs. Claus and two elves set out to restore his Christmas spirit. Of course, it’s the unforgettable Heat Miser and Snow Miser who steal the show.
Where to watch:
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
- Broadcast or cable television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed.
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)
One of the earliest animated Christmas television specials, this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic features Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Its songs, characters, and charming animation have made it a favorite for generations.
Where to watch:
- Free streaming with ads: Tubi and The Roku Channel.
- Additional free streaming: Darkroom.
- Subscription streaming: IndieFlix Shorts through Amazon Channels.
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
- Broadcast television: No 2026 airing confirmed.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
The classic Rankin/Bass stop-motion special follows Rudolph, Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius, and their adventures on the Island of Misfit Toys. First broadcast in 1964, it remains one of the most recognizable Christmas television specials ever produced.
Where to watch:
- Digital purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
- Physical media: DVD and Blu-ray editions.
- Broadcast television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed yet.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Narrated by Fred Astaire, this Rankin/Bass production tells the story of young Kris Kringle and how many familiar Christmas traditions began. From the Burgermeister Meisterburger to the Winter Warlock, it’s filled with memorable characters and songs.
Where to watch:
- Free broadcast television: ABC, Monday, November 30, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern/Pacific. Check local listings for Central Time.
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
ABC’s official holiday broadcast schedule
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Boris Karloff narrates the original animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s Christmas classic, with the Grinch plotting to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. This is the original 1966 animated special, not the later live-action or computer-animated films.
Where to watch:
- Subscription streaming: Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus.
- Digital rental: Available through participating digital retailers.
- Physical media: DVD and Blu-ray editions.
- Broadcast television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
A magical hat brings a snowman to life in this Rankin/Bass animated favorite, narrated by Jimmy Durante. Frosty’s adventures with Karen and Professor Hinkle have been a Christmas tradition since 1969.
Where to watch:
- Digital rental or purchase: Fandango at Home.
- Physical media: DVD and Blu-ray editions.
- Broadcast television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed yet.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)
This Rankin/Bass animated special follows the residents of Junctionville as they try to restore Santa’s faith in their town after an unfortunate letter to the newspaper threatens their Christmas celebration.
Where to watch:
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
- Broadcast television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed.
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)
This touching Rankin/Bass production tells the story of a young donkey whose unusually long ears eventually help him fulfill a very special purpose on the first Christmas.
Where to watch:
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
- Broadcast television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed.
- Free streaming: No current free option verified.
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
This Rankin/Bass stop-motion production follows Aaron, a young drummer whose journey ultimately brings him to Bethlehem. It’s a more reflective Christmas special, built around the familiar Christmas carol.
Where to watch:
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
- Physical media: DVD and Blu-ray editions, including holiday collections.
- Broadcast television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed.
Jack Frost (1979)
In this Rankin/Bass stop-motion special, Jack Frost dreams of becoming human after falling in love with a young woman. Although its story also revolves around Groundhog Day, it has long been associated with seasonal holiday television programming.
Where to watch:
- Subscription streaming: Amazon Prime Video, IndieFlix, and other participating services.
- Free streaming: Tubi, JustWatch TV, and Fawesome, among other services. Kanopy and Hoopla may also be available through participating libraries.
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
- Broadcast television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Disney’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic features Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge, Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit, and a cast of familiar Disney characters bringing the timeless Christmas story to life.
Where to watch:
- Free broadcast television: ABC, Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern/Pacific. Check local listings for Central Time.
- Subscription streaming: Disney+.
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
ABC’s official holiday schedule
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976)
Rudolph returns for another Rankin/Bass adventure, this time searching for Happy, the missing Baby New Year. Along the way, he travels through the Archipelago of Last Years and encounters some wonderfully imaginative characters.
Where to watch:
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
- Broadcast television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed.
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (1976)
Frosty returns in this animated sequel, which introduces Crystal, the snowwoman who becomes his wife. Narrated by Andy Griffith, the special continues Frosty’s story with a new group of children and a familiar touch of winter magic.
Where to watch:
- Digital rental or purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home.
- Physical media: DVD editions.
- Broadcast television: No specific 2026 airing confirmed.
A Few Tips for Watching Your Favorites
Before paying to watch a Christmas special, it’s worth checking whether it’s already included in a streaming subscription you have. Keep in mind that a title appearing on Amazon Prime Video doesn’t necessarily mean it’s included with a Prime membership. Some programs require an additional rental, purchase, or channel subscription.
If you watch the same specials every year, purchasing a digital copy or a DVD or Blu-ray may be worth considering. Physical media is especially useful for families who want dependable access without worrying about streaming agreements or changing television schedules.
You can also use services such as JustWatch to check current streaming availability, compare rental and purchase options, and discover when a favorite becomes available on a different service.
Keeping Christmas Traditions Alive
There’s something undeniably special about the Christmas television programs many of us grew up watching. The animation may seem old-fashioned, the stories may be familiar, and we may know every song by heart, but that’s part of their charm. They remind us of childhood Christmases, family gatherings, and the excitement of a season that always seemed to arrive a little too slowly.
Fortunately, most of these classics are still available in one form or another, even if finding them sometimes requires a little more effort than checking the television listings. Whether you’re watching a free broadcast, streaming through a subscription, or pulling a well-loved DVD off the shelf, the important thing is enjoying those stories and sharing them with another generation.
We’ll continue updating this guide as additional 2026 holiday television schedules and viewing options become available. In the meantime, grab some hot chocolate, gather the family, and enjoy a little Christmas nostalgia.
