It’s the most wonderful time of the year for fans of holiday programming, and there’s no shortage of specials, old classics, and exciting performances for them to look forward to in 2025. Already, TV networks have one heck of a lineup for the holidays, from ABC and CBS to NBC. Whether it’s a tree lighting or parade, classic films or reunion specials, or a music presentation, there’s something for every type of viewer this holiday season.
Below, we’re breaking down all of the must-see holiday TV specials, events, parades, movies, and more. Stay tuned for additional news as more announcements for the holiday lineup are made, and scroll down for a closer look at what’s ahead.
Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion
Ray Romano and series creator Phil Rosenthal host this Everybody Loves Raymond celebration as the stars reunite for the 30th anniversary. Among the featured talent alongside Romano and Rosenthal are Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton, Monica Horan, Madylin Sweeten, and Sullivan Sweeten. Airing Monday, November 24 at 8/7c on CBS, the special isn’t one to miss.
CBS
Countdown to the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
On Wednesday, November 26, at 8/7c, on NBC, and simulcast on Peacock, get ready for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with an exclusive look at the stories behind the floats, balloons, and bands set to feature in the annual celebration. Melissa Peterman is set to host the event.
A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving
Saturday Night Live takes a look back at its most iconic Thanksgiving sketches on Wednesday, November 26, at 9/8c on NBC.
99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade rings in its 99th year on NBC, beginning at 8:30/7:30 a.m. c, on NBC. Don’t miss the balloons, floats, and musical performances.
National Dog Show Presented by Purina
Also on Thursday, November 27, at 12/11c, catch the National Dog Show once again hosted by John O’Hurley. The program will air on NBC and simulcast on Peacock.
PAW Patrol Christmas Special
The PAW Patrol pups are helping families make a new holiday tradition as CBS will air A PAW Patrol Christmas on Friday, November 28 at 8/7c, featuring a mix of original and classic songs in a heartwarming story focusing on construction-savvy pup, Rubble, and his team of friends.
Disney’s Prep & Landing
This animated presentation follows a team of high-tech elves from an elite unit known as Prep and Landing, which ensures homes worldwide are prepared for Santa’s visit. The three-part presentation begins on ABC on Sunday, November 30, at 8/7c. Additional entries include Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice at 8:30/7:30c, and Prep & Landing: The Snowball Patrol at 9/8c.
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
Frozen favorite, Olaf (Josh Gad), takes center stage in this animated special, which sees him team up with Sven on a merry mission to bring home the best traditions and save Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa’s (Idina Menzel) “first Christmas in forever.” Don’t miss it on ABC on November 30, at 9:30/8:30c.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
The Rankin-Bass classic narrated by Fred Astaire brings forth the tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), which is a can’t-miss TV event. Catch it on ABC on Sunday, November 30, at 10/9c.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
The 10th annual seasonal celebration featuring musical performances from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Aulani will air on ABC on Monday, December 1, at 8/7c.
Dancing With the Holidays
The Dancing With the Stars ballroom celebrates holiday magic with festive-themed routines on ABC on Tuesday, December 2, at 8/7c.
CMA Country Christmas
Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the 16th annual event will feature performances from hosts Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis, as well as Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and BeBe Winans. Don’t miss it on ABC, Tuesday, December 2, at 9/8c.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center
Happy’s Place star Reba McEntire will headline as the host of this year’s annual tree lighting celebration in Rockefeller Center, which will air over a two-hour telecast on Wednesday, December 3, beginning at 8/7c on NBC and Peacock. Joining McEntire for the celebration is an all-star lineup of performers, including Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, the Radio City Rockettes, and Gwen Stefani.
Christmas in Nashville
On Wednesday, December 3, at 10/9c, right after the tree lighting at Rockefeller, NBC will broadcast this hour-long special featuring performances straight from Nashville.
The Great Christmas Light Fight
Season 13 of ABC’s fan-favorite holiday series kicks off, putting the Palusso, Greason, and Jimenez families to the test as they compete for the $50,000 grand prize and coveted “Light Fight” trophy. Carter Oosterhouse judges the over-the-top displays when the series returns on Thursday, December 4, at 8/7c. Catch the second episode right after at 10/9c.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
On Thursday, December 4, at 8/7c, on NBC, viewers can catch the animated classic about the curmudgeonly Grinch, whose hatred for Christmas takes a turn when he has a change of heart.
Frosty the Snowman
Another animated classic, Frosty the Snowman, will air on Thursday, December 4, at 8:30/7:30c, on NBC. The tale about a snowman that comes to life is sure to bring on the nostalgia for viewers old and new.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Rankin/Bass stop-motion classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer airs Friday, December 5, at 8/7c, on NBC.
Courtesy of CBS / ©Classic Media
Reindeer in Here
Based on the award-winning Christmas book, Reindeer in Here is a tale about Blizzard, a young reindeer living in the North Pole, with an unusual trait of having one antler smaller than the other. Blizz and his unique group of friends band together in this heartwarming story to save the future of Christmas. The TV special presentation will unfold on Saturday, December 6, at 8/7c on CBS.
Password Holiday Special
A special holiday edition of the Keke Palmer-hosted game show starring Jimmy Fallon airs Monday, December 8, at 10/9c. The episode’s celebrity guest is none other than Jonathan Groff.
Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas
Kevin Costner hosts a special exploring the extraordinary journey of Mary and Joseph as they navigate hardships, trials, and triumphs surrounding Jesus Christ’s birth, offering an inspiring way to experience the true meaning of Christmas. Catch this all-new presentation on ABC on Tuesday, December 9, at 8/7c.
Shrek the Halls
The half-hour 2007 animated special Shrek the Halls, airing Tuesday, December 9 at 8:30/7:30c, on NBC, offers a glimpse at what Christmas is like for Shrek and friends.
A Motown Christmas
On Tuesday, December 9, at 9/8c, NBC airs the special hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halley Bailey, featuring performances from Motown legends and some of today’s hottest stars.
NBC 2025 Year in Review Presented by Access Hollywood
Access Hollywood‘s Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover host the NBC primetime special recapping the year’s biggest entertainment stories on Thursday, December 11, at 9:15/8:15c.
iHeart Radio Jingle Ball 2025
See the year’s top artists perform for this annual star-studded event on ABC on Wednesday, December 17 at 8/7c.
Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular
JimmyFallon searches for the holiday spirit in New York with this holiday special featuring guests like Meghan Trainor, Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, JB Smoove, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, The Roots, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and more. The special airs Wednesday, December 17, at 9/8c, on NBC.
Everett Collection
A Saturday Night Live Christmas
On Thursday, December 18, at 9/8c, Saturday Night Live looks back on iconic holiday sketches for this two-hour special on NBC.
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents The Sound of Music
Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer headline the classic film celebrating its 60th anniversary. Don’t miss the seasonal presentation on ABC on Sunday, December 21, at 7/6c.
It’s a Wonderful Life
The classic film starring Jimmy Stewart as a down-on-his-luck businessman returns for its annual broadcast on NBC, airing Wednesday, December 24, at 8/7c.
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents Home Alone
Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister finds himself Home Alone for the holidays in this beloved film you won’t want to miss on ABC on Wednesday, December 24, at 8/7c.
Christmas Eve Mass
Catch the Pope Leo-led service from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome beginning at 11:30/10:30c, on Wednesday, December 24, on NBC.
40th Anniversary Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
Celebrate Christmas morning with star-studded performances from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Aulni on ABC at 10/9 a.m. c.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The beloved live-action film from director Ron Howard sees Jim Carrey take on the iconic character for this Christmas Day broadcast on NBC beginning at 8:30/7:30c.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025
Ryan Seacrest hosts the New Year’s Eve bash featuring special musical performances on ABC on Wednesday, December 31.
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash
CBS rings in the new year with a five-hour broadcast beginning at 8/7c on Wednesday, December 31. The special will feature performances from Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman, uniting country music fans. Additionally, the event will include a special guest performance from gospel music legend CeCe Winans.
137th Rose Parade Presented by Honda
Catch the rose-covered floats and marching bands on their parade route around the streets of Pasadena, California, in the annual TV event airing at 11/10 a.m. c, on NBC and simulcast on Peacock.
Stay tuned for more on the 2025 holiday lineup in the weeks ahead, and let us know what you plan to watch in the comments section below.
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