What to Watch on Christmas Eve: Rudolph, Santa, ‘Wonderful Life’ -- it’s all there
It’s a Wonderful Life (8 p.m., NBC) - In this 1946 Frank Capra classic, a suicidal man ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve sees his life in a new light thanks to his guardian angel. It stars Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (8 p.m., ABC) - This 1970 stop-motion special is maybe the greatest Christmas special ever created. Fred Astaire explains the Santa Claus origin story — which includes his struggle against the bitter Burgermeister Meisterburger, who fights to keep Kris Kringle from delivering toys to the children of Sombertown. This is Santa 101, folks.
The Bishop’s Wife (8 p.m., Turner Classic Movies) - One of my favorites! A suave angel (Cary Grant) saves a woman (Loretta Young) and her Episcopal husband (David Niven) from spiritual doubt and marital woe at Christmastime.
A Christmas Story (8 p.m., TBS) - The marathon begins. Little Ralphie tries to convince his parents in the 1940s to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas in this 1983 favorite. This marathon ends at 8 p.m. Christmas day. (Note: The marathon starts at 9 p.m. on TNT.)
A Christmas Story Live (8 p.m., Fox) - From 2017, a live adaptation of the 1983 movie in which little Ralphie tries to convince his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas.
FX’s A Christmas Carol (8 p.m., FX) - A repeat of the new FX movie starring Guy Pearces as Ebenezer Scrooge in this new dark reimagining of the iconic Charles Dickens ghost story. Andy Serkis plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, Stephen Graham as Jacob Marley and Charlotte Riley is Lottie and the Ghost of Christmas Present.
A Very Happy & Friends Yule Log (8 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - Happy the cat, Happy the dog and a bunch of adorable — and adoptable — kittens and puppies relax and play in front of a fireplace while holiday tunes play. Special appearances by Pip Squeak the pig and other animals.
Frosty the Snowman (8:20 p.m., Freeform) - The 1969 animated adaptation of Romeo Muller’s story of a snowman who comes to life, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (8:50 p.m., Freeform) - The reindeer with the shiny nose guides Santa’s sleigh through a bad storm on Christmas Eve in this beloved 1964 classic. Narrated by Burl Ives.
CMA Country Christmas (9 p.m., ABC) - A repeat of this country music special featuring Trisha Yearwood, Kristin Chenoweth, Chris Janson and others.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (9:50 p.m., Freeform) - As we said above, this 1970 stop-motion special is maybe the greatest Christmas special ever created. Fred Astaire explains the Santa Claus origin story — which includes his struggle against the bitter Burgermeister Meisterburger, who fights to keep Kris Kringle from delivering toys to the children of Sombertown. This is Santa 101, folks.
Meet Me in St. Louis (10 p.m., Turner Classic Movies) - In this 1944 classic, a St. Louis lawyer’s family (Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien) stays in town for the 1904 World’s Fair. This film introduced the world to the beautifully somber Christmas song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” performed by Judy Garland.
NC Master Chorale (10 p.m., UNC-TV) - The NC Master Chorale’s “Joy of the Season” concert.
Christmas Eve at Duke Chapel (11 p.m., Spectrum News) - The annual Christmas Eve worship service live from the Duke Chapel. Coverage of the service will begin at 11 PM with the traditional service of Lessons and Carols.
Some programming descriptions are provided by networks.
