2020 Christmas TV guide: When to watch Rudolph, Charlie Brown and favorite movies
It’s the most wonderful TV time of the year — time once again for our old friends Rudolph, the Grinch, Frosty, Buddy the Elf, Charlie Brown and Santa.
We’re compiling a schedule of the best Christmas TV specials and movies, to make sure you don’t miss any of your favorites. As in years past, we’ll update our 2020 Christmas TV guide throughout December as more holiday specials populate the schedule. So bookmark this page and check back often.
And as usual, we’re sticking mostly to prime-time programming on broadcast networks and basic cable (with some Netflix premieres here and there). We’ll alert you to the airings of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Grinch,” and movie classics like “Elf,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
We’ll also alert you to new Christmas movies airing on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Lifetime, OWN and BET, but we won’t list all of the repeats. (Lifetime and the Hallmark channels are showing Christmas movies pretty much 24/7 now).
If you miss an airing of something like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” don’t worry, because many of these shows will likely air multiple times in December.
Tuesday, Dec. 1
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (8 p.m., CBS) - It’s our first Rudolph of the holiday season. 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.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8:20 p.m., Freeform) - Jim Carrey stars as the big green Grinch in this live action adaptation that also stars Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski. Narrated by Anthony Hopkins.
Our OWN Christmas (9 p.m., OWN) - Uplifting holiday moments, surprise acts of giving as well as festive performances from iconic singers.
Wednesday, Dec. 2
The 88th Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center (8 p.m., NBC) - The annual tree-lighting ceremony in New York features performances from Dolly Parton, Meghan Trainor, Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Tori Kelly, Goo Goo Dolls, Leslie Odom Jr., Dan & Shay, the cast of “Ain’t Too Proud” and the Radio City Rockettes.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (8 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
The Santa Clause 2 (8:30 p.m., Freeform) - In the 2002 sequel to “The Santa Claus” Scott Calvin learns that his son Charlie has landed on this year’s Naughty List and that Scott must also marry by Christmas Eve or he will stop being Santa Claus forever.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes: At Home Holiday Special (10 p.m., NBC) - The world-famous Rockettes perform in their celebrated show that has become a staple of the holiday season at the iconic Rockefeller Center venue.
Thursday, Dec. 3
Elf (8 and 10 p.m., AMC) - Will Ferrell plays a grown man raised as one of Santa’s elves, who leaves the workshop to search for his real father in New York. It also stars Bob Newhart, James Caan, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen.
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Greatest Moments (8 p.m., The CW) - Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the event through performances and special backstage moments.
Rocket Around the Christmas Tree (10 p.m., Discovery) - In the first episode of this new series, three teams of merry masterminds compete to see who can pack their pines with the most firepower, save Christmas Town from an Abominable Snowman and send toy soldiers to the gifting front lines. Missing the mark gets their names on the naughty list.
Friday, Dec. 4
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Apple TV+) - Apple has acquired the rights to Peanuts holiday specials and they’ll begin streaming this beloved classic for subscribers starting Dec. 3. Non-subscribers can stream the special for free Dec. 11-13. There’s also an airing on PBS on Dec. 13. In the 1965 Charles M. Schulz special, Linus helps Charlie Brown discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Great British Baking Show: Holidays (Netflix) - The third season of the Great British Baking Show’s Christmas spinoff lands on Netflix.
Too Close for Christmas (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new movie, a woman’s feelings start to change when she reluctantly spends Christmas with the man responsible for ending her last relationship.
Scrooged (8 p.m., AMC) - In this 1988 film, a ruthless TV-network chief (Bill Murray) meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade Greatest Moments (8 p.m., The CW) - The most special moments of the past parades.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (9:15 p.m., Freeform) - Jim Carrey stars as the big green Grinch in this live action adaptation that also stars Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski. Narrated by Anthony Hopkins.
Saturday, Dec. 5
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (7:40 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.
Let’s Meet Again on Christmas Eve (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new movie, two college sweethearts reconnect while coordinating a wedding just in time for the holidays.
A Christmas Surprise (8 p.m., BET) - In this new movie, a woman gets a Christmas surprise when her daughter announces her engagement. The holiday soon turns sour as she has to deal with her less-than-impressive and soon-to-be son-in-law, his overbearing mother and an impending wedding.
Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing (8 p.m., Hallmark) - As Michelle’s wedding approaches, Hannah steps up to finish the new Evergreen museum’s launch while questioning her future with Elliot.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (8 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
Frosty the Snowman (8:45 p.m., Freeform) - The 1969 animated adaptation of Romeo Muller’s story of a snowman who comes to life, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
The Santa Clause (9:20 p.m., Freeform) - An adman (Tim Allen) takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.
Time For Us to Come Home for Christmas (10 p.m., Hallmark Movies and Mysteries) - In this new movie, five guests are mysteriously invited to an inn to celebrate Christmas and soon investigate their connection to each other.
Sunday, Dec. 6
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (8 and 10 p.m., FX) - In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
Christmas Ever After (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new movie, sparks fly during Christmastime when a romance novelist meets a handsome man who looks like the leading character in her books.
Elf (8 and 10 p.m., AMC) - Will Ferrell plays a grown man raised as one of Santa’s elves, who leaves the workshop to search for his real father in New York. It also stars Bob Newhart, James Caan, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen.
Christmas She Wrote (8 p.m., Hallmark) - When a writer has her column canceled right before Christmas, she heads home to reconnect with her family, only to receive an unexpected visit from the man who canceled her column.
USS Christmas (8 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - This is a new 2020 movie that premiered in late November. It was filmed in and around Wilmington and is also set in North Carolina. In the story, a newspaper reporter stumbles upon a mystery while taking a Christmastime cruise.
A Holly Dolly Christmas (8:30 p.m., CBS) - Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton presents personal Christmas stories and performs hymns and light-hearted holiday classics.
A Little Christmas Charm (10 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - In this new movie, a jewelry designer teams up with an investigative reporter to find the owner of a charm bracelet before Christmas Eve.
Monday, Dec. 7
Scrooged (8 p.m., AMC) - In this 1988 film, a ruthless TV-network chief (Bill Murray) meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.
The Santa Squad (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new movie, an unemployed art teacher has to accept a job with the Santa Squad to help wealthy widower Gordon and his two daughters rediscover the magic of Christmas.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Elf (8 p.m., AMC) - Will Ferrell plays a grown man raised as one of Santa’s elves, who leaves the workshop to search for his real father in New York. It also stars Bob Newhart, James Caan, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen.
A Christmas Carol (8 p.m., Turner Classic Movies) - In the 1938 version of the classic Dickens tale, London miser Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen) meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.
Almost Christmas (8:20 p.m., Freeform) - In this 2016 movie, a beloved patriarch asks his family members for one gift this holiday season: to get along. If they can honor that wish and spend five days under the same roof without killing one another, it will be a Christmas miracle.
A Christmas For Mary (9 p.m., OWN) - In this new movie, writer Lena Jones is tasked with delivering a story by Christmas. Intrigued by a portrait of a mysterious woman painted by her late grandfather, she uncovers a tale of young love that inspires her to follow her heart and find her own true love.
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Dr. Seuss’ Grinch The Musical (8 p.m., NBC) - Broadway stars bring Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s book to life in a two-hour theatrical production, adapted for television from the hit musical ”How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.” Recorded from the Troubadour Theatre in London.
The Great Christmas Light Fight (8 p.m., ABC) - The new season starts with holiday displays in LaVerkin, Utah; Wilmington, Mass.; St. Louis, Mo.; Deer Park, N.Y.; Jenks, Okla.; Boise, Idaho; Fontana, Calif.; and Brownsville, Tenn.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (8 and 10 p.m., FX) - In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
Four Christmases (8 p.m., AMC) - When their plans for a holiday getaway fall apart, a couple (Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon) must spend Christmas Day trudging to a quartet of family get-togethers.
Greatest Holiday Commercials Countdown 2020 (9 p.m. The CW) - Counting down 12 of the world’s best holiday commercials, and a look at other great commercials that capture the true spirit of the holiday season. Kevin Frazier and Keltie Knight host.
Thursday, Dec. 10
Silent Night: A Song for the World (8 p.m., The CW) - This special looks at the creation and cultural impact of the world’s most famous Christmas carol, composed in 1818 in Salzburg. Hugh Bonneville narrates.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (8 and 10:15 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8:20 p.m., Freeform) - Jim Carrey stars as the big green grinch in this live action adaptation that also stars Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski. Narrated by Anthony Hopkins.
Friday, December 11
Home Alone (6:45 p.m., Freeform) - Accidentally left behind by his Paris-bound family at Christmas time, an 8-year-old (Macaulay Culkin) makes mincemeat of two burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) in the house. (“Home Alone 2” follows.)
The Christmas Caroler Challenge (8 p.m., The CW) - In the Season 2 premiere we meet the 10 competing groups, from the most ultra-traditional virtuoso performers to those with the most unexpected twists on the classic Christmas carol. Celebrity judges Brandon Rogers, Mikalah Gordon and Garry Beers assess each group.
It’s a Wonderful Life (8 p.m., USA) - 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 James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
Inn Love By Christmas (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new Lifetime movie, a successful young woman living in Miami is climbing her way up the corporate ladder in the hotel industry. Although she doesn’t get back to her small northern hometown often, her grandmother is able to convince her to come home for Christmas.
Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas (8 p.m., TBS) - In this 2013 movie, Madea (Tyler Perry) accompanies her niece to the country for a surprise holiday visit with the niece’s daughter, but what they find when they arrive prompts Madea to dish out her own brand of Christmas spirit.
Polar Express (8 p.m., AMC) - The conductor of a train (Tom Hanks) to the North Pole guides a boy who questions the existence of Santa Claus.
Saturday, December 12
Elf (7 and 9 p.m., AMC) - Will Ferrell plays a grown man raised as one of Santa’s elves, who leaves the workshop to search for his real father in New York. It also stars Bob Newhart, James Caan, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen.
Love, Lights, Hanukkah (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new Hallmark movie, a restaurateur receives a DNA test revealing that she’s Jewish. The discovery leads her to a new family and an unlikely romance over eight nights.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (8 and 10 p.m., FX) - In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
The Christmas Lottery (8 p.m., BET) - In this new movie, a man who wins the lottery tries to bring his estranged daughters together for Christmas. When his wife loses the ticket, the family members put aside their differences to help find the ticket and in doing so, finally learn to come together.
The Christmas Set-Up (8 p.m., Lifetime) -This new movie is Lifetime’s first Christmas movie with a LGBTQ holiday romance as its lead storyline. It follows the story of New York lawyer Hugo (Ben Lewis) who heads to Milwaukee with his best friend Madelyn (Ellen Wong) to spend the holidays with his brother Aiden (Chad Connell) and his mom Kate (Fran Drescher), who is also in charge of the local Christmas celebrations. Ever the matchmaker, Kate arranges for Hugo to run into Patrick (Blake Lee), Hugo’s high school friend and secret crush, who has recently returned after a successful stint in Silicon Valley. As they enjoy the local holiday festivities together, Hugo and Patrick’s attraction to each other is undeniable and it looks as though Kate’s Santa-style matchmaking is a success.
Frosty the Snowman (9 p.m., CBS) - The 1969 animated adaptation of Romeo Muller’s story of a snowman who comes to life, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
Frosty Returns (9:30 p.m., CBS) - John Goodman is the voice of Frosty in this sequel in which Frosty is threatened by a snow-removal spray. Narrated by Jonathan Winters.
Sunday, December 13
Dashing in December (7 p.m., Paramount) - In this new movie, Wyatt finally comes home for the holidays to try to convince his mother to sell the family’s Colorado ranch and finds romance with dashing a new ranch hand who dreams of saving the property and its magical Winter Wonderland attraction.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (7:30 p.m., PBS and PBS Kids) - Earlier this year, Apple TV+ acquired the rights to all of the Peanuts holiday specials, but shares this beloved 1965 Charles M. Schulz classic with PBS for Dec. 13. The special, in which Linus helps Charlie Brown discover the true meaning of Christmas, is also currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (8 p.m., CBS) - 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.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8 p.m., TBS) - This is the animated (and far superior) version of the story, narrated by Boris Karloff. In it, the lonely and heartless Grinch dresses up like Santa to steal the Christmas decorations, gifts and even the special holiday roast beast from the Whos of Whoville.
Sugar and Spice Holiday (8 p.m., Lifetime) - This new movie is Lifetime’s first to center on an Asian American family. Suzie, a rising young architect, returns to her small hometown in Maine for Christmas, where her Chinese American family runs the local Lobster Bar. Following the loss of her beloved grandmother, who was a legendary baker in their community, Suzie is persuaded to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps by entering the local gingerbread house competition. Teaming up with an old high school friend Billy (Giroux), Suzie must find the right recipes and mix of sugar and spice to win the competition and perhaps find some love in the process. The movie stars Jacky Lai, Tony Giroux and Tzi Ma.
Christmas Comes Twice (8 p.m., Hallmark) -In this new movie, a Christmas carnival comes to town and a ride on the carousel transports a top newscaster back in time, giving her a second chance at love.
Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story (8:30 p.m., TBS) - An elf named Chippy tries to help a young boy who is struggling to believe in the magic of Christmas.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (7 and 9:15 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (9 p.m., FX) - In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
Monday, December 14
Lonestar Christmas (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new movie, a woman takes her daughters to spend Christmas with her estranged dad on his Texas ranch, where she unexpectedly falls in love with a local restaurateur while learning to forgive her father for the past.
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2020 (8 p.m., The CW) - A musical celebration featuring scheduled performances by the year’s biggest recording artists, including Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Smith, Shawn Mendes and The Weeknd.
Elf (8 p.m., AMC) - Will Ferrell plays a grown man raised as one of Santa’s elves, who leaves the workshop to search for his real father in New York. It also stars Bob Newhart, James Caan, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8:20 p.m., Freeform) - Jim Carrey stars as the big green grinch in this live action adaptation that also stars Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski. Narrated by Anthony Hopkins.
Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir (9 p.m., UNC-TV) - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas celebration features carols and seasonal favorites, featuring Kelli O’Hara and Richard Thomas.
The Polar Express (10 p.m., AMC) - The conductor of a train to the North Pole guides a boy who questions the existence of Santa Claus. Stars Tom Hanks.
Tuesday, December 15
Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas (8 p.m., PBS / UNC-TV) - The American Pops Orchestra presents music from “Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas,” Ella Fitzgerald’s album of holiday classics. Hosted by Vanessa Williams.
Scrooged (8 p.m., AMC) - In this 1988 film, a ruthless TV-network chief (Bill Murray) meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (8 and 10 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
Disney’s A Christmas Carol (8:20 p.m., Freeform) - In this 2009 film, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) must face uncomfortable truths when three Christmas spirits take him on a journey through his past, present and future.
Cooking Up Christmas (9 p.m., OWN) - In this new movie, an Atlanta-based chef gets fired just weeks before Christmas and reluctantly takes a job with a pro baseball player who is a single dad of three and needs a live-in-chef to get him through the holidays with the kids.
Fred Claus (10 p.m., AMC) - Santa Claus (Paul Giamatti) bails his ne’er-do-well brother Fred (Vince Vaughn) out of trouble and puts him to work in his factory.
Wednesday, December 16
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes: At Home Holiday Special (8 p.m., NBC) - The world-famous Rockettes perform in their celebrated show that has become a staple of the holiday season at the iconic Rockefeller Center venue.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (8 and 10:15 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
A Saturday Night Live Christmas Special (9 p.m., NBC) - A collection of “Saturday Night Live’s” Christmas-themed sketches from various seasons, including D... in a Box, Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood, Adam Sandler’s Chanukah Song, Martha Stewart’s Topless Christmas and more.
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (8:55 p.m., Freeform) - In this 2006 movie, the third in the “Santa Clause” franchise, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), aka Santa, contends with visiting in-laws (Ann-Margret, Alan Arkin) and a scheme by mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short) to freeze him out of Christmas. NOTE: You can make it a marathon by starting with “The Santa Clause” at 4:15 p.m. and then “The Santa Clause 2” at 6:25.
Thursday, December 17
The Polar Express (8 p.m., AMC) - The conductor of a train to the North Pole guides a boy who questions the existence of Santa Claus. Stars Tom Hanks.
A Christmas Carol (8 p.m., FX) - This 2019 FX original movie stars Guy Pearce as Ebenezer Scrooge in a dark reimagining of the iconic Charles Dickens ghost story.
Scrooged (10 p.m., AMC) - In this 1988 film, a ruthless TV-network chief (Bill Murray) meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.
USS Christmas (8 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - This is a new 2020 movie that premiered in late November. It was filmed in and around Wilmington and is also set in North Carolina. In the story, a newspaper reporter stumbles upon a mystery while taking a Christmastime cruise.
Friday, December 18
Christmas on the Menu (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new movie, a celebrated 35-year-old chef in the city, heads home to spend the holidays at the quaint bed and breakfast where she grew up and where her mother has just opened a new restaurant.
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (8 p.m., ABC) - When the kingdom of Arendelle empties out for the holiday season, Anna and Elsa realize that they have no family traditions of their own. So Olaf sets out on a merry mission to bring home the very best traditions and save Christmas.
Remember the Night (8 p.m., Turner Classic Movies) - In this 1940 film starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, love blooms between a sympathetic attorney and the pretty shoplifter he has taken home for the Christmas holiday.
Jingle All the Way (8 p.m., TNT) - In this 1996 movie, a crazed postman (Sinbad), a tough policeman and a shady Santa impede a workaholic (Arnold Schwarzenegger) seeking a coveted toy for his son.
Four Christmases (8 p.m., AMC) - When their plans for a holiday getaway fall apart, a couple (Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon) must spend Christmas Day trudging to a quartet of family get-togethers.
Shrek the Halls (8:30 p.m., ABC) - The ogre’s plans for a cozy family Christmas go awry when Donkey, Puss in Boots and the rest of the fairy-tale gang try to join in the fun.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (9 p.m., Freeform) - In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
Love Actually (10 p.m., AMC) - Love it or hate it (love it!), this 2003 movie has become a Christmas staple. A prime minister, an office worker (Hugh Grant), a pop star (Laura Linney), a jilted writer (Colin Firth), married couples and various others deal with relationships in London.
Saturday, December 19
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (7 and 9:15 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
A Christmas Exchange (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new Lifetime movie, Molly swaps her quaint farmhouse for a London financier’s posh apartment. Soon, sparks begin to fly between them as they get to know each other while exchanging living spaces.
A Christmas Carousel (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new movie, Lila is hired by the royal family of Ancadia to repair a carousel and must work with the prince to complete it by Christmas
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8:40 p.m., Freeform) - Jim Carrey stars as the big green grinch in this live action adaptation that also stars Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski. Narrated by Anthony Hopkins.
Swept Up by Christmas (10 p.m,. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - In this new movie, an antique seller and a cleaner clash as they work on downsizing a magnificent estate. As the two uncover the house’s treasures, they find a way to reconnect the reclusive owner with his Christmas past.
Sunday, December 20
Elf (7 and 9 p.m., AMC) - Will Ferrell plays a grown man raised as one of Santa’s elves, who leaves the workshop to search for his real father in New York. It also stars Bob Newhart, James Caan, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen.
Home Alone (7:45 p.m., Freeform) - Accidentally left behind by his Paris-bound family at Christmas time, an 8-year-old (Macaulay Culkin) makes mincemeat of two burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) in this 1990 film.
Cross Country Christmas (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new movie, a snowstorm disrupts both Lina’s and Max’s holiday plans and they realize they must work together to find a way home — without taking it out on each other.
A Christmas Break (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new movie, an unexpected romance develops between a single mother and a Hollywood actor as they work together to stop a town’s school from closing right before Christmas Eve.
Office Christmas Party (8 p.m, FX) - In this 2016 movie, co-workers (Jason Bateman, TJ Miller) rally their colleagues to throw an epic Christmas party while hoping to close a sale and save their jobs.
Garth & Trisha Live: A Holiday Concert Event (8:30 p.m., CBS) - Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood perform an intimate concert of seasonal music live at their home recording studio, Studio G, in this new special.
The 22nd Annual A Home for the Holidays (9:30 p..m., CBS) - Inspirational stories of lives changed through adoption with scheduled including Josh Groban, Miranda Lambert, Meghan Trainor, Leslie Odom Jr. and Andrea Bocelli. Hosted by Gayle King.
Project Christmas Wish (10 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - In this new movie, a woman’s life becomes transformed as she works toward granting a little girl’s wish for a Christmas like she used to have with her mother.
Monday, December 21
Spotlight on Christmas (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new movie, an actress is dumped by her boyfriend and returns home to reconnect with her family during the holidays.
Dr. Seuss’ Grinch The Musical (8 p.m., NBC) - Broadway stars bring Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s book to life in a two-hour theatrical production, adapted for television from the hit musical ”How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.” Recorded from the Troubadour Theatre in London.
A Christmas Story (8 and 10 p.m., TNT) - 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. (The big marathon comes Christmas Eve!)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (8 and 10:15 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
Holiday Baking Championship (9 p.m,. Food Network) - In the season finale, host Jesse Palmer asks the final four competitors to create a holiday macaron tower. In the main heat, the bakers must feature an assigned icing style — marzipan, buttercream or mirror glaze — in a stunning cake to win $25,000.
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (9 p.m., Freeform) - In this 2006 movie, the third in the “Santa Clause” franchise, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), aka Santa, contends with visiting in-laws (Ann-Margret, Alan Arkin) and a scheme by mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short) to freeze him out of Christmas.
CMA Country Christmas (10 p.m., ABC) - Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins host this special, which has country music stars performing Christmas classics and festive collaborations. Originally aired on Nov. 30.
Tuesday, December 22
The Christmas High Note (8 p.m., Lifetime) - A woman develops feelings for a single father while helping his teenage daughter prepare to sing in a Christmas Eve pageant.
Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas (8 p.m., BET) - In this 2013 movie, Madea (Tyler Perry) accompanies her niece to the country for a surprise holiday visit with the niece’s daughter, but what they find when they arrive prompts Madea to dish out her own brand of Christmas spirit.
Christmas in Connecticut (8 p.m., Turner Classic Movies) - In this 1945 film, the publisher (Sydney Greenstreet) of a women’s magazine has his best columnist (Barbara Stanwyck) play holiday host to a Navy hero (Dennis Morgan).
Four Christmases (8 p.m., AMC) - When their plans for a holiday getaway fall apart, a couple (Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon) must spend Christmas Day trudging to a quartet of family get-togethers.
First Christmas (9 p.m., OWN) - In this new movie, a young writer who had been given up for adoption and placed in foster care at a young age receives the blessing of a lifetime when she is invited to spend Christmas in New Orleans with the biological family she never knew she had.
Wednesday, December 23
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.
A Holly Dolly Christmas (8 p.m., CBS) - Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton presents personal Christmas stories and performs hymns and light-hearted holiday classics.
Silent Night: A Song for the World (8 p.m., The CW) - This special looks at the creation and cultural impact of the world’s most famous Christmas carol, composed in 1818 in Salzburg. Hugh Bonneville narrates.
Elf (8 p.m., AMC) - Will Ferrell plays a grown man raised as one of Santa’s elves, who leaves the workshop to search for his real father in New York. It also stars Bob Newhart, James Caan, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen.
A Christmas Carol (8 p.m., FX) - This 2019 FX original movie stars Guy Pearce as Ebenezer Scrooge in a dark reimagining of the iconic Charles Dickens ghost story.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8:10 p.m., Freeform) - Jim Carrey stars as the big green grinch in this live action adaptation that also stars Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski. Narrated by Anthony Hopkins.
The Great Christmas Light Fight (9 p.m., ABC) - Tonight’s finale includes a home in Surf City, NC. Other light shows featured are from Brooklyn, N.Y.; Atlanta, Ga.; Independence, Ky.; Winter Haven, Fla.; Alexandria, Va.; Corriganville, Md.; and Burbank, Calif.
Garth & Trisha Live: A Holiday Concert Event (9 p.m., CBS) - Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood perform an intimate concert of seasonal music live at their home recording studio, Studio G, in this new special.
Thursday, December 24
Christmas Story - It has become an annual tradition for TBS and TNT to run a 24-hour marathon of this classic Christmas movie starting on Christmas Eve. The movie, released in 1983, tells the story of Little Ralphie, who tries to convince his parents in the 1940s to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas.
▪ It starts at 8 p.m. on TBS and runs until 8 p.m. tomorrow, Dec. 25, at 8 p.m.
▪ It starts at 9 p.m. on TNT and runs until 9 p.m. Dec. 25.
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 James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (8 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (8 and 10 p.m., FX) - In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.
Frosty the Snowman (8:15 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.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (9:55 p.m., Freeform) - 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.
NC A&T Christmas Concert (10 p.m., UNC-TV) - A holiday concert featuring the 40 voices of the North Carolina A&T State University Chorus under the direction of Maestro Travis W. Alexander.
Friday, December 25
NOTE: Freeform and AMC have Christmas movies and specials running all day and all night. Plus, the “Christmas Story” marathon continues on TBS and TNT. Here are some other good options.
It’s a Wonderful Life (6 a.m., E!) — If you’re up extra early, this 1946 Frank Capra classic starts at 6 and runs all day and all night. It can be the background to your Christmas morning festivities. In the movie, a suicidal man ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve sees his life in a new light thanks to his guardian angel. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
My Sweet Holiday (8 p.m., Lifetime) - A holiday romance blossoms between a young woman and the man who bought her parents’ beloved chocolate store.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8 p.m., NBC) - This is the animated (and far superior) version of the story, narrated by Boris Karloff. In it, the lonely and heartless Grinch dresses up like Santa to steal the Christmas decorations, gifts and even the special holiday roast beast from the Whos of Whoville.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8:30 p.m., NBC) - Jim Carrey stars as the big green grinch in this live action adaptation that also stars Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski. Narrated by Anthony Hopkins.
Call the Midwife (9 p.m., PBS / UNC-TV) - In this annual holiday special, everyone looks forward to a traditional Christmas, but things don’t go as planned. Also, the circus arrives in Poplar, bringing new friendships, experiences and an adventure for Nurse Crane.
The Wizard of Oz (9 p.m., TNT) - This is not a Christmas movie, but a bit of a Christmas tradition. In this 1939 classic, a tornado whisks Kansas farm girl Dorothy (Judy Garland) to a magic land, and she must travel to the Emerald City for help in getting back home.
Some programming descriptions are provided by networks.
This story was originally published December 1, 2020 at 2:10 PM.
