Where possible we have included online affiliate links for these holiday movies for Family Movie Night to help make watching a family Christmas TV special together easier. When you make a purchase using those links Jersey Family Fun receives a small commission that helps us maintain this website.
To say we love Christmas specials in our house would be an understatement. It just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without the classics and even the new additions, like Disney’s Prep and Landing from a few years ago. With so many shows and networks airing holiday specials, it can be hard to keep track of when to catch your favorites. That’s why we’ve done the searching for you and put them all here in one place in our The Best Christmas TV Special for Kids with their TV schedule. Some of the complete network holiday show schedules haven’t been posted yet, so check back for updates and additions. Please remember that all dates and times are subject to change, at the networks’ discretion.
Don’t miss our 20 Holiday Movies for Family Movie Night article!
The Best Christmas TV Specials for Kids
Classic Christmas Movies for Kids that are playing on TV
Mickey’s Christmas Carol
A 1983 featurette starring Mickey as Bob Cratchit is one of several cartoons with Yule themes, including “Pluto’s Christmas Tree” (1952), “Donald’s Snow Fight” (1942) and “The Art of Skiing” (1941).
Showtimes of Mickey’s Christmas Carol
- Wednesday, December 5th on Freefrom
- Thursday, December 6th at 7:00 AM on Freeform
You can also watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol anytime with these networks and service providers
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Stop-motion tale about Jack Skellington, the leader of Halloweentown, where the residents’ life work is to scare humans. After getting a glimpse of life in Christmastown, however, he schemes to kidnap Santa Claus and celebrate a very different Christmas.
Showtimes of The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Thursday, December 6 at 3:10 PM on Freeform
You can also watch The Nightmare Before Christmas anytime with these networks and service providers
Christmas With the Kranks
When their daughter goes away for the holidays, a suburban couple decide to skip Christmas altogether. Based on John Grisham’s novel “Skipping Christmas.” Chris Columbus, who directed “Home Alone,” produced and penned the script.
Showtimes of Christmas With the Kranks
- Wednesday, December 5 at 8:55 PM on Freeform
- Thursday, December 6 at 4:50 PM on Freeform
- Friday, December 14 at 3:10 on Freeform
You can also watch Christmas With the Kranks anytime with these networks and service providers
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
A family host their dysfunctional relatives for the holiday as the dad contends with spontaneously combusting Christmas lights and temperamental trees while anticipating the arrival of his annual bonus.
Showtimes of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
- December 6, 8 PM and 10:15 PM on AMC
You can also watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation anytime with these networks and service providers
A Charlie Brown Christmas
In the Emmy and Peabody-winning animated cartoon from 1965, the gang mounts a holiday pageant as Charlie Brown bemoans Yuletide commercialism. Also: a new set of animated “Peanuts” vignettes, based on previously published strips. Voices…Charlie Brown: Peter Robbins. Lucy: Tracy Stratford. Linus: Christopher Shea.
Showtimes of A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Thursday, December 6, 8 PM on ABC
- December 20, 8 PM on ABC
You can also watch A Charlie Brown Christmas anytime with these networks and service providers
We recently saw the Peanuts gang at the ICE! exhibit at Gaylord National Hotel. Photo Credit Gaylord National Hotel
Shrek The Halls
Showtimes of Shrek The Halls
- December 19, 8:30 PM on ABC
You can also watch Shrek The Halls anytime with these networks and service providers
Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
Animated tale about a donkey whose ears only bring him ridicule and unhappiness—until he helps Mary and Joseph arrive safely in Bethlehem. Voices by Roger Miller, Brenda Vaccaro and Paul Fries.
Showtimes of Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
- Friday December 7th, 1:45 PM on AMC
You can also watch Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey anytime with these networks and service providers
- Coming soon.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Showtimes of How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- December 25, 8 PM on NBC
You can also watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas anytime with these networks and service providers
Our Elf brought a new friend to town | Photo Credit Jersey Family Fun
Winnie The Pooh and Christmas Too
Showtimes of Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too
- December 8, 7:30 AM on Freeform
- December 9, 7 AM on Freeform
- December 11, 7 AM on Freeform
- December 21, 10:30 AM on Freeform
You can also watch Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too anytime with these networks and service providers
- Watch Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Tooisn’t available on Amazon Prime Video, but Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year is.
I Love Lucy Christmas Special — The Christmas Episode
The Ricardos and Mertzes decorate Lucy and Ricky’s Christmas tree and reminisce about how their lives have changed since the arrival of the Ricardos’ son, Little Ricky. Then Lucy and Ethel’s hopes of joining the posh Society Matrons’ League lead to a bet with their husbands over which sex—the men or the women—had it harder living in a bygone era.
Showtimes of I Love Lucy’s Christmas Special
- Friday December 14, 8 PM on CBS
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
Showtimes of Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
- December 19, 8 PM on ABC
You can also watch Olaf’s Frozen Adventure anytime with these networks and service providers
Disney Prep & Landing
Showtimes of Disney Prep & Landing
- December 13, 8 PM on ABC
- Saturday, December 22 at 2:35 PM on Freeform
- Sunday, December 23, 8 PM on ABC
- Tuesday, December 25 at 7 AM on Freeform
You can also watch Disney Prep & Landing anytime with these networks and service providers
It’s a Wonderful Life
- Frank Capra’s classic stars Oscar nominee James Stewart as George Bailey, a decent small-town banker who learns what life would have been like if he’d never been born after he unwittingly becomes involved in a mistaken case of bank fraud, which threatens his spirit and tests his will to live until a wise angel compels him to see how his presence has made an incredible impact on the people of Bedford Falls.
Showtimes of It’s a Wonderful Life
- Friday, December 14 at 8 PM on USA
- Tuesday, December 24, 8 PM on NBC
You can also watch It’s a Wonderful Life anytime with these networks and service providers
Your Kids’ Favorite Shows with Christmas TV Specials for Kids
Doc McStuffins – “The Doc McStuffins Christmas Special”
Doc and the toys travel back in time to the North Pole to save Christmas.
Showtimes of Doc McStuffins‘ Holiday Special
- Sunday, December 2, 2018, 7:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior
- Sunday, December 4, 2018 7:30 AM on Disney
- Thursday, December 6, 2018 6:00 AM on Disney
Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins” on Disney Junior. (DISNEY JUNIOR)
DOC, STUFFY, SANTA, TOBIAS, LAMBIE
Coop & Cami Ask The World – “Would You Wrather Get a Moose Angry”
The kids work together to try and make Jenna’s wish of a classic Wrather Christmas come true, but a major snow storm and a disgruntled moose disrupt their Holiday plans.
Showtimes of Coop & Cami Ask The World‘s Holiday Special
- Friday, December 7, 2018, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
- Friday, December 14 at 9:35 PM on Disney
- Saturday, December 15 at 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Disney
- Sunday, December 16 at 9 AM and 12:40 PM on Disney
- Monday, December 17 at 11:30 AM on Disney
- Tuesday, December 18 at 1:30 PM on Disney
- Wednesday, December 19 at 4:30 and 9:00 PM on Disney
- Friday, December 21 at 6:30 PM on Disney
- Saturday, December 22 at 9 AM and 3:30 PM on Disney
- Sunday, December 23 at 5:30 PM on Disney
- Monday, December 24 at 11:30 AM and 7:40 PM on Disney
- Tuesday, December 25 at 12 PM on Disney
Learn more about the Coop & Cami Ask The World cast in this story, Disney’s Coop and Cami Ask the World Stars Share Their Favorite Things
COOP & CAMI ASK THE WORLD – “Would You Wrather Get a Moose Angry” – The kids work together to try and make Jenna’s wish of a classic Wrather Christmas come true but a major snowstorm and a disgruntled moose disrupt their Holiday. This episode of “Coop & Cami Ask The World” airs Friday, December 7 (8:30 P.M. ET/PT) on Disney Channel. (Disney Channel/Eric McCandless)
DAKOTA LOTUS, ALBERT TSAI, PAXTON BOOTH, OLIVIA SANABIA, RUBY ROSE TURNER, REECE CADDELL
Fancy Nancy – “Nancy and the Nice List”
When Nancy struggles to make Santa’s “Nice List”, she learns the true meaning of Christmas.
Showtimes of TV Show Fancy Nancy‘s Holiday Special
- Friday, December 14, 2018, 7:00 p.m. on Disney Junior
- Monday, December 17 at 7:30 AM on Disney
- Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30 AM on Disney
- Wednesday, December 19 at 7:30 AM on Disney
- Thursday, December 20 at 7:30 AM on Disney
- Friday, December 21 at 8 AM on Disney
- Monday, December 24 at 8 AM on Disney
- Tuesday, December 25 at 7:30 AM on Disney
Puppy Dog Pals — A Very Pug Christmas; The Latke Kerfuffle
Bingo and Rolly help Santa search for Bob’s Christmas present when it goes missing from his sleigh; Bingo and Rolly help Bob make latkes for his neighbor’s Hanukkah party.
Showtimes of Puppy Dog Pal‘s Holiday Special
- Tuesday, December 4th at 12 PM on Disney
- Thursday, December 6th at 9:30 AM on Disney
- Friday, December 7th at 12:30 PM on Disney
- Friday, December 14th at 9:30 AM on Disney
- Thursday, December 20th at 9 AM on Disney
- Friday, December 21 at 6:30 AM on Disney
- Tuesday, December 25th at 8 AM on Disney
Teen Titans Go! — Teen Titans Save Christmas; Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems
The Titans volunteer to save Christmas. Later on, Robin gives the gang a tour of the Wayne Manor.
Showtimes of Teen Titan Go‘s Holiday Special
- Tuesday, December 4th at 6 PM on Toon Network
- Saturday, December 15th at 7 AM on Toon Network
Muppet Babies — A Very Muppet Babies Christmas; Summer’s Super Fabulous Holiday Surprise
Kermit doesn’t like his secret Santa gift; after a snowstorm cancels Summer’s trip home, Piggy brings her traditions to the playroom.
Showtimes of Muppet Babies‘ Holiday Special
- Wednesday, December 5 10 AM on Disney
- Friday, December 7 10 AM on Disney
- Friday, December 14 12:30 PM on Disney
- Wednesday, December 19 at 8:30 AM on Disney
- Monday, December 24 at 8:30 AM on Disney
PJ Masks — Gekko Saves Christmas; Gekko’s Nice Ice Plan
Luna Girl steals Christmas presents to keep for herself; Romeo tries to turn the city into a giant ice rink.
Showtimes of PJ Masks‘ Holiday Special
- Wednesday December 5th, 11:30 AM on Disney
- Friday December 7, 9 AM on Disney
- Friday December 14, 10 AM on Disney
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!
The Cat, Nick and Sally help a lost reindeer return home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas. They’re helped by various animals, including African elephants and bottlenose dolphins.
Showtimes for The Cat in the Hat Christmas Special
- Friday, December 14, 10 AM on PBS
- Monday, December 17, 12 PM on PBS
- Monday, December 24, 10 AM on PBS
- Tuesday, December 25, 10 AM on PBS
SpongeBob SquarePants — It’s a SpongeBob Christmas!
A laced holiday fruitcake transforms Bikini Bottom’s citizens into jerks, and Plankton is responsible for the scheme, which he hopes will keep everyone preoccupied as he tries snatching the secret Krabby Patty formula.
Showtimes of SpongeBob SquarePants‘ Holiday Special
- Wednesday December 5th, 8:00 PM on Nickelodeon
- Thursday, December 13th, 3:00 PM on Nick
- Saturday, December 15th at 1:30 PM on Nick
- Sunday, December 16th at 8:00 PM on Nick
- Tuesday, December 18th at 7:30 AM on Nick
- Wednesday, December 19th at 4:00 PM on Nick
- Friday, December 21 at 3:00 PM on Nick
- Saturday, December 22 at 1 PM on Nick
- Sunday, December 23 at 11 AM on NIck
- Tuesday, December 25th at 6 AM and 3:30 PM on Nick
SpongeBob SquarePants — Patchy the Pirate Presents the SpongeBob SquarePants Christmas Special
Patchy the Pirate, the president of SpongeBob’s fan club, tells the story of Bikini Bottom’s very first Christmas celebration, which takes place after the group learns about the holiday. Squidward nearly dampens their spirits because he “can’t believe anybody would celebrate a holiday where a jolly prowler breaks into your house and leaves gifts.” Voices include Tom Kenny, Rodger Bumpass and Bill Fagerbakke.
Showtimes of SpongeBob SquarePants‘ Holiday Special
- Friday December 7 at 3 PM on Nick
- Saturday, December 15 at 4 PM on Nick
- Monday, December 17 at 4:30 PM on Nick
- Wednesday, December 19 at 7 AM on Nick
- Friday, December 21 at 4 PM on Nick
- Saturday, December 22 at 10:30 AM on Nick
- Sunday, December 23, 8 PM on Nick
- Monday, December 24, 6:30 AM on Nick
- Tuesday, December 25 at 4 PM on Nick
Peppa Pig — Father Christmas; Santa’s Grotto; Santa’s Visit; Mr. Potato’s Christmas Show; Snow
Peppa and her group put on a Christmas time show for all mothers and fathers.
Showtimes of Peppa Pig‘s Holiday Special
- Thursday, December 6th at 12 PM on Nick
- Wednesday, December 19th at 9 AM on Nick
- Tuesday, December 25th at 9 AM on Nick
Disney Mickey Mouse — Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special
It’s touch-and-go for Donald when he refuses to head south for the winter with Daisy and all the other ducks in order to stay with Mickey and the gang to enjoy all that Christmas has to offer.
Showtimes of Mickey Mouse‘s Holiday Special
- Thursday, December 6th at 2 PM on Disney
Bunk’d — How the Griff Stole Christmas
The campers participate in a gift-making activity for the upcoming holiday, but Griff isn’t into it, so Ravi and Lou try to create a special memory for Griff. Meanwhile, Santa asks Jorge to babysit one of his reindeer.
Showtimes of Bunk’d’s Holiday Special
- Thursday, December 6 at 6:30 PM on Disney
- Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 PM on Disney
- Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 PM on Disney
- Sunday, December 16 at 1:30 PM on Disney
Henry Danger — Christmas Danger
Captain Man gets arrested and must spend Christmas in jail, so Henry and Charlotte do their best to cheer him up.
Showtimes of Henry Danger’s Holiday Special
- Thursday, December 6 at 8 PM on Nick
- Friday, December 14 at 8 PM on Nick
Stuck in the Middle — Stuck in a Christmas Race
The Diazes join the Iron Elf athletic competition to find a mechanic to fix their vehicle.
Showtimes of Stuck in the Middle‘s Holiday Special
- Thursday, December 6 at 9:30 PM
Phineas and Ferb — A Phineas and Ferb Family Christmas; S’Winter
The guys stage a traditional family Christmas special featuring Kelly Clarkson; the boys use a snow-cone machine to create a backyard winter paradise in the middle of summer.
Showtimes of Phineas and Ferb‘s Holiday Special
- Friday December 7, 7 AM on DisneyXD
- Thursday December 13, 6 AM on DisneyXD
- Sunday December 16 at 6:30 AM on DisneyXD
- Monday December 17 at 4 PM on DisneyXD
- Saturday December 22 at 6:30 AM on Disney
- Sunday December 23 at 6 AM on Disney
- Monday December 24 at 7:45 PM on DisneyXD
Paw Patrol — Pups Save Christmas
Santa’s sleigh has a mishap and the reindeer disperse, so the Paw Patrol help Santa with deliveries on Christmas Eve.
Showtimes of Paw Patrol‘s Holiday Special
- Friday December 7, 12 PM and 2:30 PM on Nick
- Friday December 14, 11:30 AM on Nick
- Monday, December 17 at 8:00 AM on Nick
- Tuesday, December 18 at 11:30 AM on Nick
- Thursday, December 20 at 1 PM on Nick
- Friday, December 21 at 11 AM and 2 PM on Nick
- Saturday, December 22 at 8:30 AM on Nick
- Sunday, December 23 at 7:30 AM on Nick
- Monday, December 24 at 7:30 and 11:30 AM on Nick
- Tuesday, December 25 at 7 AM, 12PM and 2 PM on Nick
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
A Christmas quandary for George and the Man With the Yellow Hat: what to give each other. The Man finds George’s wish list, but it’s filled with geometric shapes, and suggests that George make him something. The special features classic Christmas songs and three new ones, “Are You Ready?,” “Something as Special as You” and “Christmas Monkey.”
Showtimes for Curious George’s Holiday Special
- Friday, December 14, 8 AM and 2 PM on PBS
- Wednesday, December 19, 8:30 AM on PBS
- Saturday, December 22 at 8:30 AM on PBS
- Monday, December 24 at 2 PM on PBS
- Tuesday, December 25 at 8 AM and 2 PM on PBS
Thomas & Friends – Kangaroo Christmas/Hunt the Car
“Kangaroo Christmas” – Thomas is surprised that it’s summer in Australia over Christmas and helps to reunite a baby kangaroo with its mother. / “Hunt the Car” – Bill and Ben’s latest game consists of hiding cars and making other engines hunt for them. After they discover that one of the cars is for the children’s Christmas Party at Ulfstead Castle, they want to give it back but it’s not where they left it.
Showtimes of Thomas & Friends Holiday Special
- Saturday December 15, 11 AM PBS
Let’s Go Luna – Luna’s Christmas Around the World
When the Circo gets stuck at the South Pole on Christmas eve, Leo, Andy, and Carmen are convinced that Santa will never find them. With the help of their friend Luna, the kids endeavor to save Christmas, learning about holiday traditions from around the world along the way in this one-hour special event.
Showtimes on Let’s Go Luna’s Holiday Special on
- Wednesday, December 12th. 8:30am on PBS
- Wednesday, December 12th, 2:30pm on PBS
- Friday, December 14th, 9:00am on PBS
- Friday, December 14th, 3:00pm on PBS
- Thursday, December 20th, 9:00am on PBS
- Thursday, December 20th, 3:00pm on PBS
- Monday, December 24th, 9:00am on PBS
- Monday, December 24th, 3:00pm on PBS
- Tuesday, December 25th, 9:00am on PBS
Arthur’s Perfect Christmas
The holidays are coming, and many Elwood City youngsters can’t wait. D.W. is obsessed with her letter to Santa, while Muffy is throwing a big party. And Binky can’t wait to cook at a homeless shelter on Christmas. Now if only he could cook! But Francine’s family Hanukkah celebration is the same day as Muffy’s “extravaganza.” And Buster is sad because his mother, who’s divorced, is trying too hard to make their Christmas perfect..
Showimes of Arthur’s Perfect Christmas
- Friday, December 14, 4 PM on PBS
- Friday, December 21, 5 PM on PBS
- Monday, December 24, 4 PM on PBS
- Tuesday, December 25, 4 PM on PBS
Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas
The Kratts put their Christmas celebration on hold when they learn that some of their favorite creatures have gone missing.
Showtimes of the Wild Kratts Holiday Special
- Friday December 14, 7 AM and 5 PM on PBS
- Tuesday December 18, 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM on PBS
- Monday December 24 7 AM and 5 PM on PBS
- Tuesday December 25 7 AM and 5 PM on PBS
More Christmas TV Specials that will Appeal to Kids
The Great Christmas Light Fight
Season 6 of The Great Christmas Light Fight showcases the wildest and most spectacular Christmas displays in America. In each one-hour episode, four families from all around the country decorate their homes to the extreme in the hopes of winning the coveted Light Fight trophy and a $50,000 prize, with a total of $300,000 given away for the season. This season, as the temperature cools down, the competition heats up when families invite us inside their homes to witness their fantastic Christmas décor for the very first time. In addition to all of the stunning inside/outside displays, the first-ever “Heavyweights” episodes showcase light shows that have grown too large for any home.
Showtimes of The Great Christmas Light Fight
- Watch The Great Christmas Light Fight airs Mondays at 8|7c on The ABC Television Network or streaming or on demand.
Learn more about The Great Christmas Light Fight and Carter Oosterhouse, judge and host in our story, 3 Fun Ways to See Christmas Lights.
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT – “The Great Christmas Light Fight” features families and neighborhoods from across America decorating their homes to the extreme for Christmas with a total of $300,000 in prizes ($50,000 per episode) up for grabs. (ABC/Donald Rager)
Pop-up Santa Holiday Specials
For the first time ever as a 90-minute holiday special, Freeform’s “Pop Up Santa Holiday Special” has teamed up with sponsors to celebrate the spirit of the season through heartwarming moments including a home giveaway, a surprise baby shower at a military base, a family reunion of epic proportions, a celebration for two very special children at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and more. Hosted by Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker, the special follows celebrity guests including ballerina Misty Copeland, former NFL athlete DeMarco Murray, “The Fosters’” Sherri Saum, Tommy Martinez from new Freeform drama “Good Trouble,” a special Marvel guest and, of course, Freeform Santa as they team up with Freeform to spread holiday cheer.
Credit: Freeform
In a tear-jerking sneak peek from “Pop Up Santa,” the Brantley Family of Clarksville, Tennessee, is about to experience some holiday magic. After a devastating fire in December 2017, Army veteran Stephen Brantley, his wife Iliana and their four children lost their home and all of their possessions, including photographs and Stephen’s war medals. With the help of former NFL athlete DeMarco Murray and his wife, actress Heidi Mueller, the Brantleys are in for an incredible surprise that will change their lives forever. The “Pop Up Santa Holiday Special” is executive produced by Jack Mori and Wendy Burch.
Showtimes of Pop-up Santa
- The “Pop Up Santa Holiday Special” airs on Monday, Dec. 3, at 9:30-11:00 p.m. EST/PST on Freeform.
Learn more about Pop-up Santa and hosts Allison Holker and Stephen “tWitch” Boss in our story, Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
Showtimes of Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
- December 25, 10 AM on ABC
What Christmas specials will you be watching with your kids?
For more New Jersey Christmas Family Fun visit these blog posts and listings
- New Jersey Christmas Lights Displays
- Holiday Parades in New Jersey
- The Best Christmas Trees to See in New Jersey
- Where and How to Get Unique Santa Pictures in New Jersey
- New Jersey Christmas Tree Farms
- Meals with Santa Events in New Jersey
- New Jersey Holiday Train Shows with Christmas Train Sets on Display
- New Jersey Christmas Train Rides
- Live Nativity Scenes in New Jersey
- The Best FREE Things to do in Philadelphia with Kids this Christmas
- 10 Things to Do in New York City with Kids During Christmas
- Holiday movies for your next family movie night
For your holiday and Christmas Shopping take a look at these posts
- Gift Them Experiences Gift Guide ~ Amazing Experience Gifts for Kids in New Jersey
- Best Children’s Books about Christmas
- Deals, Coupons, and Discounts on Things to Do in New York City with Kids
- The Best Philadelphia & South Jersey Deals for Families
- The Best New York & North Jersey Deals for Families
