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
- None as of yet.
You can also watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol anytime with these networks and service providers
- Watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol on Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
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, Dec. 5 at 6:40 PM on Freeform
- Friday, Dec. 6 at 3:40 PM on Freeform
- Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3:25 PM on Freeform
- Monday, Dec. 16 at 1:05 PM on Freeform
- Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7:20 PM on Freeform
- Friday, Dec. 20 at 3 PM on Freeform
You can also watch The Nightmare Before Christmas anytime with these networks and service providers
- Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas on Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
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
- Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 5 PM and 11 PM on AMC
- Sunday, Dec. 1 at 10:30 PM on AMC
- Monday, Dec 2. at 7 PM on AMC
- Friday, Dec. 6 at 8 PM on AMC
- Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 PM on AMC
- Thursday, Dec. 12 at 8 PMon AMC
- Saturday, Dec. 21 at 4 PM and 10:15 PM on AMC
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
- Sunday, Dec. 1 at 6 PM and 8:15 PM on AMC
- Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 8 PM and 10:15 PM on AMC
- Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 PM and 10:15 PM on AMC
- Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 8 PM on AMC
- Thursday, Dec. 12 at 5:45 PM on AMC
- Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7 PM and 9:15 PM on AMC
- Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 8 PM on AMC
- Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 5:45 PM on AMC
- Friday, Dec. 20 at 10 PM on AMC
- Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8 PM on AMC
- Monday, Dec. 23 at 8 PM and 10:15 PM on AMC
- Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 9 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, Dec. 5 at 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
- Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 9:30 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
- Saturday, November 30th, 9:00 AM 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 (2000 version)
- Sunday, Dec. 1 at 9 PM on Freeform
- Monday, Dec. 2 at 6:20 PM on Freeform
- Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8:20 PM on Freeform
- Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:20 PM on Freeform
- Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 8:20 PM on Freeform
- Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 5:20 PM on Freeform
- Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9:15 PM on Freeform
- Sunday, Dec. 15 at 5:05 PM on Freeform
- Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 8:20 PM on Freeform
- Thursday, Dec. 19 at 4:40 PM on Freeform
- Saturday, Dec. 21 at 9:15 PM on Freeform
- Sunday, Dec. 22 at 4:40 PM on Freeform
- Monday, Dec. 23 at 9:20 PM on Freeform
- Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 5:40 PM on Freeform
- Wednesday Dec. 25 at 8:30 PM on NBC
Showtimes of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 version)
- Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 8 PM on NBC
- Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 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
- Not playing this year
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, Dec. 20 at 8 PM on CBS
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
Showtimes of Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
- Thursday, Dec. 12 at 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
- Thursday, Dec. 19 at 8 PM
Showtimes of Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice
- Thursday, Dec. 19 at 8:30 PM on ABC
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
- Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8 PM
- Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 8 PM
You can also watch It’s a Wonderful Life anytime with these networks and service providers
How To Train Your Dragon Homecoming
- When it becomes clear that the new generation of Vikings doesn’t remember the bond between dragon and human, Hiccup makes a plan to celebrate dragons with a grand holiday pageant. This heartwarming idea leads to a series of hilarious and exciting events, but no matter the circumstance, everyone in New Berk – young and old alike – is reminded that dragons and humans are forever bonded.
Showtimes of How To Train Your Dragon Homecoming
- Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 8:30 PM on NBC
You can also watch How To Train Your Dragon Homecoming anytime with these networks and service providers
- Watch How To Train Your Dragon Homecoming on Amazon Prime Video
- On Hulu beginning on December 5th.
Your Kids’ Favorite Shows with Christmas TV Specials for Kids
Double Dare
Tis the season on Double Dare, with a series of special themed challenges in the first-ever Holiday Week Tournament. The tournament will seeAlly Brooke, Duff Goldman, Tiffany Haddish, Shaun White team up with their fans for a festive face-off, competing to become the week’s champion.
Showtimes of Double Dare Holiday Special
- Friday, Nov. 29, 8:30 PM on Nickelodeon
- Friday, Dec. 6, 8 PM on Nickelodeon
- Friday, Dec. 13, 8 PM on Nickelodeon
- Friday, Dec. 20, 8 PM on Nickelodeon
LEGO City Adventures “Police Navidad”
It’s Christmas Eve and Officer Duke DeTain is the only cop on patrol without a partner.
Showtimes of LEGO City Adventures Holiday Special
- Saturday, Nov. 30, 11:30 AM on Nickelodeon
Ryan’s Mystery Playdate “Ryan’s Merry Playdate” (30-minute special)
With the help of festive friends, Ryan must deck the halls with 12 challenge victories to prepare for the hopeful arrival of the big red guy himself.
Showtimes of Ryan’s Mystery Playdate Holiday Special
- Friday Dec. 6, 11 AM
Doc McStuffins – Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins” on Disney Junior. (DISNEY JUNIOR)
DOC, STUFFY, SANTA, TOBIAS, LAMBIE
Coop & Cami Ask The World – Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
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 – Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Puppy Dog Pals — Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Teen Titans Go! — Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Muppet Babies — Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
PJ Masks — Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
The Cat in the Hat – Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
SpongeBob SquarePants — Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Peppa Pig — Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Bunk’d — Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Henry Danger — Holiday Punch
A new species of moth is eating all the Christmas trees in Swellview, so Captain Man and Kid Danger head over to Neighborville to buy more. On the way back, they’re attacked by shady tree dealers and have to fight to save Christmas.
Showtimes of Henry Danger’s Holiday Special
- Saturday, Nov. 30, 8 PM on Nickelodeon
Stuck in the Middle — Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Phineas and Ferb Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Paw Patrol — Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Curious George: Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Thomas & Friends – Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Let’s Go Luna – Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Arthur’s Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
Wild Kratts: Holiday Special
No holiday special has been announced for this year.
More Christmas TV Specials that will Appeal to Kids
The Great Christmas Light Fight
Season 7 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 Mondays at 8|7c on The ABC Television Network or streaming or on demand. Starts December 2.
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)
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
