These 15 Christmas TV specials are the best ever made



The Christmas season offers some of the greatest television ever made — from touching commercials to holiday episodes of your favorite shows to seasonal specials. There is always something available for families to gather and watch this time of year.

Yesterday, you experienced the “Top 15 Christmas family-friendly Christmas movies of all time." Today, enjoy a look at the 15 best Christmas TV specials ever made. Like the movie list, there were a few rules needed to set boundaries for the TV list: Each item had to be “Christmas-y" and family-friendly; had to be created for TV and not a theatrical release that's now replayed on TV annually; and had to be an actual “special" created for Christmas and not just a Christmas-themed episode of a regular series.

#1: A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)


This is one overtly Christian cartoon that has become and annual must-see — even among secularists. When Charlie Brown becomes depressed over the commercialism of Christmas, he turns to the school's Christmas pageant for inspiration. But as the director of an unruly cast — not to mention his disappointing tree — he finds himself more frustrated than ever. All of that changes when Linus reminds everyone about true meaning of Christmas by reciting the Nativity story from Luke's Gospel. Plus, the special put the musical genius of Vince Guaraldi into the mainstream of American pop culture.


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#2: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)


Featuring the incredible vocal talents of Boris Karloff, this tale of a nasty … well … Grinch who hated Christmas because of the happiness it brought to the lives of others offers a poignant story of redemption and change. Determined to keep Christmas from coming, the Grinch steals all of the gifts, decorations and food from the entire town of Whoville. When the Whos still celebrate sans gifts, ol' Grinchy Claus realizes that Christmas will come without ribbons, come without tags, come without packages, boxes or bags.


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#3: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)


The "Rudolph" tale of a band of misfits' journey across the North Pole trying to find where they fit in inspires kids everywhere and is probably the best-known of Rankin/Bass' many stop-motion Christmas programs. The characters who'd been cast-off save Christmas and become the heroes. Throw in the beloved voice of Burl Ives, and you've got a classic that will continue to endure.


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#4: Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970)


This is another one of several Rankin/Bass gems chock-full of great songs and characters. The Mickey Rooney- and Fred Astaire-led creation delves into Santa Claus' origins and pits him against one of the best comic "villains" of all time — the evil Burgermeister Meisterburger


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#5: A Christmas Carol (1984)


George C. Scott's turn as the miserly Scrooge is the most famous of the made-for-TV movie adaptations of the Dickens tale (though the 1999 Patrick Stewart version may be closing in). The film stayed true to the story and earned Scott an Emmy nomination.


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#6: Frosty the Snowman (1969)


Based on Gene Autry's 1950 hit song, it features Frosty "dying" so he can save a little girl. Kids are taught about love and laying-down-your-life-for-others sacrifice, all with palpable Christian parallels — even the bad guy changes his ways in the end.


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#7: John Denver & the Muppets: A Christmas Together (1979)


In 1979, Jim Henson's team worked with country folk artist John Denver to create an LP of 13 Christmas songs (which eventually went platinum). From that album came a one-hour special for ABC featuring great Muppet takes on holiday classics, plus the typical Muppet humor.


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#8: The Star of Bethlehem (2007)


The Magi followed a star in the heavens to find the Christ child. Explore the truth of God's stellar handiwork in this documentary that uses historic and scientific evidence to tell the real story of the Star of Bethlehem.


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#9: Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)


Call it a history-maker. It was the first-ever animated Christmas special produced for TV, according to IMDB.com. The cartoon was created to give the feel of a Broadway production — a feel that was enhanced by the musical work of two Broadway show writers, Jule Styne and Bob Merrill.


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#10: The Little Drummer Boy (1968)


This old-school, stop-motion 1960s production about the little orphan boy who didn't have anything to give to the infant Jesus except his drumming ability teaches kids that the best things we offer each other have nothing to do with money or "stuff."


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#11: Mickey’s Once (and Twice) Upon a Christmas (1999/2004)


Both of these shows are a series of cartoon shorts all about the importance of friends and family and doing good for others at Christmas. From Donald's repentance for his selfishness to Goofy's expressions of love for his son Max to Mickey and Minnie's selfless giving of everything they have for each other, these specials offer great lessons for the little ones.


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#12: A Flintstone Christmas (1977)


The story in Fred Flintstone's one-hour special begins with Fred begrudgingly agreeing to play Santa Claus at a party for the Bedrock Orphanage on Christmas Eve. On the night of the party, an injured and sick Santa Claus recruits Fred to fill in for him (and Barney takes the role of an elf) to make sure all the presents get delivered. The boys work through a massive storm, make a trip to the North Pole and barely make it back to Bedrock in time for the orphanage party.


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#13: Prep & Landing (2009)


The North Pole has gone super-hightech in Disney's Emmy-winning special. Elves Wayne and Lanny, while prepping the world for Santa's annual trip, are the only members of the command team available to make possible a visit by St. Nick in the midst of a terrible storm. They save Christmas for Sector 7 using sweet gadgets and a little creativity.


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#14: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983)


Grace (played by Loretta Swit aka "Hot Lips Houlihan") is tasked with the job of leading her church's annual Christmas pageant. The disaster of a job gets even worse when the six Herdman kids, who are known troublemakers from a broken home, decide to be a part of the play. By the end, the Herdman children, from whom no one expected anything worthwhile, learn the power of the Christmas nativity story and teach the church the true meaning of Christmas.


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#15: Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)


One of the lesser-known Rankin/Bass creations, "Nestor" is a very religious special that shares the story of an outcast and abused long-eared donkey who goes on to fulfill his special purpose—to carry a very pregnant Mary to Bethlehem. The message, combined with the musical talents of the estimable Roger Miller, make this a powerful show for kids.

A version of this list first appeared in the December 2014 issue of TheBlaze magazine.

Here are the top 15 family-friendly Christmas movies of all time



One of the many great things about the Christmas season is the entertainment available for families. Whether you prefer recordings of your favorite Christmas songs from Nat King Cole and Perry Como or Mariah Carey and Cee Lo, TV specials you grew up with as a kid or new specials created for your kids, or holiday movies in black and white, Technicolor, or 3-D, there's always something for everyone looking to submerge themselves in the spirit of the season.

If you've got kiddos at home now for Christmas break, you're probably looking for things to fill the hours before the big day arrives. Here are some ideas for TV time.

Below are the 15 best Christmas movies for your family. There are just a few rules behind these selections: Each movie had to have been a “Christmas-y" movie shown in theaters (no TV specials), couldn't be rated worse than PG (keep it clean, so no "Die Hard"), and had to have a hook for families to actually want to see it — just having a good message wasn't enough, it also had to be worth watching.

#1: Miracle On 34th Street (1947)


STORY: The Macy's store Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, says he is the real Santa Claus—a claim he eventually has to defend in a court of law, which sends the locals into an uproar.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: Though it was first filmed in 1947, this story has continued to be an American favorite for generations. Families love seeing the no-nonsense Doris Walker and her daughter Susan let down their defenses to experience the true gifts of Christmas: hope and love.


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#2: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)


STORY: A man on the verge of losing it all and taking his own life is visited by an angel who shows him what life would be like if he'd never existed. And it's not a pretty picture.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: Filmed in the 1940s, it's family friendly and contains a ton of moral messages, from sticking out rough situations, self sacrifice, and how communities can come together and help each other in tough times to how much worth each life actually carries.


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#3: White Christmas (1954)


STORY: WWII Army buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to create a hugely successful song-and-dance duo after the war. They and the Haynes Sisters put together a Christmas spectacular in a Vermont inn owned by the men's former commanding officer.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: The acting and choreography are great. The Christmas spirit shared by all is, of course, prevalent. But it comes as no surprise that the music of the film is what everyone remembers.


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#4: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)


STORY: In this musical depiction of "A Christmas Carol," Jim Henson's magical Muppets play second-string to Michael Caine's performance as Dickens' skinflint.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: The original songs and scoring are tremendous. Caine's turn on the miserly Scrooge is masterful. And the brilliance of the Muppet casting defies description. (Gonzo as Charles Dickens; Miss Piggy as Mrs. Bob Cratchit; Statler and Waldorf as the Marley brothers? C'mon, it doesn't get any better.)


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#5: Elf (2003)


STORY: Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, sets out from Santa's workshop to New York City to find his dad who is on the "naughty list."

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: The quotes — "Smiling's my favorite"; "I'm a cotton-headed ninny-muggins." The humor—an elf-costumed man treks through Manhattan, finds his dad and becomes a part of his family. The morals—everyone wants to be loved. Christmas is not about physical gifts, it's about family. And this movie highlights that journey in one of the funniest ways possible.


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#6: The Nativity Story (2006)


STORY: The Biblical account of Jesus' birth comes to life in this film that faithfully adapts the account found in Matthew and Luke.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: This film reminds us how very revolutionary Jesus' message of peace and love truly were. Christmas movies typically avoid any mention of Christ, but this film serves to remind us of the true reason for the holiday.


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#7: The Santa Clause (1994)


STORY: After accidentally killing the real Santa Claus, a divorced dad finds himself as the reluctant replacement.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: This movie cleverly details Tim Allen's transformation into Kris Kringle, everything from sprouting white facial hair to massive weight gain to having a desire to wear red and green. Families who have been touched by divorce will also be encouraged by the happy ending.


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#8: The Polar Express (2004)


STORY: A young boy on the verge of giving up his belief of Santa Claus boards the Polar Express train on Christmas Eve. His astonishing journey to the North Pole that teaches a lesson on the spirit of Christmas.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: The animation does an incredible job of bringing this beloved story to life. The kids experience action, adventure and mystery all in one night — reminding us that Christmas is truly a magical time of year for children.


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#9: A Christmas Story (1983)


STORY: Ralphie dreams of getting a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas — he's obsessed with it. Now he has to convince his parents, who are sure he'll shoot his eye out.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: The movie portrays what it's like, through the life of an Indiana 9-year-old, to grow up in middle America around 1940 (or even today) — dealing with family, friends, bullies, and teachers — all while wishing for what every kid wishes for: that perfect present from Santa under the tree on Christmas morning.


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#10: Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)


STORY: Mickey Mouse and his fellow Disney all-stars offer their version of Dickens' 1843 masterpiece.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: The Oscar-nominated short isn't just a Disneyesque portrayal of Scrooge and his ghosts, it serves as a faithful adaptation of a life-changing story that's accessible for children.


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#11: Home Alone (1990)


STORY: This is what happens when a mischievous 8-year-old boy is left to his own devices to defend his family's home against a pair of hooligan crooks during the Christmas season.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: While the antics that young Kevin McCallister employs to protect his home are hilariously entertaining, the true message of the movie showcases how everything is better when you can share it with your family.


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#12: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)


STORY: Everyone in the city of Whoville embraces Christmas, except for the Grinch — until he experiences the ultimate transformation of the heart.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: Dr. Seuss' classic is brought to life complete with delightful rhymes, colorful imagery and the always adorable Max the dog. The Grinch's lesson about love is the icing on the cake.


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#13: Scrooge (1970)


STORY: In a performance for the ages, Albert Finney brilliantly transforms Ebenezer Scrooge from super-grump into the giddy Scrooge of Christmas morning. The fact that it's a rare musical interpretation of the holiday story makes it even more powerful.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: The music from the film is unforgettable, the redemption story is, of course, powerful, and the film itself is very well done. The whole thing is worth watching just for Alec Guinness' loopy performance as Jacob Marley.


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#14: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)


STORY: The king of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington, stumbles into Christmas Town, is moved by the spirit of Christmas and decides the residents of his hometown need to get in on the act.

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IT: Tim Burton's tale celebrates the generous spirit of Christmas with a lesson on being yourself using great humor, award-winning stop-motion cinematography and a fabulous score from Danny Elfman.


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#15: Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)


STORY: The 1980s' favorite bumbling neighbor, Ernest P. Worrell, helps an aging Santa Claus with his eye on retirement find a replacement.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Ernest's unwavering faithfulness and innocence leads not only to comical scenes but also to heartwarming lessons about loyalty, friendship and the child-like wonder that permeates Christmastime. "KnowhutImean?"


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Honorable Mention


A version of this list first appeared in the December 2013 issue of TheBlaze magazine.

These are the definitive recordings of 35 favorite Christmas carols: Don't argue, just listen



Because nobody doesn't love a list and everybody is an expert nowadays, I've compiled a list of the definitive recordings of 35 of the most loved classic Christmas carols.

Don't agree? That's OK — you're allowed to be wrong. (Spoiler alert: There are zero Josh Groban or Pentatonix songs on this list. If you find that upsetting, this probably isn't the list for you anyway. Just click on something else.)

Merry Christmas! And happy listening:

#1: SILENT NIGHT — Dean Martin


This one was a gimme — that way we don't start out the list fighting.


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#2: HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS — Ella Fitzgerald


Yes, I know, I know, Judy did it first for "Meet Me in St. Louis"; however, that does not make it the best. If you think Garland's rendition is better than Ella's, you're probably also a Liza Minnelli fan.


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#3: JOY TO THE WORLD — Whitney Houston


Now, a lot of people will tell you that Mariah Carey has cornered the market on this old hymn, but that's only because she was hitched to Sony's Tommy Mottola when she cut the holiday album that features the song. If Whitney were still around today and able to get the press Mariah does, I'm pretty sure everybody would be saying "Mariah who?" when it was time to drop the needle on "Joy to the World."


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#4: IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR — Andy Williams


If you fight me on this one, we can't be friends.


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#5: THE CHRISTMAS SONG — Nat King Cole


C'mon. Mel Torme wrote the song (with Bob Wells) and gave it to Cole to sing, knowing he was the guy to make this song unforgettable. Other people can roast their chestnuts all they want — many have done it well — but Cole's take will never be topped. Ever.


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#6: HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING — Amy Grant


Truthfully, Jewel's arrangement of "Hark!" is superior, but the problem is ... Jewel, the woman who sings like she has marbles in her mouth and can't decide if she's going to do an adult voice or a little girl voice. Advantage: Grant.


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#7: ADESTE FIDELES — Celine Dion


No one really knows who wrote "O Come, All Ye Faithful," but anyone with any sense knows who did best. (Though I have to give a nod to David Osmond's strong performance on Glenn Beck's "Believe Again" album.)


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#8: WHITE CHRISTMAS — Bing Crosby


There's a reason this Crosby record is the best-selling single in the world — not just in the holiday genre, but best-selling single of all time. Nothing has ever topped it, and it's likely nothing ever will.


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#9: RUDOLPH, THE RED-NOSED REINDEER — Gene Autry


Yes, Burl Ives was the narrator for the TV special. Yes, I get a warm, fuzzy feeling from Ives' record. No, it's isn't the best version. That belongs to The Singing Cowboy.


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#10: IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS — Johnny Mathis


Crosby and Como both killed it when they recorded this song, but the Mathis version has the edge — not just in quality but also culturally with its inclusion in "Home Alone 2," which gave it a massive surge in popularity.


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#11: I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS — Perry Como


Is there really any question? No. No there isn't.


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#12: JINGLE BELLS — Frank Sinatra


Don't question this one either: Frank knows people who know how to hurt people. (Well, at least, he used to.)


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#13: SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN — Jackson 5


The Boss would say different. But you and I know the truth.


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#14: ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH — Mormon Tabernacle Choir


The "Gloria, in excelsis Deo" chorus requires a powerful choir. Good luck finding a choir more powerful than the one the LDS folks put together.


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#15: FROSTY THE SNOWMAN — Jimmy Durante


The Ronettes produced a very good version and it gets way more airplay, which is a shame: Durante's recording is a musical number Rankin & Bass actually got right.


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#16: A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS — Burl Ives


This is Ives' song. No one else should even try to sing it.


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#17: WINTER WONDERLAND — Perry Como


Admit it, you were expecting me to say Darline Love here. It's OK. It's a normal and fairly logical guess. But it also happens to be incorrect. Not only did Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass cut a version that was better (though wordless), both of Perry Como's versions (here and here) are objectively better. Here is the track from his 1946 album "Perry Como Sings Merry Christmas Music."


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#18: LET IT SNOW! LET IS SNOW! LET IT SNOW! — Lena Horne


Lots of artists have made great "Let It Snow!" records (including Harry Connick Jr., who deserves a mention). But none of them ever reached the smoothness — and, frankly, sexiness — of Lena Horne's.


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#19: THE FIRST NOEL — Third Day


It's a more modern version of an old hymn with some cool rhythm. It's also the best version ever recorded.


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#20: SILVER BELLS — Elvis Presley


After The King walked out of the studio the day he laid this down, there was no reason for anyone to ever bother trying to do it better.


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#21: SLEIGH RIDE — Ella Fitzgerald


You want me to say Arthur Fiedler & The Boston Pops Orchestra. Not gonna happen. Lady Ella owns this — and always will.


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#22: DECK THE HALLS — Ashley Hess


Ashley Hess is not likely a name you recognize at first. But if you're a Glenn Beck fan, you'll remember this after a quick listen. And then you'll agree.


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#23: GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN — Barenaked Ladies


Here's one that had me going back and forth for hours. Everything Nat King Cole touched was superb, so I could easily put his recording here and be done with it. But ... the Barenaked Ladies put a spin on this classic that has just the edge needed to bump it ahead of Cole.


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#24: THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS — John Denver & The Muppets


The LP of this 1979 Christmas special (which has never been released on home video) is full of great music. The most notable is the Muppet Gang's clever rundown of the many gifts the writer's obnoxious "true love" gave him. Bah-dum-bum-bum.


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#25: ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY — Julie Andrews


If you like Andrews' style, you'll absolutely love all of her Christmas songs. Her best Christmas record happens to also be the best version of that song.


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#26: DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? — Perry Como


I know he's already got a couple wins on this list, but I've got to give Como this one, too, with Andy Williams coming in a close second.


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#27: IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR — MercyMe


Another modern take on a hymn. On first listen, you'll disagree with me on its ranking. But then you'll listen again and again and be forced to admit that, well, the fat Blaze editor was right once more.


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#28: LITTLE DRUMMER BOY — Bing Crosby & David Bowie


It's a beautiful song — it's also the strangest Christmas song. Crosby and Bowie's awkward video didn't help make it less weird. But you can't argue with the talent they brought to the studio when it was time to record.


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#29: WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS — Alvin and the Chipmunks


Every Christmas music list is required to include Alvin and the Chipmunks. It's scriptural.


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#30: ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE — Leann Rimes


"Brenda Lee!" you're shouting as you read this. "You're nuts!" I'm shouting back. Lee's famous record doesn't have 1 percent of the feel (or talent, for that matter) that Rimes' does.


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#31: O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM — Andy Williams


I was torn on this one — all the way up until it was time to post this. My brain tells me to go with Mahalia Jackson's soulful version. But my heart says this is another song that The King of Christmas just nailed.


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#32: WHAT CHILD IS THIS? — Vince Guaraldi Trio


Guaraldi's "Charlie Brown Christmas" album is arguably the best complete holiday album ever produced. No one has ever made "Greensleeves" sound better.


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#33: GOOD KING WENCESLAS — Ames Brothers


Though a lot of folks will say The Velvet Fog's jazzy turn on this tale of a ruler who looked out for others should be tops, I've got a soft spot in my heart for the Ames Brothers' record. The majesty of the music sets the tone for understanding the lesson we can learn from Wenceslas.


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#34: O HOLY NIGHT — David Phelps


Here's another hymn that could have gone to a couple artists. Critics have rightfully celebrated Celine Dion for her rendition, but David Phelps really brought it home. (Plus, Celine is Canadian, so the thought of giving her more than one song on this list was nauseating.)


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#35: MY FAVORITE THINGS — Tony Bennett


No one has ever explained to me how this became a Christmas song. Julie Andrews really made it famous on "The Sound of Music," and since then, scads of very notable vocalists have covered it for Christmas — no one better than Bennett. (Barbra Streisand can get bent.)

This post originally ran Dec. 25, 2019.