Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Cass County Communication Network
One of our favorite holiday traditions is watching the classics on TV. Even if you’ve seen them a hundred times, there’s nothing quite the same as watching them during the holiday season (with holiday commercials, of course!)
Here’s the rundown of some favorites, plus a few new additions:
Wednesday, Nov. 22
COUNTDOWN TO MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE | NBC
8-9 p.m.
NBC kicks off the holiday season live from the famous starting line on the eve of the iconic Thanksgiving Day parade. Viewers will get a sneak peek at the incredible stories behind the floats, balloons and bands on their journey to the streets of New York.
A SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE THANKSGIVING SPECIAL | NBC (next day on Peacock)
9-11 p.m.
The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Thanksgiving-themed sketches from its 47 seasons.
Thursday, Nov. 23
97THMACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE | NBC
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (encore at 2 p.m. and also simulcast on Peacock)
Starting a half-hour early for the first time, the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to bring the magic of the parade to New York City spectators and a national television audience with its exciting array of balloons, floats, marching bands, celebrities and more.
NATIONAL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA | NBC
12-2 p.m. (encore on Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. and also simulcast on Peacock)
NBC’s Thanksgiving Day tradition is hosted by John O’Hurley, former “Seinfeld” star and winner of “Dancing with the Stars” along with expert analyst David Frei. Mary Carillo, behind-the-scenes reporter and interviewer, will also be in attendance.
THE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE ON CBS
9 a.m. – noon
This year’s special will take viewers on a tour of the most popular balloons and floats, feature musical performances, and conclude with the iconic Santa Claus riding on his sleigh.
Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration | ABC
8-10 p.m.
This ABC holiday season staple returns for its eighth year with a sparkling spectacle of all-new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii. The special is executive produced by Disney Parks Programming along with Film 45 Live.
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER | CBS
8-9 p.m.
This favorite is a music story based on the popular song of the same name by Johnny Marks. It recounts the tale of a shy reindeer whose Christmas spirit is dampened because his shiny nose has made him the laughingstock of all of Christmasville.
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023
CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER | NBC (simulcast on Peacock)
8-10 p.m.
The dazzling display of musical talents, star-studded surprises and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree returns for the 91st “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” hosted by Kelly Clarkson.
CHRISTMAS AT GRACELAND | NBC (simulcast on Peacock)
10-11 p.m. (encore on Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. and simulcast on Peacock)
NBC is bringing together the legacy of Elvis Presley and the spirit of the holiday season in a new live music special. “Christmas at Graceland” will feature music’s biggest stars celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, his music and his favorite time of year live from his iconic home, Graceland.
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS | NBC
8-8:30 p.m. (encore on Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. and currently available on Peacock)
The classic tale of the curmudgeonly Grinch who’s hoping to remove the joy from Christmas but, ultimately, has a change of heart.
SHREK THE HALLS | NBC
8:30-9 p.m. (encore on Dec. 9 at 9 p.m.)
This half-hour animated special debuted in 2007 and features a Christmas twist on the original Shrek characters.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023
REINDEER IN HERE® | CBS
8-9 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with the return of the one-hour animated special filled with joy and magic for the whole family, REINDEER IN HERE®. Based on the award-winning Christmas book and plush set created by acclaimed author Adam Reed and written for the screen by Greg Erb & Jason Oremland, REINDEER IN HERE® is the heartwarming story of how Blizzard (Blizz), a young reindeer living at the North Pole who has an unusual trait – one antler that is significantly smaller than the other – and his unique group of friends band together to save the future of Christmas. In doing so, they unknowingly create a magical holiday tradition like none other.
ROBBIE THE REINDEER | CBS
9-10 p.m.
In this animated special, Robbie must train to compete in the Reindeer Races to become a part of the sleigh team for Santa.
Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023
The Santa Clause | ABC
8-10 p.m.
Scott Calvin is a divorced father whose strained relationship with his son, Charlie, begins to mend only after a bizarre twist of fate transforms him into the new Santa.
Monday, Dec. 4, 2023
BLAKE SHELTON’S HOLIDAY BARTACULAR FEATURING ICE T | NBC
Monday, Dec. 4, 10-11 p.m. (next day on Peacock)
In this special episode of Blake Shelton and Carson Daly’s hit celebrity game show “Barmageddon,” Blake invites Ice T to his winter wonderland where they will compete in larger-than-life bar games with a holiday twist, including Merry Axe-Mas, Doodle All the Way, Little Drummer Boy (and Girl), Reindeer Games and Christmas Carol-okie.
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
CHRISTMAS AT THE OPRY | NBC
8-10 p.m. (encore on Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. and next day on Peacock)
Featuring the best and brightest voices in country music, the festive two-hour special will treat viewers to an array of Christmas favorites, holiday classics and today’s biggest hits. Wynonna Judd will host the highly anticipated musical event featuring performances from the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023
BYRON ALLEN PRESENTS A MERRY SOULFUL CHRISTMAS | CBS
8-10 p.m.
Music icons perform holiday music.
SHREK THE HALLS | NBC
9 p.m. (encore)
This half-hour animated special debuted in 2007 and features a Christmas twist on the original Shrek characters.
TROLLS: HOLIDAY IN HARMONY | NBC
Saturday, Dec. 9, 8:30-9 p.m.
When Queen Poppy plans the first annual Trolls Kingdom Secret Holiday Gift Swap, things take an unexpected turn when she and Branch draw each other’s name.
Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023
Mickey Saves Christmas | ABC
7 p.m.
Mickey, Minnie and their pals attempt to celebrate the perfect Christmas, but when Pluto causes Santa to lose all the presents on his sleigh, the friends travel to the North Pole on a quest to save Christmas and find the true meaning of the holiday.
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure | ABC
7:30-8:00 p.m.
It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened, and Olaf teams up with Sven on a merry mission to bring home the best traditions and save Anna and Elsa’s “first Christmas in forever.”
Frozen | ABC
8:00-10:00 p.m.
Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer, Sven—to find her sister Elsa whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.
Monday, Dec. 11, 2023
BARRY MANILOW’S A VERY BARRY CHRISTMAS | NBC
10-11 p.m. (encore Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. and next day on Peacock)
What: With a Vegas size backdrop and Barry’s renowned 24 piece band, the evening will feature the best of Manilow’s greatest hits, including “Copacabana,” “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs” and “”Looks Like We Made It” along with several holiday favorites.
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town | ABC
8:00-9:00 p.m.
In the perennial favorite created in 1970 by Rankin-Bass Productions, Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others.
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023
A SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL | NBC
8-10 p.m. (encore on Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. and next day on Peacock)
The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Christmas-themed sketches from its 48 seasons.
CMA Country Christmas | ABC
8:00-9:02 p.m.
Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the 14th annual “CMA Country Christmas” will feature one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from country music’s biggest stars.
Friday, Dec. 15, 2023
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING | CBS
8-9 p.m.
Light up the holidays with this beloved American tradition presented by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation. Tune in to celebrate the official tree lighting on the Ellipse in President’s Park in Washington, D.C., and experience an all-star lineup of musical performances with the whole family from the comfort of your home.
DOLLY PARTON’S COAT OF MANY COLORS | NBC
8-10 p.m.
Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” is based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton’s remarkable upbringing. This movie special takes place inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Parton who she is today. Starring Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, Gerald McRaney and Alyvia Alyn Lind.
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN | CBS
9-9:30 p.m.
Frosty, that “jolly, happy soul” whose old silk hat full of magic has turned him into a musical Christmas legend, once again demonstrates his unique showmanship.
FROSTY RETURNS | CBS
9:30-10 p.m.
Frosty, that “jolly, happy soul” whose old silk hat full of magic has turned him into a musical Christmas legend, once again demonstrates his unique showmanship.
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023
Disney Prep & Landing | ABC
8:00-8:30 p.m.
An elf named Wayne and his idealistic partner, Lanny, encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits. Will the elves be able to guide the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh through a raging snowstorm to ensure a merry Christmas for all?
Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice | ABC
8:30-9:00 p.m.
The yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue. With the Big 2-5 fast approaching, Wayne and Lanny must race to recover classified North Pole technology that has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking Naughty Kid!
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023
CHRISTMAS AT THE OPRY | NBC
9 p.m.
Featuring the best and brightest voices in country music, the festive two-hour special will treat viewers to an array of Christmas favorites, holiday classics and today’s biggest hits. Wynonna Judd will host the highly anticipated musical event featuring performances from the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2023 | ABC
8:00-10:00 p.m.
“IHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2023” is ringing in the holiday season with performances by this year’s biggest artists captured during their nationwide tour.
Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic | CBS
9 p.m.
CBS presents DICK VAN DYKE 98 YEARS OF MAGIC, an entertainment special honoring and celebrating the legendary career of the iconic actor and performer for his 98th birthday. GRAMMY®, Emmy® and Tony® Award winner Van Dyke is one of the most beloved and legendary stars. He has inspired generations of performers and will be honored for his incredible contributions to the arts and entertainment.
DOLLY PARTON’S MOUNTAIN MAGIC CHRISTMAS | NBC
9-11 p.m.
Join Dolly Parton and friends as she draws on holidays past, guided by her personal Three Wise Mountain Men, to find the unique “mountain magic” of Christmas. Musical performances by Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus and more.
Friday, Dec. 22, 2023
THE 25TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS | CBS
8-9 p.m.
The 25th anniversary of this entertainment special features uplifting stories of adoption from foster care and raises awareness of this important social issue. The inspirational stories of these American families are enhanced with performances by some of today’s top artists (to be announced shortly), performing from The Bram Goldsmith Theater at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.
DOLLY PARTON’S CHRISTMAS OF MANY COLORS: CIRCLE OF LOVE | NBC
8-10 p.m.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” is the next chapter in the life of young Dolly Parton. The film delivers Christmas joy and peril as an unexpected blizzard threatens the Parton family, while at the same time Dolly’s father (and his kids) make sacrifices to raise enough money to finally buy his loving wife the wedding ring he could never afford to give her. Meanwhile, an important person in little Dolly’s life begins to see that her amazing voice and musical gift might just be made for something bigger than rural Tennessee.
Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023
A SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL | NBC
9-11 p.m. (encore)
The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Christmas-themed sketches from its 48 seasons.
Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023
Home Alone | ABC
8-10 p.m.
Accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister gets busy decorating the house for the holidays. But he’s not decking the halls with tinsel and holly.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE | NBC
8-11 p.m.
NBC again presents this Frank Capra classic starring Jimmy Stewart, an angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.
CHRISTMAS EVE MASS | NBC
11:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Viewers will be able to watch the Pope Francis-led mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Monday, Dec. 25, 2023
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade | ABC
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Disney’s annual Christmas celebration returns Christmas morning with endearing stories and magical celebrity performances, plus the Christmas Day Parade celebrates its 40th year. The holiday special is executive produced by Disney Parks Programming along with Film 45 Live.
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS | NBC
8-8:30 p.m. (encore and currently available on Peacock)
The classic tale of the curmudgeonly Grinch who’s hoping to remove the joy from Christmas but, ultimately, has a change of heart.
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS | NBC
8:30-11 p.m. (available on Peacock between Dec. 20-31)
Jim Carrey stars as the mean green baddie in this 2000 box office smash.
MARIAH CAREY: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! | CBS
9-11 p.m.
MARIAH CAREY: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!, a two-hour primetime concert special from the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, returns to CBS. Filmed in New York City at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, the concert special features the singer-songwriter performing a repertoire of her festive holiday hits, including the chart-topping massive perennial favorite “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023
THE 46TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS | CBS
9-11 p.m.
The Honorees include actor and comedian Billy Crystal; acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming; British singer-songwriter, producer and member of the Bee Gees Barry Gibb; rapper, singer and actress Queen Latifah; and singer Dionne Warwick. Additionally, former Kennedy Center Honoree (2017) Gloria Estefan returns as host, marking her third time hosting the special.
Saturday, Dec. 31, 2023
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024 | ABC
8:00 p.m.-2:13 a.m.
ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” is the preeminent destination for viewers to ring in the new year. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest live from Times Square, the show celebrates the year’s very best in music, featuring a night of superstar performances. Wrapping up the holiday season, far and away, the nation’s most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration will give viewers a look at New Year’s celebrations from around the globe. Details around co-hosts, performers in Times Square and additional locations will be announced soon.
NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH | CBS
7:30-10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Country music’s hottest superstars return to downtown Nashville to ring in the new year. The star-studded special will be packed with high-energy performances from Thomas Rhett, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Lainey Wilson and more.
Monday, January 1, 2024
135th ROSE PARADE PRESENTED BY HONDA | NBC
11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET (simulcast on Peacock)
The streets of Pasadena, Calif., are lined with thousands of parade fans as gorgeous rose-covered floats and marching bands partake in their annual New Year’s holiday festivities. Hosted by “TODAY” anchors Hoda Kotb and Al Roker.