Holiday Favorites 2025
Last Updated on November 23, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network
Watching the classics on TV is a favorite holiday tradition! 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 2025 rundown of some favorites, plus a few new additions:
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26, 2025
NBC & Peacock | 8-9 p.m. — Countdown to the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Broadcast live from the famous starting line on the eve of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, viewers will get an exclusive first look at the incredible stories behind the floats, balloons, and bands as they prepare to make their way through the streets of New York.
NBC & Peacock | 9-11 p.m. — A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving
The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Thanksgiving-themed sketches.
THURSDAY, NOV. 27, 2025
NBC & Peacock | 8:30 a.m. to noon; encore at 2 p.m. — 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 99th edition of the world famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brings its one-of-a-kind magic to New York City spectators and a national television audience with its exciting array of balloons, floats, marching bands, celebrities, and more in America’s most-watched entertainment telecast of the year.
NBC & Peacock | 2 p.m. — National Dog Show presented by Purina
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 will offer a behind-the-scenes account of the competition.
NBC & Peacock | 7:20 pm. — NFL Special Thanksgiving Day Game
NBC viewers will be treated to a special Thanksgiving Day NFL game that sees the Cincinnati Bengals battle the Baltimore Ravens on the Ravens’ turf. Tune in later that holiday weekend to catch the Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 7:20 p.m. That game will also be shown on Peacock.
ABC | 8:00-11:00 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney Presents “Mary Poppins”
Mary Poppins flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. The spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a “Jolly Holiday” to reconnect the children with their parents.
FRIDAY, NOV. 28, 2025
CBS | 8-9 p.m. — NEW SPECIAL! PAW PATROL Christmas Special
Create new shared family holiday traditions with the PAW Patrol pups! A PAW PATROL CHRISTMAS features a mix of original and classic holiday songs in a heartwarming story following construction-savvy pup Rubble and his team of lovable friends.
SUNDAY, NOV. 30, 2025
ABC | 8:01-8:30 p.m. — Disney’s “Prep & Landing”
A high-tech team of elves from an elite unit known as Prep and Landing ensures homes worldwide are prepared for Santa’s visit. An elf named Wayne and his idealistic partner, Lanny, encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits.
ABC | 8:30-9:00 p.m. — Disney’s “Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice”
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!
ABC | 9:00-9:31 p.m. — Disney’s “Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol”
Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne panic when their holiday missions go awry, leaving Wayne thinking he’s in BIG trouble with Santa and accidentally revealing other merry mishaps.
ABC | 9:31-10:00 p.m. — “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure”
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.”
ABC | 10:00-11:00 p.m. — “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”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.
MONDAY, DEC. 1, 2025
ABC | 8:00-10:00 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
The 10th annual seasonal celebration will feature new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; Disneyland Resort in California; and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi.
TUESDAY, DEC. 2, 2025
ABC | 8:00-9:01 p.m. — “Dancing with the Holidays”
The ballroom comes alive with holiday magic as “Dancing with the Stars” celebrates the season with festive-themed routines, dazzling musical performances and special holiday greetings.
ABC | 9:01-10:02 p.m. — “CMA Country Christmas”
Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the 16th annual “CMA Country Christmas” will feature one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from country music’s biggest stars. Hosted by Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis, the holiday special will include performances by Daigle, Davis, Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and BeBe Winans.
ABC | 10:02-11:00 p.m. — “What Would You Do?: Holiday Edition”
Santa isn’t the only one watching this season! “What Would You Do?” returns with a special holiday episode. John Quinones and Sara Haines see who’s naughty, who’s nice — and who’s caught in between. The hidden cameras are rolling, and the scenarios include a woman shamed for being single during the holidays, a child facing recital stage fright, an unhoused veteran falling victim to thieves, and a little person being asked intrusive questions. Celebrate the holiday spirit with this special episode of “What Would You Do?”
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3, 2025
NBC & Peacock | 8-10 p.m. — Christmas in Rockefeller Center
Hosted by Reba McEntire, the dazzling display of musical talents, star-studded surprises and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree remains one of the holiday season’s most anticipated events.
NBC & Peacock | 10-11 p.m. — Christmas in Nashville
Celebrate the season Nashville-style! Ring in the holidays with dazzling performances and a night of music, magic and merrymaking straight from Music City.
THURSDAY, DEC. 4
NBC & Peacock | 8-8:30 p.m. — How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The classic animated tale of the curmudgeonly Grinch who’s hoping to remove the joy from Christmas but, ultimately, has a change of heart. (Encore Dec. 25 at 8 p.m.)
NBC & Peacock | 8:30-9 p.m. — Frosty the Snowman
The cherished original holiday special about how Frosty, everyone’s favorite snowman, came to life one day. (encore on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.)
ABC | 9:00-10:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “The Holiday Express” (Season Premiere)
On the Season 13 premiere, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the Palusso, Greason and Jimenez families compete for the $50,000 grand prize and coveted “Light Fight” trophy as Carter Oosterhouse judges these over-the-top displays.
ABC | 10:00-11:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “Santa’s Making His List”
In an all-new episode of “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” judge Taniya Nayak continues the holiday festivities as the Irvin, Lunar and Kopatz families battle for the $50,000 grand prize and coveted “Light Fight” trophy.
FRIDAY, DEC. 5, 2025
NBC & Peacock | 8-9:15 p.m. — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The classic animated special offers the perspective of Rudolph, who’s told he couldn’t play in any Reindeer Games due to his glowing nose. Rudolph sets out on a fantastic journey where he meets Hermey the elf, prospector Yukon Cornelius and a host of Misfit Toys, all while trying to hide from the Abominable Snow Monster. (encore on Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.)
SATURDAY, DEC. 6, 2025
CBS | 8-9 p.m. — Reindeer in Here
Based on the award-winning Christmas book, 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.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7, 2025
ABC | 7:00-8:01 p.m. — America’s Funniest Home Videos: “Holiday Hoots, Santa Shenanigans, and Festive Funnies”
This week, it’s a dose of holiday hilarity as kids react to unwanted gifts, pets create Christmas tree chaos, and families fumble through festive fun. Plus, nine of the season’s top winners face off for the $100,000 prize.
ABC | 9:00-11:00 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney Presents “The Santa Clause”
On Christmas Eve, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) and his son discover Santa Claus has fallen off their roof. When Scott takes the reins of the magical sleigh, he finds he is now the new Santa and must convince a world of disbelievers, including himself.
TUESDAY, DEC. 9, 2025
ABC | 8:00-10:00 p.m. — “Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas”
Kevin Costner hosts the special exploring the extraordinary journey of Mary and Joseph as they navigate the hardships, trials and triumphs surrounding Jesus Christ’s birth, offering an inspiring way to experience the true meaning of Christmas.
NBC & Peacock | 8-8:30 p.m. — Frosty the Snowman
The cherished original holiday special about how Frosty, everyone’s favorite snowman, came to life one day.
NBC & Peacock | 8:30-9 p.m. — Shrek the Halls
This half-hour animated special debuted in 2007 and features a Christmas twist on the original Shrek characters. (encore on Dec. 17 at 8 p.m.)
NBC & Peacock | 9-11 p.m. — A Motown Christmas
Hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, this special features performances by Motown legends and today’s hottest stars celebrating iconic Hitsville U.S.A classics and their favorite holiday songs. (encore on Dec. 17 at 9 p.m.)
THURSDAY, DEC. 11, 2025
NBC & Peacock | 8-9:15 p.m. — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The classic animated special offers the perspective of Rudolph, who’s told he couldn’t play in any Reindeer Games due to his glowing nose. Rudolph sets out on a fantastic journey where he meets Hermey the elf, prospector Yukon Cornelius and a host of Misfit Toys, all while trying to hide from the Abominable Snow Monster.
ABC | 8:00-9:00 p.m. — “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune”
“Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, will celebrate the holiday season in style with BIG celebrity names and lots of holiday cheer! Plus, a $50,000 giveaway for a viewer at home.
ABC | 9:00-10:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “Christmas Vacation”
Judged by Taniya Nayak, the tree-mendous Christmas decor competition heats up as the Hak, Paul and Riera families put their creative skills to the test to win the $50,000 grand prize and “Light Fight” trophy.
NBC 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW PRESENTED BY ACCESS HOLLYWOOD
NBC & Peacock | 9:15-10 p.m. — NBC 2025 Year in Review presented by Access Hollywood
Access Hollywood’s Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover host NBC’s primetime special, recapping the most talked about entertainment stories and buzzworthy headlines of the year. (one-hour extended version airing Dec. 17 at 10 p.m.)
ABC | 10:00-11:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “Holiday Igloomination”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The Martin, Horn and Vistalli families go head-to-head for the most spectacular holiday displays in hopes of earning the $50,000 grand prize and “Light Fight” trophy as Carter Oosterhouse judges.
SATURDAY, DEC. 13, 2025
CBS | 8-9 p.m. — Family, Film and TV Awards
This special shines a spotlight on excellence in family-oriented entertainment. The event gathers fan-favorite stars and performers to celebrate outstanding achievements in film and television that resonate with audiences of all ages.
MONDAY, DEC. 15, 2025
PBS | 8:00 p.m. — “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir”
The treasured special returns to PBS for the 22nd year. Renowned film and television actor Dennis Haysbert and Tony Award–winning actress Ruthie Ann Miles join the iconic Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in a stunning 90-minute theatrical program, which celebrates inspiring Christmas stories of hope and love in action
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17, 2025
ABC | 8:00-10:00 p.m. — “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025”
The season’s iconic holiday music event with the year’s top artist performances and star-studded appearances returning to ring in holiday cheer.
NBC & Peacock | 8-8:30 p.m. — Shrek the Halls
This half-hour animated special debuted in 2007 and features a Christmas twist on the original Shrek characters.
NBC & Peacock | 9-10 p.m. — Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular
Jimmy Fallon searches for the holiday spirit in New York, exploring a surreal and magical apartment building where behind every door a different celebrity joins him for a performance from his festive holiday album, Holiday Seasoning. The star-studded lineup of guests includes Meghan Trainor, Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, JB Smoove, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, The Roots, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more.
NBC & Peacock | 10 p.m. — NBC 2025 Year in Review presented by Access Hollywood
Access Hollywood’s Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover host NBC’s primetime special, recapping the most talked about entertainment stories and buzzworthy headlines of the year.
THURSDAY, DEC. 18, 2025
NBC & Peacock | 9-11 p.m. — A Saturday Night Live Christmas
The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Christmas-themed sketches. (encore on Dec. 22 at 9 p.m.)
ABC | 9:00-10:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “You Decked My Battleship”
In this festive heavyweight special episode, Carter Oosterhouse judges displays created by Nauticus’ Winterfest, Imaginarium and River of Lights, all vying for the $50,000 grand prize and “Light Fight” trophy.
ABC | 10:00-11:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “It’s Gonna Be Elftastic” (Season Finale)
In the final showdown of the season, the Loder, Perez and Plourde families share their versions of winter wonderlands with judge Taniya Nayak in hopes of winning the $50,000 grand prize and “Light Fight” trophy.
SUNDAY, DEC. 21, 2025
ABC | 7:00-11:00 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney Presents “The Sound of Music”
Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer star in the Oscar®-winning film, celebrating its 60th anniversary and featuring songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein: “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “The Sound of Music.”
MONDAY, DEC. 22, 2025
NBC & Peacock | 9-11 p.m. — A Saturday Night Live Christmas
The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Christmas-themed sketches.
TUESDAY, DEC. 23, 2025
CBS | 8-10:30 p.m. — The Kennedy Center Honors
The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped the way we see ourselves, each other and our world. This year’s recipients include country music icon George Strait, legendary rock band KISS (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley), Tony Award-winning stage and screen star Michael Crawford, GRAMMY® Award-winning disco pioneer Gloria Gaynor and blockbuster film powerhouse and Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24, 2025
ABC | 8:00-10:30 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney Presents “Home Alone”
Accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister gets busy decorating the house. But he’s not decking the halls with tinsel and holly — he has to defend his home from two bumbling burglars.
NBC & PEACOCK | 8-11 p.m. — It’s A Wonderful Life
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.
NBC & PEACOCK | 11:30 p.m. – 1 a. m. — Christmas Eve Mass
Viewers will be able to watch the Pope Leo-led mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
THURSDAY, DEC. 25, 2025
ABC | 10:00 a.m. EST —Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
Disney’s Emmy® Award-winning annual celebration returns Christmas morning with magical star-studded performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; Disneyland Resort in California and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi.
ABC | 12:00 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
The action tips off from Madison Square Garden where the Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell return to New York to face the Knicks and Jalen Brunson.
ABC | 2:30 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama visit the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
ABC | 5:00 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
The Dallas Mavericks and Cooper Flagg visit the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry.
ABC | 7:30 p.m. EST — “Inside the NBA”
ABC | 8:00 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers.
The game’s biggest names take center court in Los Angeles when the Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, host the Houston Rockets and newly acquired star Kevin Durant.
NBC & Peacock | 8-8:30 p.m. — How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The classic animated tale of the curmudgeonly Grinch who’s hoping to remove the joy from Christmas but, ultimately, has a change of heart.
NBC & Peacock | 8:30-11 p.m. — How the Grinch Stole Christmas
On the outskirts of Whoville, there lives a green revenge-seeking Grinch who plans on ruining the Christmas holiday for all of the citizens of the town.
ABC | 10:30 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets.
Minnesota Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards, fresh off their Western Conference Finals appearance, visit the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokić.
SUNDAY, DEC. 28, 2025
CBS | 8-10 p.m. — New Special! A Grammy® Celebration of Latin Music
Highlighting Latin music’s impact and widespread influence in the United States, the special will celebrate Latin songs and artists that have connected with audiences throughout decades. Guiding viewers along this musical journey will be covers of classic songs, tributes to various Latin artists, top hits by Latin superstars with special guests across musical genres and interviews and features throughout.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31, 2025
CBS | 8-10 p.m. / 10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash
The five-hour broadcast will feature electrifying performances from Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman, uniting country music fans for one of the nation’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations. Joining the celebration as a special guest will be gospel music legend CeCe Winans.
ABC | “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025”
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, the nation’s most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration gives viewers a glimpse of the festivities from around the globe. More information about co-hosts, performance lineup and additional locations will be announced soon.
THURSDAY, JAN. 1, 2025
NBC & Peacock |11 a.m. 1 p.m. — 137th Rose Parade presented by Honda
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.
ABC | 8:00-11:00 p.m. — “2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony”
Recorded live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, this year’s ceremony features rare once-in-a-lifetime performances and moments celebrating the legacy and influence of this year’s Inductees: Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes in the Performer category, along with Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon for Musical Influence, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye for Musical Excellence, and Lenny Waronker for the Ahmet Ertegun Award.