Christmas TV specials make an excellent family tradition. Growing up, I remember watching shows like “Rudolph,” “Frosty,” and the “Grinch”—the original episodes, not the remakes. These timeless classics were fun and innocent. Most of the specials on this list were created before the invention of DVDs, the Internet and 100+ cable channels. Only two shows on this list were made in the past thirty years. Unfortunately, newer Christmas TV shows have lost the charm of the TV shows of old.
Here, I present the 12 Best Christmas TV Shows:
12. Olive, The Other Reindeer – The title of this 1999 show, starring Drew Barrymore, comes from a common misheard song lyric, called a Mondegreen.
11. A Christmas Carol (1984 w/ George C Scott)
10. Claymation Christmas Celebration – This 1988 special features the California Raisins singing “Rudolph” and other songs.
9. Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
8. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976 – Rankin-Bass) – A Rudolph spinoff.
7. The Muppet Christmas Carol
6. The Little Drummer Boy (1968 – Rankin-Bass)
Heat Miser
5. The Year without a Santa Claus (1974 – Rankin Bass) – Arguably the best of the Rudolph spinoff featuring Heat Miser and Cold Miser, who create the summers and winters, are the sons of Mother Nature. I love the song, “I’m Mister Heat Miser, I’m Mister Sun…”
4. Frosty the Snowman (1969 – Rankin-Bass)
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas – This could easily be in the first or second spot. That poor little tree is certainly endearing.
The Grinch
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas – The Who Pudding, the Who Roast Beast, Little Cindy Lou Who, and Max the dog are adorable.
1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964 -Rankin-Bass) – This timeless classic takes the top spot due to its creative plot, numerous classic songs, a memorable cast of characters. Rudolph and his band of misfit toys save Christmas.
Rudolph
Brainworms and The Buzz™ 