Everyone has a favorite special or movie that officially signals the season is here. Whether you watch it once or 100 times, it’s your jam and you can’t celebrate without it. Luckily, most streaming services have you covered and you can easily find these classics. No need to go scrolling through your apps, because we’ve gathered a cool list of where you can find some of our favorite holiday TV specials and movies.
Suggested Reading
The Grinch - Peacock
Benedict Cumberbatch voices The Grinch in this 2018 update of the classic tale. The Doctor Strange star brings an acerbic, dry wit to the character’s famous dislike of Christmas in this well done version of the story. The star-studded cast features Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson and Pharrell Williams.
The Ms. Pat Show Holiday Episode - BET+
Premiering Nov. 23, “Father Christmas” follows Pat as she “tries to give Terry the perfect Christmas by finding his real father. When she can’t track him down, she and Denise embark on a wild Plan B involving a mall Santa.”
Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to All! - CBS
The “Queen of Christmas” delivers holiday favorites from her tour, which definitely include “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” At this point, the endlessly catchy song is the whole reason we still celebrate every year. The special airs Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center - NBC/Peacock
Chloe Bailey, Adam Blackstone, Keke Palmer, Cher and Darlene Love are among the performers announced for the annual New York City tree lighting, which airs Nov. 29 at 8 p.m.
The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special - Disney+
Lucasfilm and Disney may not want you to see the so-bad-it’s-good Star Wars Holiday Special, but you can still enjoy some Life Day themed nonsense with this LEGO one that merges the original movies with the prequels.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town - Prime Video
Over the years, we’ve gotten a lot of creative origin stories for Santa, but this is hands down the wildest and best one.
The Year Without a Santa Claus - Prime Video, YouTube
No matter how old we get, there’s always something endearing about the simple joy of these classic Rankin/Bass animated specials.
Frosty the Snowman - CBS
As sweet as the story of Frosty is, do you know how much trouble I would’ve been in if I hopped a train to the North Pole because I didn’t want a snowman to melt? I would still be grounded. Frosty’s annual holiday adventure airs Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. It’s followed by Frosty Returns at 9:30 p.m.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - CBS
Rudolph is such a smart, timeless story of acceptance and kindness that Christmas doesn’t feel real until you visit the Island of Misfit Toys and check in with Hermey the Elf.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Peacock
At some point, the holiday crunch gets to us all and we tap into our inner Grinch. Just like Dr. Seuss’ famous green grump, you’re not a bad person, you just cannot stand to hear “Jingle Bells” one more time.
A Charlie Brown Christmas - AppleTV+
Personally, this is my all-time favorite holiday special. It’s such a brilliantly layered story with a classic soundtrack. “Christmas Time is Here” gets me every time.
This Christmas - Hulu, Prime Video
With Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, Delroy Lindo, Regina King, Sharon Leal, Lauren London and Chris Brown, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more star-studded, quintessentially Black movie. Do yourself a favor and stream it, so you don’t have to sit through a needlessly long, commercial-filled airing.
Love Actually - Netflix
This movie is chock full of memorable moments that I can’t celebrate the season without. Hugh Grant dancing around Downing Street; Andrew Lincoln awkwardly telling his best friend’s wife that he loves her; and Emma Thompson breaking down to Joni Mitchell when she realizes her husband is cheating. That last one destroys me every single time and I’ve seen Love Actually more than 100 times.
Last Holiday - Paramount+
Queen Latifah gives one of her best performances in this movie that sells itself as a holiday rom-com, but is actually a beautiful lesson on living life to the fullest. In our new post-COVID world, this film is even more poignant and emotional.
Almost Christmas - Prime Video
Yes, things get uncomfortably messy, but Gabrielle Union and Kimberly Elise are amazing, so it’s worth it.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey - Netflix
Though it was just released in 2020, Jingle Jangle has already become a modern classic that we can’t get through the season without watching a few times.
The Best Man Holiday - Peacock
In case your family is too nice and respectful, put this one on so you can start the age-old debate about which is better: The Best Man or The Best Man Holiday? Then spice things up with the new Peacock series, The Best Man: The Final Chapter.
The Preacher’s Wife - Disney+
If you aren’t praising when Whitney starts singing “Joy to the World,” you officially have no Christmas spirit. The soundtrack is an essential part of any holiday playlist.
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