Holiday TV Specials 2025: How & When to Watch the Tree Lighting and More

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for fans of holiday programming, and there’s no shortage of specials, old classics, and exciting performances for them to look forward to in 2025. Already, TV networks have one heck of a lineup for the holidays, from ABC and CBS to NBC. Whether it’s a tree lighting or parade, classic films, or a music presentation, there’s something for every type of viewer this holiday season.

Below, we’re breaking down all of the must-see holiday TV specials, events, parades, movies, and more. Stay tuned for additional news as more announcements for the holiday lineup are made, and scroll down for a closer look at what’s ahead.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular

The 10th annual seasonal celebration featuring musical performances from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Aulani will air on ABC on Monday, December 1, at 8/7c.

Dancing With the Holidays

The Dancing With the Stars ballroom celebrates holiday magic with festive-themed routines on ABC on Tuesday, December 2, at 8/7c.

CMA Country Christmas

Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the 16th annual event will feature performances from hosts Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis, as well as Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and BeBe Winans. Don’t miss it on ABC, Tuesday, December 2, at 9/8c.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center

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Happy’s Place star Reba McEntire will headline as the host of this year’s annual tree lighting celebration in Rockefeller Center, which will air over a two-hour telecast on Wednesday, December 3, beginning at 8/7c on NBC and Peacock. Joining McEntire for the celebration is an all-star lineup of performers, including Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, the Radio City Rockettes, and Gwen Stefani.

Christmas in Nashville

On Wednesday, December 3, at 10/9c, right after the tree lighting at Rockefeller, NBC will broadcast this hour-long special featuring performances straight from Nashville.

The Great Christmas Light Fight

Season 13 of ABC’s fan-favorite holiday series kicks off, putting the Palusso, Greason, and Jimenez families to the test as they compete for the $50,000 grand prize and coveted “Light Fight” trophy. Carter Oosterhouse judges the over-the-top displays when the series returns on Thursday, December 4, at 8/7c. Catch the second episode right after at 10/9c.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

On Thursday, December 4, at 8/7c, on NBC, viewers can catch the animated classic about the curmudgeonly Grinch, whose hatred for Christmas takes a turn when he has a change of heart.

Frosty the Snowman

Another animated classic, Frosty the Snowman, will air on Thursday, December 4, at 8:30/7:30c, on NBC. The tale about a snowman that comes to life is sure to bring on the nostalgia for viewers old and new.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The Rankin/Bass stop-motion classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer airs Friday, December 5, at 8/7c, on NBC.

Reindeer in Here

Based on the award-winning Christmas book, Reindeer in Here is a tale about Blizzard, a young reindeer living in the North Pole, with an unusual trait of having one antler smaller than the other. Blizz and his unique group of friends band together in this heartwarming story to save the future of Christmas. The TV special presentation will unfold on Saturday, December 6, at 8/7c on CBS.

Password Holiday Special

A special holiday edition of the Keke Palmer-hosted game show starring Jimmy Fallon airs Monday, December 8, at 10/9c. The episode’s celebrity guest is none other than Jonathan Groff.

Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas

Kevin Costner hosts a special exploring the extraordinary journey of Mary and Joseph as they navigate hardships, trials, and triumphs surrounding Jesus Christ’s birth, offering an inspiring way to experience the true meaning of Christmas. Catch this all-new presentation on ABC on Tuesday, December 9, at 8/7c.

Shrek the Halls

The half-hour 2007 animated special Shrek the Halls, airing Tuesday, December 9 at 8:30/7:30c, on NBC, offers a glimpse at what Christmas is like for Shrek and friends.

A Motown Christmas

On Tuesday, December 9, at 9/8c, NBC airs the special hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halley Bailey, featuring performances from Motown legends and some of today’s hottest stars.

NBC 2025 Year in Review Presented by Access Hollywood

Access Hollywood‘s Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover host the NBC primetime special recapping the year’s biggest entertainment stories on Thursday, December 11, at 9:15/8:15c.

iHeart Radio Jingle Ball 2025

See the year’s top artists perform for this annual star-studded event on ABC on Wednesday, December 17 at 8/7c.

Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular

JimmyFallon searches for the holiday spirit in New York with this holiday special featuring guests like Meghan Trainor, Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, JB Smoove, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, The Roots, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and more. The special airs Wednesday, December 17, at 9/8c, on NBC.

A Saturday Night Live Christmas

On Thursday, December 18, at 9/8c, Saturday Night Live looks back on iconic holiday sketches for this two-hour special on NBC.

The Wonderful World of Disney Presents The Sound of Music

Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer headline the classic film celebrating its 60th anniversary. Don’t miss the seasonal presentation on ABC on Sunday, December 21, at 7/6c.

It’s a Wonderful Life

The classic film starring Jimmy Stewart as a down-on-his-luck businessman returns for its annual broadcast on NBC, airing Wednesday, December 24, at 8/7c.

The Wonderful World of Disney Presents Home Alone

Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister finds himself Home Alone for the holidays in this beloved film you won’t want to miss on ABC on Wednesday, December 24, at 8/7c.

Christmas Eve Mass

Catch the Pope Leo-led service from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome beginning at 11:30/10:30c, on Wednesday, December 24, on NBC.

40th Anniversary Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

Celebrate Christmas morning with star-studded performances from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Aulni on ABC at 10/9 a.m. c.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The beloved live-action film from director Ron Howard sees Jim Carrey take on the iconic character for this Christmas Day broadcast on NBC beginning at 8:30/7:30c.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025

Ryan Seacrest hosts the New Year’s Eve bash featuring special musical performances on ABC on Wednesday, December 31.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash

CBS rings in the new year with a five-hour broadcast beginning at 8/7c on Wednesday, December 31. The special will feature performances from Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman, uniting country music fans. Additionally, the event will include a special guest performance from gospel music legend CeCe Winans.

137th Rose Parade Presented by Honda

Catch the rose-covered floats and marching bands on their parade route around the streets of Pasadena, California, in the annual TV event airing at 11/10 a.m. c, on NBC and simulcast on Peacock.

Stay tuned for more on the 2025 holiday lineup in the weeks ahead, and let us know what you plan to watch in the comments section below.