25 Holiday TV Hits to Brighten Your December Nights

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25 Holiday TV Hits to Brighten Your December Nights/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ From animated mayhem to classic musicals and cozy mysteries, this holiday season’s TV lineup offers something for everyone — whether you want laughs, romance, nostalgia, or suspense. Notable events include music specials, tree‑lighting ceremonies, Hallmark films, and festive mysteries. Here’s a curated guide to 25 standout offerings for the holiday season.

This image released by Disney shows Nicole Scherzinger in “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular.” (Omark Reyes/Disney via AP)

This combination of photos shows promotional art for holiday films “Jingle Bell Wedding,” from left, “The Christmas Showdown,” and “She’s Making a List.” (Roku/OWN/Hallmark Channel via AP)

This combination of photos show promotional art for holiday specials “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” left, and “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration.” (NBC/Netflix via AP)

Holiday TV Countdown Quick Looks

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” kicks off December 1
“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” tree lighting airs December 3 on NBC
New Hallmark holiday film “She’s Making a List” features Lacey Chabert
Animated “The First Snow of Fraggle Rock” smashes streaming on Apple TV Dec 5
Cozy mystery “A Christmas Murder Mystery” premieres Dec 7 on UPtv
“Merv,” a romantic comedy starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, debuts Dec 10 on Prime Video
Family favorite “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” returns on The CW
Holiday classic “The Sound of Music” airs Dec 21; “Home Alone” on Dec 24
Netflix serves up two NFL games on Christmas Day for sports fans
“The Nutcracker from English National Ballet” streams Dec 16 via PBS — holiday elegance meets ballet

This image released by PBS shows English National Ballet dancers in “Great Performances: Nutcracker from English National Ballet.” (Johan Persson/PBS via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in a scene from her holiday special “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration.” (Jake Rosenberg/Netflix via AP)

This image released by Amazon Content Services shows Zooey Deschanel, left, and Charlie Cox in a scene from “Merv.” (Wilson Webb/Amazon Content Services via AP)

Deep Look: 25 Holiday TV Gems to Watch This December

As the year draws to a close and festive decorations go up, television networks and streaming platforms have rolled out a robust holiday programming lineup. Whether you lean toward merry musicals, heartfelt Hallmark romances, or chilling mysteries with a Christmastime twist, December offers a feast of entertainment. Here’s a detailed look at 25 standout picks and why they deserve a spot on your watch list.

Early December Highlights

Dec. 1 — Kick off the season with “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” on ABC. Hosted by dancer‑choreographer Derek Hough, the special features stars like Nicole Scherzinger, Gwen Stefani, Trisha Yearwood, and Mariah the Scientist putting their spin on holiday classics. Can’t catch it live? It streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Dec. 3 — “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” returns, with Reba McEntire leading the ceremonies and a Norway spruce adorned with 50,000 lights and a Swarovski-star topper. It’s a classic festive tradition streaming live on Peacock.
Dec. 5 — For families and longtime fans, “The First Snow of Fraggle Rock” premieres on Apple TV. The Fraggles’ seasonal adventure underscores that even the smallest flake of snow can spark magic and creativity.

Rom‑Coms, Holiday Movies & Feel‑Good Films

Dec. 6 — “She’s Making a List” on Hallmark Channel stars Lacey Chabert as a strict “naughty‑or‑nice” list keeper who learns the holiday spirit can soften even the firmest heart. It’s classic Hallmark comfort.
Dec. 7 — Cozy‑mystery fans get a treat with “A Christmas Murder Mystery” on UPtv. The holiday gathering turns sinister and a puzzle‑editor–turned–detective must untangle secrets before the season ends.
Dec. 10 — Streaming on Prime Video, “Merv” pairs Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox as exes reuniting to save their dog’s holiday spirit — a quirky, heartwarming tale of second chances.
Holiday staples like “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” (The CW) bring animated laughs, while “A Suite Holiday Romance” (Hallmark) and “Oy to the World!” (Hallmark) offer romance and interfaith holiday cheer.

Music, Nostalgia & Family Classics

Dec. 11 — “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” returns to screens via The CW, weaving music, legacy, and family values — a timeless story rooted in love and resilience.
Dec. 12 — AMC hosts an eight‑hour “Elf” marathon, giving viewers ample time for repeated laughs, joy, and Will Ferrell’s yuletide charm.
Dec. 16 — The arts get festive treatment with “The Nutcracker from English National Ballet”, broadcast on PBS — an elegant blend of Edwardian London charm and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
Late December — Two enduring classics anchor the season: “The Sound of Music” airs Dec. 21, while family favorite “Home Alone” lands on Dec. 24 — perfect for wrapping up Christmas Eve.

Sports + Holiday Entertainment Mashup

Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) — For viewers craving sports, Netflix delivers two NFL games: Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. Eastern, followed by Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. It’s holiday football meets family traditions.

Why 2025’s Lineup Stands Out

This season’s offerings reflect a deliberate mix of nostalgia, variety, and inclusivity. From animated holiday hijinks to serious spiritual specials and modern rom‑coms, there’s something for every mood. Family friendly, musical, romantic, mysterious — this holiday TV slate invites viewers to craft their own festive watchlist.

Streaming platforms and traditional networks alike are catering to diverse tastes, ensuring viewers can switch from a cozy Hallmark film to a ballet special, from animated comedy to high-stakes mystery, or from festive music performances to live sports. It’s a celebration of holiday spirit across genres.