Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
This stop motion TV classic tells the story of the reindeer outcast with a red nose, Rudolph. Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist, is friends with Rudolph. This story about misfits will warm anyone’s heart!
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983)
This made-for-TV movie is based on the classic 1971 book of the same name by Barbara Robinson. The Herdmans, a family of delinquent children, attend a church and become involved in its Christmas pageant.
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Shrek the Halls (2007)
In this ABC special, Shrek learns about Christmas in order to make the holidays a nice time for Fiona and their children. His efforts are stalled by the antics of Donkey, Gingy, and Puss in Boots.
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Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas (1977)
TV lore tells that David Bowie did not want to sing "The Little Drummer Boy," so composers quickly wrote "Peace on Earth" to interweave with the other song. The resulting duet is the most classic TV Christmas musical performance of all time.
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Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Comedian Jimmy Durante's final performance is as the narrator in this animated TV special based on the song. Kids find a magician's hat that brings their snowman to life. It’s a can’t miss around the holidays!
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The Year Without Santa Claus (1974)
In this stop-motion classic, Santa Claus is sick and unsure if people still care about Christmas. Highlights include Mrs. Claus' visits to Snow Miser and Heat Miser. You’ll be singing along all season!
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A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
In this Christmas classic, depressed Charlie Brown struggles to find the true meaning of Christmas, Snoopy wins an award for decorating his doghouse, and the Peanuts gang decorate Charlie Brown's seemingly hopeless tree.
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Olive, The Other Reindeer (1999)
Blitzen becomes injured and Santa says via the radio that he hopes "all of the other reindeer" will be enough. A Jack Russell terrier named Olive hears "Olive, the other reindeer" and heads to the North Pole to help pull Santa’s sleigh.
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Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)
Superstars Mickey Rooney and Fred Astaire are among the voices in this stop-motion special. It tells the backstory of Santa Claus. As an orphan baby, he finds his way to the Kringle family of elves.
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Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (1974)
This Emmy-winning animated special tells the story of an 8-year-old in New York who writes to the newspaper in an attempt to determine if there really is a Santa Claus. The response from The Sun became a famous editorial.
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The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971)
The story of the Walton family is so good that it launched a series that ran for years! On Christmas Eve, this depression-era Virginia family prepares for the holiday and awaits the return of their father who has been traveling in search of work.
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A Dog Named Christmas (2009)
In this made-for-TV movie, a disabled young man decides to help his local animal shelter with their "Adopt a Dog for Christmas" program. The presence of a foster dog affects him and his parents.
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Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
In order to capitalize on the 1977 movie sensation, CBS aired this special that includes Chewbacca returning to his home planet to celebrate "Life Day" with his family. It was so bad that it never aired again, but fans still watch homemade recordings as a tradition.
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A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)
There are many great Muppet Christmas specials, but this one takes the cake! It features characters from the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock. Puppeteer genius Jim Henson also appears.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Since first airing in 1966, this animated special based on the book by Dr. Seuss has become a yearly favorite. The grumpy Grinch, accompanied by his dog Max, tries to prevent Christmas from coming to the town of Whoville.
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