When the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins, one thing will be clear: TV’s Christmas season has begun.
Yes, some cable channels have been slipping in some new movies early. They’re like that.
But now the rush begins. In the four-day weekend (Nov. 24-27), the Christmas lineup includes at least 20 new cable or streaming movies, three new music specials, one new cartoon special, plus eight classics (including “Grinch” and “Frosty”) and a few classic big-screen movies, including “Wizard of Oz” (twice), “Polar Express” (twice) and all-day marathons of “Elf” and “Christmas Vacation.”
And all of that is before the Freeform channel starts its annual “25 Days of Christmas” rush.
The holiday blitz has been propelled by Hallmark, Lifetime, Freeform and another family-friendly cable channel, UpTV. Lately, however, there have been three trends:
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- Hallmark and Lifetime have shed their same-old approach. Their movies have more lead characters who are Black, Latina, Asian and gay; some also have a smattering of music, dance and humor.
- A new competitor has emerged. Great American Family (formerly Great American Country) is run by the former Hallmark people; this year, it has doubled its holiday films.
- And CBS has jumped back in. Already the place for cartoon reruns (“Rudolph,” “Frosty,” etc.), it had two new Christmas movies last year. This year, it reruns them and debuts three more, plus a cartoon.
Here’s the lineup. It skips Christmas episodes of regular series and reruns of cable movies (which are omnipresent) but does include reruns of classic cartoons and movies. All of this is subject to change, mostly with more and more being added.
Parades
Macy’s parade (NBC), Nov. 24. This has 12 bands, 10 performance groups and 28 floats, often with stars onboard. That includes Jimmy Fallon with the Roots, Mario Lopez with his family, Gloria Estefan with her daughter and granddaughter and more, from Paula Abdul to Ziggy Marley. That’s 9 a.m. to noon and 2-5 p.m., with Samantha Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker hosting; early on, there are Broadway casts of “Funny Girl,” “Lion King,” “A Beautiful Noise” and “Some Like It Hot.”
Macy’s parade (CBS), Nov. 24. Here’s the same parade, but with Kevin Frazier and Keltie Knight anchoring, and music from the Broadway casts of “Moulin Rouge” and “Six: the Musical.” That’s 9 a.m. to noon, but on the West Coast, it will be 1-4 p.m. PT, after football.
Hollywood Christmas Parade. It’s the 90th, with celebrities, floats, etc.; 8-9:30 p.m. Dec. 16, CW.
Christmas Day Parade, with pre-filmed songs in Disney parks. 10 a.m. to noon ET, Dec. 25, ABC.
Cartoon classics
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is one of TV’s best half-hours. NBC airs it at 8 p.m. Nov. 25 (followed by “Trolls Holiday in Harmony”) and 8 p.m. Dec. 23 (followed by “5 Sleeps Til Christmas”). In between, it’s on TNT at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 15, and TBS at 8 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the other animated gem, is only on Apple TV+; it will be available to non-subscribers on Dec. 22-25. (Unlike last year, there’s no special showing elsewhere.) A similar situation has “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” free to non-subscribers from Nov. 22-25.
“Frosty the Snowman,” 8 p.m. Nov. 25, CBS. There, it’s followed by its lesser sequel. It also airs (sequel-free) six times on Freeform. That’s 10:20 p.m. Dec. 3; 5:05 p.m. Dec. 4; 10 p.m. Dec. 21; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22; 6:50 p.m. Dec. 24; and 2 p.m. Dec. 25.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:" 8-9 p.m. Nov. 29, CBS. Then on Freeform, sometimes before and sometimes after “Frosty.” That’s 9:15 p.m. Dec. 3; 5:35 p.m. Dec. 4; 9 p.m. Dec. 21; 8 p.m. Dec. 22; 5:45 p.m. Dec. 24; and 1 p.m. Dec. 25.
New animation
“Mickey Saves Christmas” sees Pluto cause Santa to lose all the toys on his sleigh; friends rush to help. 7 p.m. Nov. 27, ABC, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD. Also, 8 p.m. Dec. 13, ABC.
“Reindeer in Here” is a zip-paced hour, with a lonely boy, a wobbly reindeer (Adam Devine) and an oversharing friend (Melissa Villasenor) trying to save Christmas. 9:01 p.m. Nov. 29, CBS.
“Housebroken” specials. This witty show returns with two episodes that send Honey (Lisa Kudrow) on opposite adventures: First, she’s at the wrong home for Christmas; then she’s home alone with dim-witted Chief. 8 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Fox.
Some key returning cartoons
“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” 8 p.m. Nov. 25, CW.
“Robbie the Reindeer,” the witty British tale (dubbed with American actors, plus Hugh Grant) of Rudolph’s son. 8-9 p.m. Nov. 26, CBS.
“The Story of Santa Claus,” 9-10 p.m. Nov. 26, CBS.
“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure,” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27, ABC; also, 8 p.m. Dec. 13; and on Freeform, 11 p.m. Dec. 10 and 8 p.m. Dec. 21.
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” 8 p.m. Dec. 1, ABC. Also, 8 p.m. Dec. 20 and several times on Freeform – 10:30 p.m. Dec. 3; 4 p.m. Dec. 4; 10 p.m. Dec. 21; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22; noon Dec. 25.
“The Toy Story Time Forgot,” 11 p.m. Dec. 9, Freeform; also, 9 p.m. Dec. 20, ABC.
“Prep & Landing” and its sequel, 9 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 13, ABC; also, 11 and 11:30 p.m. Dec. 22.
“Shrek the Halls,” 9:30 p.m. Dec. 20, ABC.
“Beebo Saves Christmas,” 8-9 p.m. Dec, 21, CW.
ALSO: Apple TV+ will have several in a holiday hub, starting Dec. 2. That includes “Charlie Brown Christmas Tales,” “Snoopy Show Christmas Tales,” “I Want a Dog For Christmas, Charlie Brown” and specials with “Pretzel and the Puppies” and “Interrupting Chicken.”
AND MORE: Many other cartoons are on Freeform, starting Dec. 1. For example, two compilations (“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” and “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas”) are 7:30 and 9 a.m. Dec. 3; 10:30 a.m. and noon Dec. 20; 1:30 and 3 p.m. Dec. 22. “Twice” airs alone, 1:10 p.m. Dec. 11.
Animation with nativity stories
“Little Drummer Boy,” 7 a.m. Dec. 3, Freeform; also, 8:30 a.m. Dec. 13; 9 a.m. Dec. 16; 7 a.m. Dec. 17.
“The Star,” a 2017 movie, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3; 4:30 p.m. Dec. 22.
Also, both air on the night of Dec. 2 – “The Star” at 11:30 p.m., “Drummer Boy” at 1:30 a.m.
Music
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker.” Rev Run, of Run DMC, has a New York block party. Nov. 25, Disney+.
“Magical Holiday Celebration,” with pop stars at Disney parks. 8-10 p.m. Nov. 27, ABC.
“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” has music and the 90th annual lighting. 8-10 p.m. Nov. 30, NBC.
“CMA Country Christmas” is the 13th edition of stars doing holiday tunes. 9 p.m. Dec. 1, ABC.
“Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holiday,” Dec. 2, Disney+.
“That’s My Jam Holiday Special.” Jimmy Fallon hosts this Christmas version of his music series before the new season begins in January. 10 p.m. Dec. 5, NBC.
“Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir.” Broadway’s Megan Hilty sings, backed by the power of an orchestra and 300-voice choir; Neil McDonough does the readings. 8 p.m. Dec. 13, PBS.
“National Christmas Tree Lighting.” LL Cool J hosts the 100th year of the lighting, with music from Gloria Estefan, Andy Grammer, Shania Twain, Joss Stone and the Marine Band. 8 p.m. Dec. 11, CBS.
“A Very Backstreet Christmas,” led by the Backstreet Boys, 8 p.m. Dec. 14, ABC.
“Finding Harmony.” David Brown likes linking strangers for a chorus. Now John Legend takes him to his hometown of Springfield, Ohio, with one week to form a chorus. 9 p.m. Dec. 14, ABC.
“Beauty and the Beast” blends live-action and animation. H.E.R. and Josh Groban have the title roles, with Martin Short, Shania Twain and David Alan Grier in support. 8-10 p.m. Dec. 15, ABC.
“iHeartRadio Jingle Ball,” with pop stars performing. 8 p.m. Dec. 17, CW, rerunning Dec. 22.
“A Home For the Holidays,” with music and warm stories about adoption. Gloria Estefan hosts, with music by Andy Grammer, Little Big Town, David Foster and Kat McPhee. 8 p.m. Dec. 23, CBS.
Also: NBC reruns last year’s Michael Buble and Kelly Clarkson specials, at 10 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30.
Other specials
“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.” The Guardians head to Earth; Nov. 25, Disney+.
“Masked Singer Christmas Special,” 8 p.m. Dec. 7, Fox. The next night, at 9:30, “Call Me Kat” merges holidays with its “Chrismukkah” episode.
“Greatest Christmas Commercials 2022,” 9 p.m. Dec. 7, CW, rerunning Dec 14.
“Saturday Night Live Christmas Special,” 8-10 p.m. Dec. 14, rerunning Dec. 22.
“Masters of Illusion: Christmas Magic 2022,” 9 p.m. Dec. 14, CW, rerunning 9 p.m. Dec. 23.
“Ghosts.” Jay’s sister is back, this time with her platonic friend. Sam, who’s seen too many of these Christmas films, wants to be their matchmaker; the ghosts have other plans. 8-9 p.m. Dec. 15, CBS.
“Greatest #AtHome Videos” Christmastime special, 8 p.m. Dec. 16, CBS.
“Call the Midwife” Christmas episode; 9 p.m. Dec. 25, PBS.
New network movies
“Mountain Magic Christmas” blends genres; it’s a movie about making a Dolly Parton music special for TV, with three Parton songs. 8 p.m. Dec. 1, NBC.
"Fit For Christmas” is the first of three CBS films – and the weakest. Amanda Kloots smiles a lot and kicks high, as a fitness instructor who’s home from New York. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4, CBS, but 8 p.m. PT.
“Must Love Christmas” is a refreshingly clever film, with Liza Lapira ("The Equalizer”) as an author of Christmas romances, currently stuck in writer’s block and cliches. 9 p.m. Dec. 11, CBS.
“When Christmas Was Young” centers on a song (written by Sheryl Crow) and the singer-songwriter who refuses to sell the rights. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 18, CBS, but 8 p.m. PT.
“Christmas of Many Colors” is a sequel to Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors”; 8-10 p.m. Dec. 23, NBC. The original film airs Dec. 26.
Note: Last year’s CBS movies rerun at 9 p.m. Fridays – “A Christmas Proposal,” Nov. 25, and “Santa Takes Flight,” Dec. 23.
New cable movies (Lifetime)
One debuts at 8 p.m. daily, from Thanksgiving through Dec. 18, with some of the better-known stars in the first week. A sampling includes:
"Baking All the Way,” with Yannick Bisson of “Murdoch Mysteries,” Nov. 24.
“Steppin’ Into the Holidays,” with Mario Lopez as a fired dance-show host and Jana Kramer as owner of a small-town dance studio. Nov. 25.
“12 Days of Christmas Eve,” with Kelsey Grammer as a businessman, given a dozen chances to patch his relationship with his daughter … played by real-life daughter Spencer Grammer. Nov. 26.
“A Christmas Spark,” with Jane Seymour as a widow, asked to direct the holiday pageant in her daughter’s town … where, of course, she meets a guy. He’s played by Joe Lando, Seymour’s old “Doctor Quinn” co-star. Nov. 27.
“A New Orleans Noel,” with Patti LaBelle hiring Keisha Knight Pulliam and her ex-boyfriend, as architects on a restoration project. Dec. 3.
“Merry Textmas,” with a story that includes both Austin, Texas, and Oaxaca, Mexico. Dec. 4.
“Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas.” A storm causes the pageant to be canceled. Huddled in the church are parishioners, strangers and the music director (Franklin, a gospel star). Dec. 10.
“The Holiday Dating Guide.” Maria Menounos plays a dating expert who’s book-publisher gives her 12 days to prove her methods work. Dec. 17.
New cable movies (Hallmark Channel)
The Thanksgiving weekend is packed, with debuts at 8 p.m. Nov. 24, then 6 and 8 p.m. daily, Nov. 25-27. After that, there are 8 p.m. ones on Dec. 2-4, 8-11 and 16-18. Some of the key ones:
“A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe,” with Rachel Boston, 6 p.m. Nov. 27.
“A Holiday Spectacular,” an ambitious film that uses current Rockettes, but puts them in a 1958 setting. Ann-Margret and Eve Plumb have supporting roles. 8 p.m. Nov. 27.
“Hanukkah on Rye,” with Jeremy Jordan and Lisa Loeb, 8 p.m. Dec. 18,
New cable movies (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)
These are at 10 p.m. Saturdays, finishing off a double-feature for channel-switchers:
“Time For Him to Come Home for Christmas,” the fifth in a series of films springing from one Blake Shelton song. Nov. 26.
“The Holiday Stocking,” the latest from Hallmark Mahogany; Mykelti Williamson co-stars. Dec. 3
“The Gift of Peace,” with Nikki Deloach as a widow, once devout but losing her faith. Dec. 10.
“Five More Minutes: Moments Like This,” the second film based on the Scotty McCreery song; Ashley Williams stars. Dec. 17.
New cable movies (Great American Family)
There are Christmas movies all day, with 10 new ones over the next four weekends. GAF has its best-known stars in the first films; highlights, all at 8 p.m., include:
“Christmas at the Drive-In,” with Danica McKellar (“The Wonder Years”) as a lawyer, trying to save the local movie theater. Nov. 25.
“I’m Glad It’s Christmas,” with actress-singer Jessica Lowndes (a frequent Hallmark star) as an aspiring Broadway singer, working in a small-scale holiday pageant. Nov. 26.
“A Christmas … Present,” with Candace Cameron Bure (“Full House”), who has signed a long-range GAF deal; she plays a busy parent, visiting her widowed brother. Nov. 27.
Other films on Dec. 3-4, 9-11 and 17-18.
More new movies
Fox Nation has produced its second film, “Christmas at the Greenbrier.” It debuts Nov. 24, followed on the next three Sundays by films it has bought rights to – “Country Roads Christmas,” Nov. 27; “Christmas in Wolf Creek,” Dec. 4; “Christmas in Rockwell,” Dec. 11.
UpTV also has “Christmas in Wolf Creek,” on Dec. 25. The family-friendly channel is currently in its “Gilmore Girls” marathon, but then will debut movies at 7 p.m. ET weekends. That will be Dec. 2-4, 10-11, 17-18.
BET+ adds new Christmas movies on Thursdays. There are three on Nov. 24, led by “The Sound of Christmas,” starring Ne-Yo and Serayah; a down-on-her-luck music teacher leads a wealthy widower back to his love of music and the holidays. Others are one a week on Dec. 1, 8, 15 (with Victoria Rowell directing Dawnn Lewis in “A Blackjack Christmas”) and Dec. 22.
“Santa Clause” tales
“The Santa Clauses” is a six-week series, with Tim Allen worrying about his Santa successor. The first three episodes aired Nov. 16 and 23; others are the next three Wednesdays, on Disney+.
The three “Santa Clause” movies will run back-to-back on 10 different days, on Freeform. On Dec. 1, that’s at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 4 p.m. Then, by starting time of the first movie: 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3; 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7; 4:45 p.m. Dec. 11; 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13; 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 10 a.m. Dec. 18; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 7:20 p.m. Dec. 24; and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 25.
“A Christmas Carol”
Various versions star:
Bill Murray, in the satirical “Scrooged,” 8:55 p.m. Dec. 5, Freeform. Also, 4 p.m. Dec. 6; 11:55 p.m. Dec. 18; 4:30 p.m. Dec. 19.
Michael Caine; “Muppets Christmas Carol” will be added to Disney+ on Dec. 9, its 30th birthday.
Mister Magoo. 7 a.m., Dec. 13, Freeform.
Patrick Stewart, in a blisteringly strong performance from 1999, 8 and 10 p.m. Dec. 15, TNT.
Reginald Owen, in a 1938 version, 4:15 p.m. Dec. 18, Turner Classic Movies. Also, 9:45 a.m. Dec. 21; 10 p.m. Dec. 24.
Jim Carrey (often) on Freeform: 2:15 p.m. Dec. 2; 11:55 p.m. Dec. 3; 4 p.m. Dec. 8; 2:40 p.m. Dec. 11; 9 p.m. Dec. 14; 3:10 p.m. Dec. 17; 1:30 p.m. Dec. 20; midnight on the evening of Dec. 23; noon Dec. 24.
Older movie classics
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939) isn’t specifically a Christmas film, but is often associated with the holiday. TBS has it at 6 p.m. Nov. 24 and 5:07 p.m. Nov. 25 and 8 p.m. Dec. 25. Also, TNT has it at 8 and 10:15 p.m. Dec. 5.
“A Christmas Story” (1983), a gem that manages to juggle nostalgia and dark humor. TBS has it at 7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 3 and 9 p.m. Dec. 11; TNT has it at 9 and 11 p.m. Dec. 9 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15 … and both have it during the 24-hour marathon, starting at 8 p.m. Dec. 24.
“Miracle on 34th Street.” The lush 1994 version airs six times on Freeform. That’s 11:35 a.m. Dec. 2; 11:30 p.m. Dec. 10; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14; 7:30 a.m. Dec. 17; 12:40 p.m. Dec. 23; 9:30 a.m. Dec. 24.
“Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944) is partly a Christmas classic because Judy Garland introduced “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” It’s 4 p.m. Dec. 3, Turner Classic Movies; then 8 p.m. Dec. 18; 6 p.m. Dec. 24.
“Christmas in Connecticut,” 4 p.m. Dec. 9, TCM; then 8 p.m. Dec. 21; 4 p.m. Dec. 24.
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” 8-11 p.m. Dec. 24, NBC.
Newer movie classics
“Polar Express,” 8:15 p.m. Nov. 24, TBS. Also, 8 p.m. Nov. 25.
Will Ferrell’s “Elf” starts a 24-hour marathon at 6 a.m. Nov. 26 on TBS. Prior to that, TNT airs it at 4 p.m. Nov. 24 and 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT) Nov. 25.
Chevy Chase’s “Christmas Vacation” starts its 24-hour marathon at 6 a.m. Nov. 27 on TNT. Prior to that, it’s 6 p.m. Nov. 24 and noon ET (9 a.m. PT) Nov. 25.
“Home Alone” and its sequel will run back-to-back 24 time in December on Freeform. They’ll skip a few days (Dec. 3, 11, 14 and 22), but will run twice on Dec. 17, 23 and 25. Also, “Home Alone” will be 8 p.m. Dec. 24, on ABC.
“Frozen II,” 8 p.m. Dec. 9, ABC; both “Frozen” films are 6:20 and 8:50 p.m. Dec. 10, Freeform.
The four “Toy Story” films will run at 2:15, 4:15, 6:20 and 8:50 p.m. Dec. 9, on Freeform.
“Last Christmas” puts an innovative (and weird) twist on the hit song. It’s gorgeous visually, with Emma Thompson co-starring and writing the script. That’s 1:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Freeform; also, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 12; 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21.
Also: A few TV movies have managed to stand out. On Freeform, try: “Snow” and “Snow 2.” at midnight on the evenings of Dec. 5 and 6; “Stealing Christmas,” at 7 a.m. Dec. 6; and “Snowglobe,” at midnight on the evening of Dec. 13.
Food and crafts and such
“The Great Christmas Lights Fight” returns, with two hours on each of three Mondays. Each hour, one of the hosts (Carter Oosterhouse or Taniya Nayak) views four spectacular sets of outdoor decor and chooses a $50,000 winner. 8-10 p.m. Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and 12, ABC.
“Small Town Christmas” will visit three towns at 9 p.m. Sundays on UpTV. It has Pigeon Run, Tenn., on Dec. 4; North Pole, Alaska (with the world’s tallest Santa) on Dec. 11; and Frostburg, Md. (with college students dressing as elves for snowball fights and such) on Dec. 18.
“Baking It.” Amy Poehler, who has drawn praise for her “Making It” crafts series, joins Maya Rudolph to host a celebrity baking competition. 10 p.m. Dec. 12, NBC.
“Gordon Ramsay Road Trip: Christmas Vacation,” 8 p.m. Dec. 14, Fox.
“Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular,” with various people – including Robin Thicke and the late Leslie Jordan – tackling Lego projects. 8-9 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20, 8-10 p.m. Dec. 21.
“Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas.” The “Great British Baking Show” star creates a three-course feast, with classic recipes. 9 p.m. Dec. 19, PBS.
“Christmas Around the USA” looks at traditions, decorations and more. 8-10 p.m. Dec. 15, CW, rerunning Dec. 25. Also, “Christmas Around the World” reruns, 8-10 p.m. Dec. 24.
ALSO:
“A Waltons Thanksgiving” and “The Waltons Homecoming” re-create classic TV movies. 8-10 p.m. Nov. 24 and Dec. 5, CW.
“Silent Night – A Song for the World” offers a so-so history of the song, entwined with sometimes-terrific renditions of it. 8-10 p.m. Nov. 26, CW. Also, 8-10 p.m. Dec. 8.
MeTV, a digital channel, has long stretches of vintage Christmas episodes, ranging from “M.A.S.H.” to, alas, “Beverly Hillbillies.” That’s from noon to 8 p.m. Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Dec. 3, noon to 8 p.m., Dec. 4; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 11; and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 18. On Dec. 25, there are “Waltons” hours from noon to 5 p.m. and “Ed Sullivan Show” highlights at 8 p.m.
For newer Christmas episodes, there’s TBS on Dec 18. It has “Friends” from 12:30 to 6 p.m. and “The Big Bang Theory” from 6-9 p.m.
And NBC will telecast services from the Vatican, starting at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 24.