It’s the most wonderful time of the year if you enjoy holiday specials, old classics, and exciting performances, and 2025 already has one heck of a lineup. Whether it’s a tree lighting, classic film, reunion special, 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.
Wicked: One Wonderful Night
On Thursday, November 6, at 8/7c, NBC will host this once-in-a-lifetime musical event featuring performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande alongside their Wicked: For Good costars. Fans of the musical won’t want to miss it.
Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion
Ray Romano and series creator Phil Rosenthal host this Everybody Loves Raymond celebration as the stars reunite for the 30th anniversary. Among the featured talent alongside Romano and Rosenthal are Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton, Monica Horan, Madylin Sweeten, and Sullivan Sweeten. Airing Monday, November 24 at 8/7c on CBS, the special isn’t one to miss.
CBS
Countdown to the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
On Wednesday, November 26, at 8/7c, on NBC, and simulcast on Peacock, get ready for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with an exclusive look at the stories behind the floats, balloons, and bands set to feature in the annual celebration.
A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving
Saturday Night Live takes a look back at its most iconic Thanksgiving sketches on Wednesday, November 26, at 9/8c on NBC.
99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade rings in its 99th year on NBC, beginning at 8:30/7:30 a.m. c, on NBC. Don’t miss the balloons, floats, and musical performances.
National Dog Show Presented by Purina
Also on Thursday, November 27, at 12/11c, catch the National Dog Show once again hosted by John O’Hurley. The program will air on NBC and simulcast on Peacock.
PAW Patrol Christmas Special
The PAW Patrol pups are helping families make a new holiday tradition as CBS will air A PAW Patrol Christmas on Friday, November 28 at 8/7c, featuring a mix of original and classic songs in a heartwarming story focusing on construction-savvy pup, Rubble, and his team of friends.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center
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. An all-star lineup of guests will be announced at a later date, but McEntire is going to be among the musical performers as she pulls double duty. In addition to leading NBC’s scripted comedy Happy’s Place, McEntire is also currently a coach on The Voice. Stay tuned for more details on the tree lighting celebration in the weeks ahead.
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.
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.
Courtesy of CBS / ©Classic Media
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.
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.
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.
Everett Collection
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
