Networks including NBC, ABC and Freeform have unveiled extensive lineups of Christmas movies, specials and New Year's celebrations for December 2025 into January 2026. These offerings feature classic films, live performances and comedy recaps to mark the festive season. Highlights include animated favorites and star-studded concerts across broadcast and streaming platforms.
As 2025 draws to a close, major U.S. networks are gearing up for a month packed with holiday entertainment. Freeform's annual '25 Days of Christmas' begins December 1 with repeats of 'The Santa Clause' and 'Home Alone' films, joined by Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', 'Love Actually' on December 2, and Disney's 'Frozen' series throughout the month.
NBC offers animated classics like 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' and 'Frosty the Snowman' back-to-back on December 4 from 8 p.m. ET, with encores on December 25 and 9 respectively. 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' airs December 5 from 8 to 9:15 p.m. ET, and 'It's a Wonderful Life' runs on Christmas Eve from 8 to 11 p.m. ET. The network also broadcasts the Pope Leo-led Christmas Eve Mass from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET on December 24.
ABC kicks off with half-hour specials like 'Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol' and 'Olaf's Frozen Adventure' from late November. 'The Santa Clause' screens December 7 at 8:30 a.m. ET, while 'Home Alone' airs Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. ET. Other ABC events include the 16th 'CMA Country Christmas' on December 2 at 9 p.m. ET, hosted by Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis with performers such as Riley Green and Lady A; 'Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas' on December 9 at 8 p.m. ET; and 'Dancing with the Stars: Dancing with the Holidays' on December 2 at 8 p.m. ET.
Samsung TV Plus debuts 'Hallelujah! It's Christmas! with Phil Wickham & Friends' on December 24 at 8 p.m. ET, filmed live at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, featuring Christmas classics and worship songs with special guests. Channel 4 in the UK schedules Jimmy Kimmel's 'Alternative Christmas Message' on Christmas Day following King Charles III's address.
For New Year's, ABC's 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest' starts December 31 at 8 p.m. ET from New York, introducing a first-time live countdown in Chicago at 7 p.m. CT. The lineup includes over 20 artists like Post Malone, Mariah Carey, Chance the Rapper and Demi Lovato. Samsung TV Plus hosts the Jonas Brothers' New Year's Eve special at 10 p.m. ET from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with comedian Jack McBrayer.
Peacock streams '2024 Back That Year Up with Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson' on December 23, recapping the year with guests including Jon Hamm and Seth Meyers. NBC covers the 137th Rose Parade on January 1 at 11 a.m. ET and 'Saturday Night Live' Christmas sketches on December 18 from 9 to 11 p.m. ET.
Additional specials span genres: Reba McEntire hosts 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center' on NBC December 3 from 8 to 10 p.m. ET; PBS premieres English National Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' on December 16 at 9 p.m. ET; and ABC airs the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball on December 17 at 8 p.m. ET. These programs blend tradition with new content, providing viewers ample options for holiday viewing.
