Between evergreen network classics, cable movie marathons, and late-night compilations, 2025’s Television lineup promises the usual comfort and a little chaos.

What are the classic Christmas specials on network TV?

Putting good news aside for a bit, A Charlie Brown Christmas has actually been scheduled to stream exclusively on Apple TV+ on December 13 and 14, 2025, skipping traditional network TV broadcasts this year. However, free access for non-subscribers is to be kept open.  

Frosty the Snowman hit NBC at 8 p.m. on December 4 and 9, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas on December 4. But the fun remains with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, remaining to air on NBC at 8 p.m. on December 11.

What live-action holiday movies are airing on cable?

Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas has featured December premieres like Single on the 25th on December 7, and is gearing up for Oy to the World! coming on December 14, for 2025. More on the deck includes The Christmas Baby arriving on December 21 at 8 p.m. 

Encores of earlier hits such as A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, released November 29, 2025, and She's Making a List that arrived on December 1, 2025, will be rotated through the evenings, providing cozy Christmas escapes.

Lifetime Channel's holiday lineup follows the cue and has stacked up December double features, including A Runaway Bride for Christmas on December 12 at 8 p.m., Thank God: Christmas at Keller Ranch on December 13 at 8 p.m., and A Pickleball Christmas on December 15 at 8 p.m.

Films like Christmas Everyday, released in November, and Deck the Hallways, having arrived on December 1, will follow Friday-Saturday patterns to fill late nights and afternoons into Christmas week.

Freeform's marathon has been running daily from December 1, spotlighting live-action like The Nightmare Before Christmas on December 2, and repeats through the month. The Santa Claus and Home Alone have been making primetime rotations as well. 

Will there be any Animated Christmas Episodes to catch on TV?

Nickelodeon will be re-airing SpongeBob SquarePants holiday episodes like Christmas Who and It Is a SpongeBob Christmas in December marathons.  The Simpsons’ classic Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire is said to resurface on FXX and as part of Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas event.

Alongside these, Bob’s Burgers musical specials and Phineas and Ferb’s inventive schemes will commence on Disney channels. South Park and Rick and Morty will deliver edgier yuletide tales in late-night Comedy Central and Adult Swim rotations.

Will there be Late Night Christmas Sketches: SNL Holiday Specials on NBC?

NBC will air Saturday Night Live’s Christmas specials in primetime during holiday week, including the December 20, 2025, edition hosted by Wicked star and ‘Eternal Sunshine’ songstress Ariana Grande and guest starred by Cher. 

Saturday Night Live’s roster that compiles era-spanning sketches on misguided Santas and dysfunctional dinners remains intact and available as well.

These broadcasts counterprogram movies with sharp humor, making them essential for fans seeking the season on screen. Primetime packages suit families while live shows capture timely headlines, blending nostalgia with fresh satire, all neatly packed in eight-to-nine o'clock slots before Christmas Eve.

Written by

Adiba Nizami

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui