Holiday Cheer: Best Animated Christmas TV Specials
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with some classic animated Christmas TV specials? From nostalgic favorites to modern masterpieces, these beloved shows have been bringing joy and cheer to families for generations. Whether you’re a child of the 80s or a parent trying to relive your own childhood memories, these animated specials are sure to transport you to a world of wonder and magic.
With their colorful characters, catchy tunes, and timeless stories, animated Christmas TV specials have become an integral part of holiday traditions. From Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s iconic stop-motion animation to the whimsical world of The Snowman, these shows have captivated audiences with their unique blend of humor, heart, and festive flair.
In this article, we’ll count down our picks for the best animated Christmas TV specials of all time. From classic favorites like Frosty and Charlie Brown to modern gems like Shrek’s Christmas Carol and Disney’s Prep & Landing, we’ve got the inside scoop on the most delightful, engaging, and downright entertaining holiday animated specials out there. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle up by the fire, and get ready to rediscover the joy of the season with these unforgettable animated Christmas TV specials!
Top-Rated Animated Christmas Classics to Watch with Family
Get ready to jingle your bells and twinkle your toes with some of the most beloved animated Christmas TV specials that have become an integral part of holiday traditions. From timeless tales of friendship and love to hilarious misadventures and heartwarming adventures, these classics are sure to bring joy and cheer to families everywhere.
One of the most iconic animated Christmas specials is undoubtedly “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964), a stop-motion masterpiece from Rankin/Bass Productions that tells the story of a misfit reindeer who saves Christmas with his glowing nose. This charming tale has been delighting audiences for over 50 years, and its catchy theme song is still widely recognized today.
Another holiday favorite is “Frosty the Snowman” (1969), another classic from Rankin/Bass Productions that brings to life the beloved children’s poem about a snowman who comes to life on Christmas Eve. With its memorable characters, catchy songs, and delightful animation, this special has become a staple of holiday viewing for generations.
For a more modern take on animated Christmas specials, “Shrek the Halls” (2007) is a hilarious and irreverent twist on the traditional holiday tale. This special stars Mike Myers as the lovable ogre Shrek, who tries to celebrate Christmas with his wife Fiona and their friends, but everything that can go wrong does. With its clever writing, witty humor, and impressive voice cast, this special is sure to bring laughter and joy to families of all ages.
For a heartwarming and sentimental animated Christmas special, “The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol” (1982) is a delightful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. In this charming special, the lovable blue creatures from the popular cartoon series are brought to life in a whimsical and colorful retelling of the famous story about Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformative Christmas Eve.
Finally, “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974) is another beloved animated Christmas special that has become a staple of holiday viewing. This classic from Rankin/Bass Productions tells the story of a year when Santa decides to take a break and leaves his duties to two of his elves, Jingle and Jangle, who must navigate the challenges of a snowy Christmas Eve in both the North Pole and New York City.
Magical Animated Christmas Musicals to Get You in the Mood
Christmas TV specials have long been a staple of holiday viewing, and among them, animated musicals are a particular treat. These whimsical productions transport viewers to fantastical worlds where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well.
One such classic that never fails to enchant is The Little Drummer Boy, produced in 1968 by Rankin/Bass (the legendary duo behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer). This animated tale, based on a 1941 song, follows an young drummer boy who embarks on a perilous journey to deliver gifts to Jesus. The musical numbers are catchy and memorable, featuring the iconic song of the same name.
Another timeless gem is A Charlie Brown Christmas, first aired in 1965. Produced by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, this animated masterpiece follows Charlie Brown as he struggles to get into the holiday spirit amidst his friends’ commercialized celebrations. Featuring a poignant and uplifting storyline, this classic features memorable musical numbers that perfectly capture the essence of the holiday season.
For those who enjoy more fantastical adventures, The Year Without a Santa Claus, another Rankin/Bass production (1974), is sure to delight. This animated tale tells the story of two elves, Jingle and Jangle, who attempt to save Christmas when the big man himself decides to take a year off due to a severe case of the flu. The musical numbers are catchy, and the storyline is full of humor and heart.
Mentioning Clifford the Big Red Dog‘s special, The Best Ever Thanksgiving/Christmas Special, which aired in 2003, as a perfect example of animated Christmas specials that offer something different from the traditional fare. This show combines music and humor with an engaging storyline featuring Clifford’s holiday adventures, making it a wonderful addition to this list.
From these enchanting productions, it becomes clear that Christmas TV specials are not limited to their live-action counterparts; they can also be just as magical in animated form. These musical masterpieces offer viewers a journey through the imagination, reminding us all of the importance of kindness, generosity, and love during this special time of year.
The Most Beloved Animated Holiday Traditions on TV
For many of us, holiday cheer is synonymous with classic animated Christmas TV specials. These timeless tales have been delighting audiences for generations, and their enduring popularity is a testament to the magic they bring. From stop-motion wonders to computer-generated masterpieces, these animated classics have become an integral part of our holiday traditions.
The 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of some truly iconic animated Christmas specials. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is a poignant and beautifully crafted tale that has become synonymous with the holiday season, while Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) and Frosty the Snowman (1969) are beloved stop-motion classics that have been enchanting audiences for decades. These early animated specials set the bar high for future generations of holiday animators.
The 1980s brought a new wave of innovative animation techniques to Christmas TV specials, with The Smurfs’ Special Christmas (1982) and A Garfield Christmas (1987) leading the way. These specials were notable for their lighthearted humor and colorful characters, which helped to bring a fresh perspective to the holiday season. The success of these specials paved the way for future animated classics like The Muppet Family’s Special Christmas (1987).
In recent years, computer-generated animation has become increasingly popular in holiday TV specials. Frozen Holiday Special (2017) and Noelle (2019) are two prime examples of this trend, showcasing the potential for animated stories to be brought to life with stunning visuals and memorable characters. These modern animations have helped to ensure that the tradition of holiday TV specials remains vibrant and relevant in the 21st century.
The best animated Christmas TV specials often share a common thread – they tell timeless stories about the importance of love, kindness, and generosity during the holiday season. Whether it’s Charlie Brown’s struggles with commercialism or Frosty’s adventures with Karen, these classics remind us that the true spirit of Christmas is about so much more than just presents and decorations. By embracing this spirit, we can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for ourselves and our loved ones to enjoy during the holiday season.
Favorite Animated Christmas Cartoons to Make Your Season Brighter
When it comes to animated Christmas TV specials, there are a plethora of options that can add some serious cheer to your holiday season. One of the most iconic and beloved animated specials is undoubtedly “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964), produced by Rankin/Bass Productions. This stop-motion masterpiece tells the story of a misfit reindeer who saves Christmas with his glowing nose, featuring an all-star cast of characters like Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius.
Another holiday classic is “Frosty the Snowman” (1969), also produced by Rankin/Bass. This animated special follows the adventures of a jolly snowman brought to life by a magical hat, as he befriends a little girl named Karen and learns valuable lessons about friendship and growing up.
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (1970) is yet another beloved animated special that explores the origins of Santa Claus. This charming tale follows the journey of a young boy named Kris Kringle, who grows up to become the jolly old elf we all know and love, with the help of some wise and wonderful mentors along the way.
For those who enjoy a more modern take on animated Christmas specials, “Shrek the Halls” (2007) is a hilarious and irreverent offering from DreamWorks Animation. This animated special follows the Grinch-like antics of Shrek as he tries to get into the holiday spirit with his wife Fiona and their little ogre son Farkle.
Lastly, “Disney’s Prep & Landing” (2009) is a delightful animated special that tells the story of a high school student named Wayne who gets recruited by elves to help Santa Claus prepare for Christmas. This fun and quirky offering from Disney features an all-star voice cast, including Drake Bell and Corey Burton.
Each of these animated Christmas TV specials has its own unique charm and appeal, making them perfect additions to any holiday viewing schedule. Whether you’re a fan of classic stop-motion or modern computer animation, there’s something for everyone in this list of beloved animated holiday classics.
Timeless Animated Holiday Favorites for Kids and Adults Alike
For many of us, Christmas TV specials are an integral part of holiday tradition. Among these beloved shows, animated productions stand out for their whimsical charm and ability to transport viewers of all ages to a world of wonder and magic.
A Christmas Carol (1970) is an animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella that has become a staple of holiday viewing. This charming retelling of the story follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey as he is visited by three spirits on a cold Christmas Eve, forcing him to confront his miserly ways and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) is another animated Christmas classic that has captured hearts for generations. This stop-motion masterpiece tells the tale of Rudolph, a misfit reindeer with a shining red nose who saves Christmas for Santa Claus and his team of elves.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) is yet another beloved animated special from the legendary Chuck Jones. This beautifully crafted adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic children’s book follows the Grinch as he tries to steal Christmas from the residents of Whoville, only to find that the true spirit of the holiday season cannot be extinguished.
Especially for Children (1964) is a lesser-known animated special that deserves more recognition. This heartwarming tale tells the story of a young boy who discovers the meaning of Christmas by helping those in need and learning about the importance of kindness and generosity.
The Little Drummer Boy (1968) is an animated special based on the classic song, but also includes other holiday-themed stories, making it a great choice for families. This show not only features beautiful animation but also explores themes of love, charity, and redemption in a way that will resonate with viewers of all ages.
In this article, we’ve delved into the world of animated Christmas TV specials that bring joy and magic to audiences of all ages. From classic tales like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman,” to more modern favorites such as “Arthur Christmas” and “The Polar Express,” these animated wonders have become an integral part of holiday traditions around the globe.
The best animated Christmas TV specials share a common thread – they transport us to enchanting worlds, often filled with humor, warmth, and a deep sense of wonder. They remind us of the true spirit of the season, encouraging kindness, empathy, and understanding towards one another. Whether you’re a child or a grown-up, these animated treasures have the power to ignite the spark of holiday cheer within us.
As we conclude this journey through the realm of animated Christmas TV specials, I invite you to revisit some of these timeless classics, or perhaps discover new ones to treasure in your own holiday traditions. Share them with loved ones, relive cherished memories, and let the magic of animation bring people together during the most wonderful time of the year.