7 Christmas Specials Releasing This Week on Netflix, Apple TV, NBC, and More

The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration

Air date: Sunday, Nov. 26
ABC

Brother-Sister duo Derek and Julianne Hough present this Festive Musical Celebration to kick off the holiday season. Top names in the music industry such as DJ Khaled, Andra Day, Tori Kelly and Robin Thicke, will perform holiday classics with all the sparkle and shine you'd imagine a Disney production can roll out. IMDB in the past has given this annual show an average 6/10, with reviewers condemning the concert for lacking depth and meaning. However, this year, maybe the world needs something that is just a bit of excitement and sparkle.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center

Air date: Wednesday, Nov. 29

NBC

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes one of the most beloved traditions of all - The Rockefeller Centre tree lighting concert.The 2023 festivities will be hosted by none other than the talented Emmy and Grammy Award winner, Kelly Clarkson. There will be incredible performances, star-studded surprises, and the lighting of the world's most famous Christmas tree. This year marks the 91st annual broadcast and each one has brought joy and celebration to many, with the previous show attracting 6.1 million viewers.

Christmas at Graceland

Air date: Wed, Nov. 29

NBC

NBC made an exciting announcement on Thursday, revealing that this holiday season will be graced with a brand new special dedicated to the legendary musician Elvis Presley. The event, titled Christmas at Graceland, will feature an array of talented musical guests paying tribute to the iconic 'King of Rock & Roll' and his incredible music. This special is particularly noteworthy as it will be the first time a holiday special has been filmed live at the world-famous Memphis estate. It will be a truly unforgettable TV event.

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday

Air date: Thurs, Nov. 30
Netflix

Get ready for a half-hour holiday special that serves as a prequel to the previously released full-length movie. The story takes place on the day before Christmas, when the infamous Bad Guys roam the city, watching passers-by enjoying the cheerful holiday vibes. The streets are packed with people carrying presents and the whole town is covered in colourful decorations. But before the gang can really get into the festive spirit, they plan to pull off the biggest bank heist of their lives. The trailer dropped on the 1st of November and the internet is already buzzing with excitement about what the holiday special will be like.

Frog and Toad: Christmas Eve

Air date: Fri, Dec. 1st

Apple TV

The highly anticipated Christmas episode of the popular Apple TV+ series Frog and Toad, titled 'Christmas Eve,' is set to air soon. This episode is based on the beloved illustrated book series by Arnold Lobel, which was published from 1970 to 1979. Frog and Toad, the lovable characters from the books, are excited to spend the holidays together. But their plans take an unexpected turn when Frog gets stuck in town on a last-minute errand. The original book series has been cherished in many households and schools for decades, and now, after 40 years, Apple TV has brought these heartwarming stories to life in an animated series that has received rave reviews from viewers.

The Snoopy Show: Happiness is Holiday Traditions

Air date: Fri, Dec 1st

Apple TV

Snoopy fans everywhere can get ready for some holiday cheer with 'Happiness Is Holiday Traditions,' a brand new Christmas episode from The Snoopy Show on Apple TV+. This delightful festive special brings to life the beloved characters from Charles Schulz's Peanuts comic strip. Join Snoopy on his quest to find the ultimate tree topper, while Woodstock finds himself in a hilarious predicament stuck in a window display. Plus, don't miss the heartwarming visit Snoopy and Woodstock pay to their friend Spike for a memorable Christmas celebration. This episode promises to be just as festive and exciting as the very first snoopy Christmas special from 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Shape Island: The Winter Blues

Air date: Fri, Dec 1st

Apple TV

The TV show Shape Island revolves around three main characters, Square, Circle, and Triangle, who embark on exciting adventures while learning to accept and appreciate each other's unique qualities. The show aims to teach children that friendship comes in all shapes and sizes. In the holiday special episode, Square is feeling down, and his friends Triangle and Circle come up with a creative solution to cheer him up. They invent a new holiday called 'Yeti Night,' which involves dressing up as yetis and having fun together. The episode highlights the importance of supporting friends when they are feeling low and finding joy in new experiences.