The holiday season in 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting time for TV viewers, filled with beloved classics, festive specials, and engaging new programming. But here's where it gets controversial... As networks compete to capture the holiday spirit, some argue that the emphasis on nostalgia might overshadow fresh, innovative content. Whether you're a traditionalist or a seeker of new holiday traditions, this year's lineup promises something for everyone. Let's explore what you can expect from your favorite channels during the festive months.
As 2025 draws towards its close, the excitement of Thanksgiving and Christmas is palpable. Major broadcasters like NBC and ABC, along with the Disney-owned cable channel Freeform, have prepared extensive schedules packed with holiday movies, special broadcasts, and seasonal programming that will keep your screens lively until the New Year.
NBC’s Festive Lineup – Special Events and Holiday Classics
NBC announced its holiday broadcast schedule two days before Halloween, unveiling a lineup of special shows and seasonal broadcasts designed to entertain and evoke holiday cheer. Among these is the special ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night,’ which aired on November 6 from 8 to 10 p.m., and is also available for streaming on Peacock for those who missed the live broadcast. This special coincides with the upcoming theatrical release of ‘Wicked: For Good,’ scheduled for November 21, 2025.
To build anticipation for Macy’s iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade, NBC will air a ‘Countdown to the 99th Macy’s Parade’ on November 26 from 8 to 9 p.m., hosted by Cynthia Erivo, who will perform a number from ‘Wicked.’ This special will be broadcast simultaneously on Peacock, setting the stage for the big day when floats, balloons, marching bands, and performances take over New York City streets.
December’s schedule is equally packed with holiday-themed specials. Highlights include the ‘Password’ Holiday Special hosted by Keke Palmer with Jimmy Fallon on December 8, and ‘Shrek the Halls,’ a fun animated Christmas special scheduled for December 9. Other notable broadcasts are ‘A Motown Christmas’ with Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey on December 9, and the ‘NBC 2025 Year in Review,’ which offers a retrospective of the year’s highlights, premiering on December 11, with an extended version on December 17.
Jimmy Fallon will also bring holiday cheer with his ‘Holiday Seasoning Spectacular’ on December 17, along with additional programming designed to keep viewers entertained throughout the season.
Special Christmas Programming and Parades
NBC’s tradition continues with special broadcasts like the ‘Saturday Night Live’ Thanksgiving episode on November 26, dedicated to Thanksgiving-themed sketches. The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for November 27 from 8:30 a.m. to noon ET, with a repeat at 2 p.m., also streaming on Peacock. For dog lovers, NBC will air the National Dog Show on the same day from 12 to 2 p.m., hosted by John O’Hurley and David Frei.
In the realm of holiday celebrations, NBC will host ‘Christmas in Rockefeller Center’ on December 3, a spectacular event hosted by Reba McEntire. The network will also broadcast ‘Christmas in Nashville’ on December 3, showcasing the city's vibrant musical holiday tradition. Moreover, viewers can look forward to ‘A Saturday Night Live Christmas’ special on December 18, with encore showings to accompany Christmas festivities.
On Christmas Eve, NBC will broadcast a special mass led by Pope Leo from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., offering a spiritual moment for viewers. The iconic Rose Parade rings in the new year with its traditional coverage on January 1, starting at 11 a.m. ET—and the event will be streamed live on Peacock.
ABC’s Christmas Movie Marathon and Special Events
Starting at the end of November, ABC transitions into full holiday mode, turning its schedule into a marathon of classic and contemporary Christmas movies. Fans can expect to see animated favorites such as ‘Olaf’s Frozen Adventure’ and ‘Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town,’ along with other family-friendly classics. A notable highlight is ‘The Santa Clause,’ scheduled for December 7 at 8:30 a.m., and ‘Home Alone,’ airing on Christmas Eve at 8 p.m., ensuring viewers have a wholesome holiday watchlist.
Additionally, ABC celebrates the season with festive specials like ‘Dancing with the Stars: Dancing with the Holidays,’ on December 2, featuring holiday-themed routines. The channel also hosts the CMA Country Christmas event in Nashville on December 2, with performances by top country artists including Lady A, Little Big Town, and others.
For a blend of holiday traditions and storytelling, ABC will air ‘Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas,’ which recounts the journey of Mary and Joseph leading up to Jesus’ birth, on December 9. The network will also broadcast the ‘iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025’ on December 17, bringing top artists together for a night of holiday music.
As 2025’s festive season draws to a close, ABC’s ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ will ring in 2026 from Times Square on December 31, starting at 8 p.m. ET. New features this year include a simultaneous countdown happening live from Chicago, providing viewers across different time zones an immersive New Year celebration.
The Power of Holiday TV – Nostalgia or Innovation?
The lineups from NBC, ABC, and Freeform illustrate how traditional holiday programming continues to hold a special place in our hearts, but there's room for fresh stories and modern celebrations. Whether you prefer the comfort of classic movies, the excitement of big parades, or the musical energy of holiday specials, the 2025 holiday TV schedule offers a little something for everyone.
But here’s the question—do you think these longstanding traditions will remain relevant in a future dominated by streaming and on-demand viewing? Or will new forms of holiday entertainment eclipse these time-honored broadcasts? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
