“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a must-watch for many Hoosier families during the holiday season, but you won’t find it on basic cable this year.
The 1965 animated film, which follows the story of Charlie Brown as he struggles to hide his disappointment over the commercialization of Christmas, is available only on Apple TV+ after they acquired the rights to the Peanuts holiday specials in 2020.
There are two dates in December you don’t need a subscription to watch it, though. Here’s how you can stream it.
Where to watch ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ holiday special
Peanuts fans can watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Apple TV+. The app is available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
Will ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ stream for free in 2025?
Yes. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will stream for free from Dec. 13-14 on Apple TV+.
Those planning to watch the special at another time will need an Apple TV+ subscription or they can use the free trial.
What does an Apple TV+ subscription cost?
There are several options to watch Apple TV+, according to apple.com:
Who are the Peanuts characters? Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock and more
We all know Charlie Brown and Snoopy. But how familiar are you with other Peanuts characters? Here’s a full list, according to peanuts.com.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ voice cast
USA TODAY reporters Amaris Encinas and Mary Walrath-Holdridge contributed.
Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Stream ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ for free on these December 2025 dates
Reporting by John Tufts and Marina Johnson, USA TODAY NETWORK / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
