TV networks are already revealing schedules for when your favorite Christmas holiday animated characters will be back and available to watch in 2025.
Beloved characters like Charlie Brown, Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch and Santa will return to TV screens soon in animated Christmas TV classics and favorites like “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman.”
Some will air on network TV or cable, while others will be available to stream.
Already released schedules list when the holiday TV movie traditions will air or be available to watch for free.
This year, Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas schedule is once again packed with favorites.
NBC is again the network TV home of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Frosty The Snowman” and “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
As has been the case for the past few years, it will be a little harder to find Charlie Brown, Snoopy and their Peanuts friends on Apple TV+.
Here’s when and where you can catch some of the classics airing around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Many of the specials will air multiple times on several channels, so check TV listings for additional times. Also, check back as we update the list with more specials and air times.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
Apple TV+ still owns the rights to “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” so you won’t find it on network TV this year. However, Apple TV+ will allow nonsubscribers to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for free Dec. 13 and Dec. 14.
The 1965 classic follows Charlie Brown as he tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.
‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’
Rudolph and his shining red nose get another chance to save Christmas when the beloved 1964 special airs at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11 on NBC.
The special debuted on NBC on Dec. 6, 1964, and returned to the network in 2024 after airing for more than five decades on CBS.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will also air on Freeform at:
‘Frosty the Snowman’
Santa is keeping his promise. Frosty the Snowman will return again this year. The tale of the jolly, happy soul will air at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 9 on NBC.
“Frosty the Snowman” will also air on Freeform at:
Come on, Frosty. We’re all waiting for you.
‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
The Grinch, with a heart two sizes too small, tries to steal Christmas. The Dr. Seuss tale will air on network TV at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and again at 8 p.m. Dec. 25 on NBC.
Catch it on Freeform at 10:15 p.m. Dec. 6.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
Halloween Town’s Jack Skellington stumbles into Christmas Town and all its bright colors.
Watch it on Freeform at:
‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town’
The story of how the tradition of Santa Claus came to be that’s based on the hit Christmas song will air at 10 p.m. Nov. 30 on ABC.
You can also watch it on Freeform at:
‘The Year Without a Santa Claus’
Will sad Santa cancel Christmas? We’ll find out when “The Year Without a Santa Claus” airs.
You can watch it on TNT at:
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2025 Christmas TV schedule reveals where to watch animated classics like ‘Charlie Brown’
Reporting by Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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