The 2023 Christmas TV Guide: When to watch Rudolph, Charlie Brown & holiday favorites

Welcome to our annual Christmas and Holiday TV Viewing Guide, which is mostly a vehicle through which we tell you when “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is on. (We know he’s your favorite.)

But we can’t leave out all the must-see repeat showings of “Elf,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Christmas Vacation,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Die Hard” and dozens of other great movies and specials.

As always, we’re including new original (first run) holiday movies from Hallmark (which are already showing 24/7 now), Lifetime, BET, VH1, Paramount, OWN, Comedy Central, Netflix and other networks and platforms. And it’s not just about Christmas. In recent years, these movies have become more inclusive, offering Hanukkah and Kwanzaa-centric plots. We’re here for it all!

A few notes about the guide:

▪ Just to keep this manageable, we’re sticking mostly to prime-time programming on broadcast networks and basic cable, plus the new streaming movies and specials.

▪ If you miss a broadcast network airing of something like “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” or “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” those will likely air multiple times in December, across multiple channels.

▪ We’ll be updating this guide throughout December as more holiday specials populate the TV schedule, so bookmark this and check back often.

*All times listed are Eastern Time.

How to watch ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

Before we dive into the schedule, we will remind everyone that this beloved Peanuts holiday special is now owned by Apple TV+ and is available to stream there all year round. Apple TV+ recently upped its cost to $9.99 per month (with a 7-day free trial), but it might be worth it for the month of December. If you don’t want to subscribe, you can watch it free Dec. 16-17 on the streaming service.

When is ‘Die Hard’ on TV?

We’ll add “Die Hard” to the primetime schedule if we see it pop up on basic cable, but we never saw it show up there last year. If you’re eager to see it ASAP, you can stream it on: Hulu, Fubo, Starz, MGM+, Tubi and DirecTV. You can rent it on Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube, Vudu or Microsoft.

Thursday, Nov. 23

“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (8:30 a.m., NBC)- The New York tradition is the granddaddy of all parades. This year’s event has 25 giant balloons, dozens of big-name musical and performing acts and the best marching bands in the country. If you miss it, it’ll play again at 2 p.m.

Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS (9 p.m., CBS) - This is also the Macy’s parade, but hosted by Kevin Frazier and Keltie Knight. Look for performances by the casts of “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” and “Aladdin.”

“ABC7 Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade” (9 p.m., ABC) - The Macy’s alternative each year happens live in Philadelphia. Look for lots of floats, marching bands, musical performances, and guest appearances by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Santa Claus.

The National Dog Show (Noon, NBC) - Another Thanksgiving TV tradition, this year’s dog show has more than 2,000 purebred dogs competing to be named “Best in Show.” This annual event is hosted by John O’Hurley and David Frei, with additional insights from Mary Carillo.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (6 & 9 p.m., E!) - In this 1946 Frank Capra classic, a suicidal man ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve sees his life in a new light thanks to his guardian angel. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.

“Elf” (7 p.m., TNT) - Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.

“Catch Me If You Clause” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new movie, Avery Quinn’s shot at anchoring news clashes with a Santa-suited intruder, Chris, who insists he’s Santa’s son on a first Christmas mission. Together they unravel a career-making story.

“The Wizard of Oz” (8 p.m., TBS) - This 1939 classic is a bit of a holiday tradition. If you need a break from football, join Dorothy (Judy Garland) as she’s whisked from her Kansas farm by a tornado to a magic land, where she must get help in the Emerald City to return home.

“Christmas Cookie Challenge: Elf the Movie 20th Anniversary” (9 p.m., Food Network) - Inspired by Warner Bros.’ Christmas movie “Elf,” four cookiemakers create cookies that show Buddy’s magical journey, and then cobble together 3D pop-up cookie books with their favorite movie scene.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (9 p.m., TNT) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.

“Tyler Perry’s A Madea’s Christmas” (9 p.m., Bounce) - Madea (Tyler Perry) accompanies her niece, Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford), to the small town of Buck Tussel to pay a surprise visit to Eileen’s daughter, Lacey (Tika Sumpter), who has refused to come home for Christmas. The real reason Lacey is avoiding her judgmental mother is that she has secretly married Connor (Chad Michael Murray), a white classmate from college.

Friday, Nov. 24

“Holiday Road” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new movie, a group of holiday travelers stranded at an airport agrees to rent a van for a road trip to Denver. When their unexpected journey leads them into uncharted territory, they must navigate a series of misadventures that brings them closer together.

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (8 p.m., Bravo) - Boris Karloff narrates an animated tale about the lonely and heartless title character who decides to dress up as Santa and steal the Christmas decorations, gifts and feast from the people of Whoville.

“Elf” (8 & 10 p.m., TBS) - Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (8:30 p.m., Bravo) - In this 1946 Frank Capra classic, a suicidal man ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve sees his life in a new light thanks to his guardian angel. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.

“Santa Claus 2” (FX) - In this “Santa Clause” sequel, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has been in the role of Santa for the past eight years, and his loyal elves consider him the best one ever. But his world turns upside down when he’s dealt a double whammy of news: Not only has his son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd), landed on this year’s naughty list, but Scott discovers that he must marry by Christmas Eve or he will stop being Santa Claus forever.

Saturday, Nov. 25

“Christmas at the Chalet” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new Lifetime movie, a former TV host tries to avoid spending Christmas at a luxury chalet with her ex-husband and his new girlfriend.

“Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new Hallmark movie, Emily and Jared are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together again, this time as a couple. They’re also ready to work with members of the community to make this year’s Christmas festivities the best yet.

“Mickey Saves Christmas” (8 p.m., Disney) - When Pluto causes Santa to lose all the presents on his sleigh, the friends travel to the North Pole on a quest to save Christmas and find the true meaning of the holiday; extended cut.

“The Grinch (2018)“ (8 & 10 p.m., FX) - In this third version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale — this one a computer-animated film from 2018 — the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger, louder and brighter, and the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence their holiday cheer once and for all.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (10 p.m., TNT) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.

Sunday, Nov. 26

“Home Alone” (7 p.m., FX) - Accidentally left behind by his Paris-bound family at Christmas time, an 8-year-old (Macaulay Culkin) makes mincemeat of two burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) in the house. “Home Alone 2” follows at 9:30.

“A Biltmore Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new Hallmark movie — both filmed and set at North Carolina’s Biltmore Estate — a magical hourglass sends modern-day screenwriter Lucy Hardgrove (Bethany Joy Lenz) to the set of the 1947 holiday movie classic “His Merry Wife!” However, before she can return to the present, Lucy must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever.

“Laughing All the Way” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new Lifetime movie, an aspiring comedian put in charge of a holiday variety show worries she may not have what it takes, until a famous comedian makes her see how talented she truly is.

“All Creatures Great and Small: Christmas in the Dales” (8 p.m., PBS NC) - Clips and behind-the-scenes memories of Christmas finales from “All Creatures Great and Small.”

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (8 p.m., TNT) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.

“Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” (8 p.m., ABC) - Derek Hough and Julianne Hough host and perform holiday music, along with Michael Bolton, Mickey Guyton, Adam Blackstone, Andra Day, Chris Janson, Tori Kelly, Chrissy Metz, The Smashing Pumpkins, Robin Thicke and Iam Tongi.

“Christmas with the Kranks” (8 & 10 p.m., AMC) - In this 2004 movie, a Chicago couple (Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis) scramble to put together a holiday celebration after their daughter decides to come home for Christmas.

“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (10 p.m., ABC) - This takes a look back at some of the most iconic light displays from previous seasons.

“A Christmas Story Christmas” (10 p.m., TNT) - In this sequel to “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie reconnects with old friends when he returns to his childhood home in Cleveland to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had growing up.

Monday, Nov. 27

“Miracle on 34th Street” (7 p.m, AMC) - In this 1947 classic, an adwoman’s (Maureen O’Hara) lawyer boyfriend (John Payne) tries to prove that Macy’s Santa Claus (Edmund Gwenn) is the real thing.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (8 p.m., CBS) - Woo-hoo! It’s our first Rudolph sighting of the holiday season! In this beloved 1964 stop-motion classic, the reindeer with the shiny nose guides Santa’s sleigh through a bad storm on Christmas Eve. Narrated by Burl Ives.

“Elf” (8 & 10 p.m., TNT) - Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.

“White Christmas” (9 p.m., AMC) - In this 1954 classic, former Army buddies (Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye) put on a show with a sister act to save their general’s hotel in Vermont.

Tuesday, Nov. 28

“Letters to Santa” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - This new movie premiered earlier this year. When young siblings receive a magic pen from Santa that appears to be granting wishes, they request a Christmas gift they want more than anything -- for their separated parents to reunite.

“A Biltmore Christmas” (10 p.m., Hallmark) - A repeat of this new Hallmark movie, both filmed and set at North Carolina’s Biltmore Estate. In the movie, a magical hourglass sends modern-day screenwriter Lucy Hardgrove (Bethany Joy Lenz) to the set of the 1947 holiday movie classic “His Merry Wife!” However, before she can return to the present, Lucy must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever.

Wednesday, Nov. 29

“91st annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center” (8 p.m., NBC) - Rockefeller Center will celebrate its 91st Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, when the tree’s 50,000 multi-colored lights and Swarovski star topper will be set aglow for the first time in the season. Hosted by Kelly Clarkson, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin. Musical guests include: Chloe Bailey, Adam Blackstone, Cher, David Foster, Liz Gillies, Darlene Love, Seth MacFarlane, Barry Manilow, Katharine McPhee, Keke Palmer, Carly Pearce and Manuel Turizo. This will simulcast on Peacock streaming service.

“Holiday Hotline” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - After leaving London, Abby works for a cooking hotline and connects with an anonymous caller, a single father who Abby is unknowingly smitten with in real life. (This 2023 movie premiered earlier this season.)

“Christmas at Graceland” (10 p.m., NBC) - A musical celebration of Elvis Presley, his music and his favorite time of year, live from the Graceland Estate. Performers include Alanis Morissette, John Legend, Lainey Wilson.

“Christmas in Notting Hill” (10 p.m., Hallmark) - Always too busy for love, famous soccer star Graham Savoy soon has a change of heart when he meets a visiting American during Christmastime. (This 2023 movie premiered earlier this season.)

Thursday, Nov. 30

“Time For Her To Come Home For Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - In this new movie, Carly heads to a quaint town to lead the church choir during Christmastime. As she gets to know an Army veteran and the townspeople, she stumbles across clues that suggest she may have been brought there for a life-changing reason.

“Elf” (8 & 10 p.m., TNT) - Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.

Friday, Dec. 1

“My Norwegian Holiday” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new movie, a grieving woman forges a deep connection with a Norwegian man when he discovers she has a troll figurine from his hometown. She soon agrees to accompany him to Norway to uncover the troll’s origins and find her own path to healing, love and family.

“The Holiday” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this 2006 movie, two women — one (Cameron Diaz) from America and one (Kate Winslet) from England — swap homes at Christmastime after bad breakups with their boyfriends, played by Jude Law and Jack Black.

“Bad Santa” (8 p.m., Paramount) - In this extremely un-kid-friendly holiday movie, two criminals (Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox) disguise themselves as St. Nick and an elf to rob stores at Christmastime.

“Four Christmases” (9:30 p.m., AMC) - When their plans for a holiday getaway fall apart, a couple (Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon) must spend Christmas Day trudging to a quartet of family get-togethers in this 2008 comedy.

“Scrooged” (10 p.m., Paramount) - In this 1988 film, a ruthless TV-network chief (Bill Murray) meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

Saturday, Dec. 2

“Elf” (7 & 9 p.m., AMC) - Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.

“Ladies of the ‘80s: A Divas Christmas” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this new movie, old rivalries resurface when five glamorous stars from the 1980s reunite to shoot the final Christmas episode of their long-running soap opera. When feelings reignite between the producer and director, the women conspire to bring the couple together. Stars: Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Loni Anderson, Nicollette Sheridan, Donna Mills and Christopher Atkins.

“A Not So Royal Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new movie, a tabloid journalist tries to land an interview with a reclusive count during the holidays. In response, the royal family asks a groundskeeper to pose as the count since the real one fled years ago.

“Ms. Christmas Comes to Town” (8 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) - This 2023 movie, premiered earlier this season. After receiving a terminal diagnosis, a shopping channel host known as Ms. Christmas embarks on a multi-city excursion to spread holiday cheer before her farewell broadcast.

Sunday, Dec. 3

“Christmas With a Kiss” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new movie, a woman returns home to help with her family’s Christmas Carnival and romance ignites. A photo journalist curates a surprise reunion.

“The Santa Clause” (8 p.m., ABC) - In this popular 1994 movie, an adman (Tim Allen) takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.

“Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” (8 p.m., Disney) - In this holiday special, a pipe organ hatches an evil plan as Belle attempts to fill the Beast’s gloomy castle with holiday cheer.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (8 & 10:15 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.

“Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown” (8 p.m., Food Network) - The Elves want to play the 12 Days of Christmas at their concert, but they mixed up the lyrics. Duff Goldman tasks the teams with delivering a twisted-up 12 Days of Elfmas showpiece that will get judges Kardea Brown and Ashely Holt’s toes tapping.

“Tyler Perry’s A Madea’s Christmas” (9 p.m., BET) - Madea (Tyler Perry) accompanies her niece, Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford), to the small town of Buck Tussel to pay a surprise visit to Eileen’s daughter, Lacey (Tika Sumpter), who has refused to come home for Christmas. The real reason Lacey is avoiding her judgmental mother is that she has secretly married Connor (Chad Michael Murray), a white classmate from college.

“A Christmas Story Christmas” (8:30 p.m., TBS) - Ralphie reconnects with old friends when he returns to his childhood home in Cleveland to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had growing up. (Note: The 1983 movie “A Christmas Story” airs before this at 6:30 p.m.)

“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (10 p.m., ABC) - The Hazard, Ward, Cirlin and Greene families compete.

Monday, Dec. 4

“Polar Express” (7 p.m., AMC) - The conductor of a train to the North Pole guides a boy who questions the existence of Santa Claus. Stars Tom Hanks.

“The Santa Summit” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - This 2023 movie premiered earlier this season: At a Santa-themed holiday event, three teachers get their groove back, strengthen their friendship and unexpectedly find love along the way.

“Holiday Baking Championship” (8 p.m., Food Network) - Host Jesse Palmer tasks the bakers with turning beautiful holiday designs into mini-tart mosaics. The bakers make merry and bright double-barrel wrapping paper cakes that feel like the perfect gift for judges Carla Hall, Duff Goldman and Nancy Fuller.

“Elf” (9 p.m., AMC) - Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves (Bob Newhart), a man (Will Ferrell) leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen.

Some programming descriptions are supplied by networks.