Christmas TV schedule 2022: Where to watch animated classics like 'Charlie Brown'

Thanksgiving has come and gone. That means it's safe to start watching animated Christmas classics on TV without judgment. Most of our holiday favorites are back on network TV or cable this year, but one beloved special will be missing.

Here's when and where you can catch the classics airing around the Thanksgiving holiday. For diehards who can't get enough, some of these will air over and over on multiple channels, so check TV listings for additional times.

'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

For decades, the network television airing of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" around Thanksgiving was an unofficial ringing in of the holiday season. The tradition was threatened in 2020 after Apple acquired "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Fears were calmed when PBS was able to air the specials in 2020 and 2021. Unfortunately for Peanuts fans, the tradition is threatened again. PBS was not given the rights to air the specials this year. However, Apple TV+ will allow nonsubscribers to watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" for free from Dec. 22 through Dec. 25.

'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 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25 on CBS. It'll be immediately followed by "Frosty Returns." Come on, Frosty. We're all waiting for you.

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'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'

Rudolph and his shining red nose get another chance to save Christmas when the beloved special airs at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 on CBS.

'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'

The Grinch, with a heart two sizes too small, will try to steal Christmas when the Dr. Seuss tale airs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 on NBC.

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'The Year Without a Santa Claus'

Will sad Santa cancel Christmas? Thankfully we'll find out early when "The Year Without a Santa Claus" airs 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 on Cartoon Network.

'The Nightmare Before Christmas'

Halloween Town's Jack Skellington stumbles into Christmas Town and all it's bright colors at 2:20 p.m. Dec. 4 on Freeform.

'The Little Drummer Boy'

"The Little Drummer Boy" is based on the song of the same name, but the TV special details the young drummer's emotional journey and the only gift he has to offer a baby who may be able to help heal his injured lamb. You'll probably want to set your DVR for this one because it's airing at 1:30 a.m. Dec. 2 and 7 a.m. Dec. 3 on Freeform.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Christmas TV schedule 2022: When to watch 'Charlie Brown,' 'Rudolph'