Some classic holiday specials have aired on TV over the years. But it’s not just television specials like “Charlie Brown Christmas” or “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” It includes multiple episodes from various television shows, too.
In fact, some of the most iconic “Christmas” television specials come from television shows. “The Office” has a bundle of holiday episodes, for example, which are watched by millions every year.
Similarly, Seinfeld created its own holiday tradition that is a Christmas alternative “for the rest of us.”
Keeping track of all the top holiday content can be difficult. So we’ve captured some of the top Christmas-themed episodes of television shows out there in one helpful place,
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
(TV-G)
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Charlie Brown’s search for the deeper meaning of Christmas in this classic special.
Where to watch: “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is available on Apple TV Plus.
‘The Andy Griffith Show’ — ‘Christmas Story’
Season 1, Episode 11 (TV-G)
Mayberry businessman Ben Weaver tries to get arrested after he sees the holiday celebration at Sheriff Andy Taylor’s jail.
Where to watch: “The Andy Griffith Show” is available on Amazon Prime Video.
‘Mr. Bean’ — ‘Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean’
Season 1, Episode 7 (TV-G)
Mr. Bean causes trouble at a department store during his holiday shopping and gets his head stuck in the turkey while preparing Christmas dinner.
Where to watch: “Mr. Bean” is available on Hulu.
‘Seinfeld’ — ‘The Strike’
Season 9, Episode 10 (TV-PG)
This classic episode of “Seinfeld” gave us Festivus, a non-commercial December holiday and Christmas alternative “for the rest of us.”
Where to watch: “Seinfeld” is available on Hulu.
‘Friends’ — ‘The One With the Holiday Armadillo’
Season 7, Episode 10 (TV-PG)
Unable to rent a Santa Claus costume, Ross dresses up as an armadillo in his attempt to make the holiday special for his son, Ben.
Where to watch: “Friends” is available on HBO Max.
‘Gilmore Girls’ — ‘Forgiveness and Stuff’
Season 1, Episode 10 (TV-PG)
Family drama takes a back seat after Richard Gilmore collapses at a Christmas party.
Where to watch: “Gilmore Girls” is available on Netflix.
‘The Office’ — ‘Christmas Party’
Season 2, Episode 10 (TV-14)
Michael turns a Secret Santa gift exchange into a game of “Yankee Swap.”
Where to watch: “The Office” is available on Netflix until Jan. 1, 2021.
‘Community’ — ‘Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas’
Season 2, Episode 11 (TV-PG)
The study group tries to help Abed discover the true meaning of Christmas as he wakes up in a stop-motion animation world.
Where to watch: “Community” is available on Netflix.
‘Parks and Recreation’ — ‘Citizen Knope’
Season 4, Episode 10 (TV-PG)
The Pawnee Parks and Recreation team comes together to plan a Christmas present for Leslie, the ultimate gift giver.
Where to watch: “Parks and Recreation” is available on Peacock.
‘This Is Us’ — ‘Last Christmas’
Season 1, Episode 10 (TV-14)
After rushing Kate to the hospital with a case of appendicitis on Christmas Eve, the Pearson family runs into a special old friend.
Where to watch: “This Is Us” is available on Hulu.