- Christmas specials are all over your screens
- A selection of festive streaming and broadcast options
- There is an array of musical performances across genres
Christmas specials are a wonderful part of this festive time of year, and there’s a lot to pick from in 2024. However, sometimes there are so many it’s tricky to figure out which one is worth your time.
To combat this issue, we thought it was apt to wade through the listings. Here are the ones we bet would foster the best feelings of good tidings and joy.
So without further ado, here are the best 2024 Christmas specials and how to watch them…
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
Originally, this aired at the beginning of the month but you can now catch it on Hulu, featuring presenters Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro.
Musical guests celebrating the House of Mouse include Auliʻi Cravalho, Ava Max, Anika Noni Rose, Elton John, John Legend and more.
CMA Country Christmas
Trisha Yearwood and Amy Grant led proceedings on this ABC celebration of country music, which is now available on Hulu. It features slots from KING + COUNTRY, Carin León, Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi and more.
A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter topped off her smash hit of a year with this festive special, streaming now on Netflix. The comedy and music bonanza features cameos from Chappell Roan, Tyla, Shania Twain and many more famous faces.
A Motown Christmas
Halle Bailey and Smokey Robinson will helm this special on 11 December at 9 pm EST/PST on NBC, celebrating legends like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross. Promised musical guests include Ashanti, Andra Day, Jamie Foxx and Jojo.
Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry
December 16 will see NBC air this Christmas country celebration at 6 pm EST/PST at the iconic Nashville venue. Kelsea Ballerini, Sheryl Crow, Kirk Franklin, Josh Groban, Kate Hudson, Orville Peck and more are set to take to the stage. It will be available to stream on Peacock afterwards.
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024
On 18 December at 8pm EST/PST, the yearly televised special will showcase performances from the concert tour. The official run is yet to be set in stone but floated names include Gracie Abrams, SZA, Tate McRae and more.
A Saturday Night Live Christmas
The NBC variety staple Saturday Night Live will mark the festive season with a compilation of its 50 season’s best material from this time of year. It will first run on 18 December at 9 pm EST/PST on NBC and again 23 December.
National Christmas Tree Lighting
Mickey Guyton is hosting the 102 annual ceremony in Washington DC that will be broadcast on 20 December at 8 pm EST/PST on CBS. Appearances have been confirmed by Adam Blackstone, Stephen Sanchez, James Taylor, Muni Long, Trombone Shorty and more.
Josh Groban & Friends Go Home for the Holidays
Singer Josh Groban will host a musical variety special on CBS on 20 December at 9 pm EST. He is set to be joined by James Bay, Jennifer Hudson and Tori Kelly.
