The market for vacation entertainment is one that retain to be oversaturated class after year , but there ’s no denying that there are some classic genres that go well than others . In exceptional , the demand for enliven Christmas specials that appear to the whole family and not just children is a demand that will never settle .

Whether family favor sometime classic animated specials or story for a new genesis , or whether they prefer 2D manus - withdraw spiritedness or figurer - beget vivification , there is sincerely something for everyone in this area of Christmas amusement . But it ’s also true that there are some specials that are worth watching more than others - these ten admit .

update on December 10th , 2022 by Colin McCormick : Every year , fan celebrate the vacation time of year by watching some of their favorite Christmas special . From the older classics to the more late gems , invigorate TV specials remain a attracter for fans of all ages . And there are always more of these merry display to enjoy , some that are very recent and others that the great unwashed might have been overlooking for years .

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Disney’s: Prep & Landing (2009)

Much likeArthur Christmas , Prep & Landingtakes a look at the intricate operation that go into Santa ’s annual sojourn . The account centers on Wayne , a hardworking hob who helps ready houses for Santa ’s arrival . Expecting a promotion , Wayne is gutted when his former better half gets the promotion over him and lashes out by letting his trainee do all the workplace .

The special feature some lovable character reference and a flock of humor for fans of all ages . It is also a fun and fast - paced story that is a fun new approach to see how Christmas nighttime is rend off with a lot of hard work .

How Murray Saved Christmas (2014)

Though not many citizenry likely are aware of this way-out small Christmas special , How Murray Saved Christmaspacks a surprising amount of laughs . The story is set in a townspeople fill with holiday type , from the Easter bunny rabbit to the April Fool . When Santa has an accident , it is up to the town ’s cranky diner owner to occupy in .

The picture show might be more aimed at older tiddler and adults with its irreverent humor but it is plenty of playfulness . Though presented as a straightforward comedy , it also has the sort of heartfelt message fans expect from these specials .

Shrek The Halls (2007)

Shrekbecame aninstant classic when released in 2001and launched a successful enfranchisement . So it ’s no wonderment that they catch their very own Christmas animated special . Now a doting father , Shrek has made it his mission to give Fiona and his kids the best Christmas ever . The only problem is , Shrek does n’t know the first affair about the merry time of year .

Shrek The Hallsbrings back all the buff - favored role from the motion picture , including scene - stealer Donkey and Puss n Boots . Like the picture show , it also is n’t afraid to include some mood that honest-to-god spectator will observe funny while still keep its family fun .

The Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree (1979)

ground on the darling Word of God series , The Berenstain Bears Christmas Treeallows fans to spend some clock time with the lovable bear family for the holidays . The special follows Papa Bear and the cubs as they go on a commission to find the perfect Christmas tree only to identify the dependable meaning of the vacation along the way .

The entire special is spoken in a verse system that will make younger fan feel like they are watching one of the classic books being performed . It is a sport adventure with some courteous surprises and a mint of bosom .

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)

WhileOlaf ’s Frozen Adventurefirst premiered as a short in front of Disney ’s animated movieCoco , it has since make itself as a newfangled Christmas favourite . The limited centers on Olaf fromFrozenwho go down out across Arendale to collect everyone ’s kinfolk custom to introduce to Elsa and Anna to cheer them up .

Returning to the deception of this universe will be a thrill for many audiences as Frozen remains one of Disney ’s most popular picture show . Olaf is also the perfect character to lead his own Christmas adventure with his barren and hilarious charm launch the audience as well as some great new musical issue .

How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019)

It seems that every hit animated franchise will deliver its own take on a holiday special . How to Train Your Dragon : Homecomingis set 10 twelvemonth after the dragons left for the Hidden World and center field on Hiccup organizing a vacation pageant to prompt everyone of their bond with the dragons .

It is a fun generational aspect at these characters , now parents , trying to eliminate on their tradition and keep their unequaled friendship alive . Much like the feature - length motion picture themselves , it is a thrilling story with quite a plenty of heart .

Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)

2021 newest animated holiday specialShaun the Sheep : The Flight Before Christmashit Netflix in December and seems to be a hit amongst fans . Instead of air a Christmas - themed episode in the nestling ’s series of the same name , the creators opted for a stand - alone limited instead .

While Shaun is ab initio activated about the holiday his mode quickly deflates when he discovers Timmy has operate missing after the sheep foray into the farmhouse . It ’s now a raceway against time for Shaun to save Timmy before it ’s too late .

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ground on the darling fry ’s Quran by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond , If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookieis the thoroughgoing little delicacy for young fans . It survey Mouse in hunt of Christmas cookies , while he and all of his friends get ready for the big Christmas pageant .

It is the form of dulcet and dim-witted Christmas narrative that will surely becharm tyke . see to it these adorable little critters get into the Christmas fun will make it hard for anyone to not do the same .

The Snowy Day (2016)

Another recent animated special based on a shaver ’s Good Book isThe Snowy Dayfrom the moving picture Word by Ezra Jack Keats . It follows a new boy named Peter as he explore the coke - filled city street . In his signature cherry snowsuit , Peter goes on one dangerous undertaking after another .

Fans often repay to these specials out of a feel of nostalgia . While people might not have grown up with this recent enliven special , The Snow Daydoes a slap-up job capturing that youthful feel so many will relate to .

The Year Without Santa Claus (1974)

While there are somegreat fantasy Christmas movies without Santa , The Year Without Santa Clausimagines what would take place if the big man take the year off . The Rankin / Bass special find Santa growing discouraged with the vacation and Mrs. Claus attempting to commute his head .

Along with Mickey Rooney returning to his character as Santa Claus , the shot - thief of the special as the Miser brothers , Heat and Cold , who perform a catchy birdcall of their own . It might not rank among the more iconic Santa adventure , but it is still a lot of play .

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A closeup of Nathan Fillion as John Nolan from the Rookie season 7

Split image of Shrek the Hall, Give a Mous a Cookie Christmas and Santa Clause is Coming to Town

Two elves standing just outside a fireplace in Disney’s: Prep & Landing

Murray dressed as Santa in a sleigh in How Murray Saved Christmas

Shrek dressed as Santa in Shrek the Halls

The Berenstain Bears having dinner

Olaf standing on someone’s doorstep in Arendale in Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)

Hiccup and his family with Toothless and Light Fury in How to Train Your Dragon Homecoming

Shaun and the Sheep celebrating around the dinner table in Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas

If You Give A Mouse A Christmas Cookie

The Snowy Day

2. The Year Without a Santa Claus 1974