Christmas TV
by MinaGrentham | created - 04 Nov 2013 | updated - 4 months ago | PublicFormats: Anything that originally aired on television is eligible to be included this list, e.g.:
- TV episodes
- TV specials
- TV movies
- TV shorts
- TV series (if the entire run of the series was Christmas-related)
Content: Really trying to contain this to just TV titles directly about Christmas or clearly set at Christmastime. Fictional holidays which are obviously designed to be Christmas-esque or Christmas-adjacent without actually being called Christmas (Life Day, Festivus, Yaksmas, Snoggletog, Refrigerator Day, etc.) are included. Titles that feature New Year's Eve, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, etc. without also featuring Christmas -- as well as generic "winter"/"snow"-featuring titles -- are not included.
Completeness:
- This is (perpetually) a work in progress. I've covered episodes of TV shows pretty well but still have a lot of specials and movies to add. If you notice something is missing, feel free to let me know.
- US TV information is generally more readily available than info from other countries (and I'm American so I'm more familiar with it as well), so this list understandably has a US bent. However, I welcome suggestions of titles to add from other countries.
- Obviously I have not watched every item on this list. If you think I've included something in error, please let me know.
- When suggesting additions or deletions, keep in mind that this is ultimately my list, and so I can choose not to implement your suggestion. Please don't take it personally. :)
- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
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- Keywords
1. A Christmas Carol (1943 TV Movie)
60 min | Drama, Family, Fantasy
An early experimental television broadcast of Dickens's famous novel.
Director: George Lowther | Stars: Lon Clark, Roger De Koven, Noah Julian, Consuela Lembke
Votes: 51
2. The Robert Q. Lewis Christmas Show (1949 TV Special)
60 min | Comedy, Music
Robert Q. Lewis hosts a holiday special full of comedy and song.
Stars: Robert Q. Lewis, The DeMarco Sisters, Jane Marshall, Doretta Morrow
3.
The Ruggles (1949–1952)
Episode:
Christmas Eve
(1949)
Comedy, Family
The Ruggles clan decides to do something nice for Sharon's classmate, Elaine, whose father recently died. They prepare a lavish meal and take to her house on Christmas Eve, but discover that she's quite happy and a great singer, to boot.
Stars: Charles Ruggles, Erin O'Brien-Moore, Margaret Kerry, Tom Bernard
Votes: 20
4.
Gruen Guild Theater (1951–1953)
Episode:
Joe Santa Claus
(1951)
30 min | Drama
Disgusted that he's been moved from the hardware department to duties as a department store Santa Claus and angry that his wife wants to go to work and earn money, young father Joe Peters ... See full summary »
Directors: Alex Gruenberg, Axel Gruenberg | Stars: Maria Palmer, Ray Montgomery, Houseley Stevenson, Peter Brocco
Votes: 47
5.
The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (1950–1958)
Episode:
Christmas with Mamie Kelly
(1951)
Comedy
Mamie is back with the girls to visit for the holidays.
Director: Ralph Levy | Stars: George Burns, Gracie Allen, Harry von Zell, Bea Benaderet
Votes: 43
6.
Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951–1978)
Episode:
Amahl and the Night Visitors
(1951)
55 min | Comedy, Drama
One night in Judea, a disabled shepherd boy-turned-beggar and his mother are visited by three strangers. They are the Three Kings, and they are on their way to Bethlehem to visit the Christ Child, who has just been born.
Directors: Kirk Browning, Gian Carlo Menotti | Stars: Chet Allen, Rosemary Kuhlmann, Andrew McKinley, David Aiken
Votes: 89
7. The Walt Disney Christmas Show (1951 TV Special)
60 min | Family
The Walt Disney Christmas Show is a Christmas television special, originally broadcast on Christmas Day of 1951. The then-upcoming Disney film Peter Pan is promoted in this special, as is ... See full summary »
Director: Robert Florey | Stars: Walt Disney, Kathryn Beaumont, Bobby Driscoll, Hans Conried
Votes: 98
8.
Dragnet (1951–1959)
Episode:
The Big .22 Rifle for Christmas
(1952)
Not Rated | 26 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Friday and Smith search for a missing boy. The first sign that the case is serious is when blood is found. Further probing reveals the boy's parents had purchased him a .22-caliber rifle ... See full summary »
Director: Jack Webb | Stars: Jack Webb, Herbert Ellis, William Johnstone, June Whitley Taylor
Votes: 104
9.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
Boys' Christmas Money
(1952)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
The boys want to earn extra money for Christmas, so Ozzie gives them permission to look for work.
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 37
10.
The Jackie Gleason Show (1952–1973)
Episode:
Christmas Party
(1952)
TV-G | 41 min | Comedy
The Honeymooners' first Christmas.
Stars: Jackie Gleason, Frankie Avalon, Jerry Bergen, Jimmy Blaine
Votes: 18
11.
The Doctor (1952–1953)
Episode:
A Tale of Two Christmases
(1952)
30 min | Drama
The life of a dysfunctional family between Christmas 1951 and Christmas 1952 is told.
Director: Robert Aldrich | Stars: Richard McMurray, Janie Alexander, Margaret Hayes, Harry Bannister
Votes: 19
12.
Kraft Theatre (1947–1958)
Episode:
A Christmas Carol
(1952)
60 min | Drama
An old bitter miser who makes excuses for his uncaring nature learns real compassion when three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve.
Stars: Eric Berry, Phillip Brady, Eva Condon, Melville Cooper
13.
Racket Squad (1950–1953)
Episode:
The Christmas Caper
(1952)
Not Rated | 30 min | Crime, Drama
Braddock and his men investigate several con artists who use phony street corner Santa Clauses to collect money for poor children and distribute it among themselves.
Director: Erle C. Kenton | Stars: Reed Hadley, Lloyd Corrigan, Jackie Coogan, Alan Dexter
Votes: 40
14.
The Amos 'n Andy Show (1951–1953)
Episode:
The Christmas Story
(1952)
30 min | Comedy
Andy, broke as usual, is desperate to earn money so he can give his god-daughter a talking doll for Christmas. He convinces a manager to hire him as a department store Santa Claus on ... See full summary »
Director: Charles Barton | Stars: Alvin Childress, Spencer Williams, Tim Moore, Nick Stewart
Votes: 33
15.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
Late Christmas Gift
(1952)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Ozzie and David receive Christmas gifts after Christmas from Grandma Nelson.
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 45
16.
The Jackie Gleason Show (1952–1973)
Episode:
The Honeymooners: The Christmas Party
(1953)
TV-G | Comedy
Stars: Jackie Gleason, Jerry Bergen, Ray Bloch, Art Carney
Votes: 27
17.
Dragnet (1951–1959)
Episode:
The Big Little Jesus
(1953)
Not Rated | 30 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
It's Christmas Eve when Father Rojas at the Old Mission Plaza Church in Los Angeles discovers that the statue of the Infant Jesus is stolen from the crib. The statue's worth is only a few ... See full summary »
Director: Jack Webb | Stars: Jack Webb, Ben Alexander, Harry Bartell, Joe Carioca Jr.
Votes: 118
18.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
The Miracle
(1953)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Ozzie tells his family a story from his childhood of when he wished for a white Christmas.
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 31
19.
Topper (1953–1955)
Episode:
Christmas Carol
(1953)
30 min | Fantasy, Comedy
Henrietta reads a Christmas Carol to Topper and their guests. Topper falls asleep during the reading and dreams he is Scrooge.
Director: Paul Landres | Stars: Anne Jeffreys, Robert Sterling, Leo G. Carroll, Lee Patrick
Votes: 18
20.
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1955– )
Episode:
The Christmas Present
(1955)
30 min | Adventure, Family
When Chauvelin captures an several important members of the French royalty, Sir Percy must forsake a quiet Christmas at home and attempt a rescue.
Director: David MacDonald | Stars: Marius Goring, Anthony Newlands, Stanley Van Beers, Patrick Troughton
Votes: 22
21.
Father Knows Best (1954–1960)
Episode:
The Christmas Story
(1954)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
Upset with his children's materialistic approach to the holiday season, Jim insists his family drive to the mountains to chop down their Christmas tree. His wish for a simple family ... See full summary »
Director: William D. Russell | Stars: Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray
Votes: 88
22.
Rheingold Theatre (1953–1957)
Episode:
Silent Night: The Story of the Original Christmas Carol
(1954)
Drama
Director: Lawrence Huntington | Stars: Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Gerard Heinz
23.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
The Lost Christmas Gift
(1954)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
After the Christmas gifts have been opened, one exception is noticed: Ricky's catcher's mitt. Ozzie guesses it might have been delivered to another Nelson family across town, as a package ... See full summary »
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 31
24.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
The Fruitcake
(1955)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
When Harriet insists that everyone write thank-you notes, Ozzie struggles to write his to Thorny.
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 32
25.
The 20th Century-Fox Hour (1955–1957)
Episode:
The Miracle on 34th Street
(1955)
PG | 46 min | Drama
One Kris Kringle, a department-store Santa Claus, causes quite a commotion by suggesting customers go to a rival store for their purchases. But this is nothing to the stir he causes by ... See full summary »
Director: Robert Stevenson | Stars: Macdonald Carey, Teresa Wright, Thomas Mitchell, Sandy Descher
Votes: 322
26.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1962)
Episode:
Santa Claus and the Tenth Avenue Kid
(1955)
TV-14 | 30 min | Drama, Mystery
While working as a department store 'Santa Claus', a paroled convict tries to help a troubled boy.
Director: Don Weis | Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Barry Fitzgerald, Virginia Gregg, Bobby Clark
Votes: 1,065
27.
The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (1954–1959)
Episode:
Rin Tin Tin and the Christmas Story
(1955)
30 min | Family, Western
While searching for a Christmas tree Lt. Rip, Rusty & Rinty encounter an Indian couple who need their assistance.
Director: Douglas Heyes | Stars: Lee Aaker, James Brown, Joe Sawyer, Rand Brooks
Votes: 16
28.
The Alcoa Hour (1955–1957)
Episode:
Amahl and the Night Visitors
(1955)
46 min | Drama
One night in Judea, a disabled shepherd boy-turned-beggar and his mother are visited by three strangers. They are the Three Kings, and they are on their way to Bethlehem to visit the Christ Child, who has just been born.
Director: Kirk Browning | Stars: Bill McIver, Rosemary Kuhlmann, Andrew McKinley, David Aiken
Votes: 14
29.
Highway Patrol (1955–1959)
Episode:
Christmas Story
(1956)
TV-PG | 30 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Dan Mathews and Sergeant Corey spend Christmas Eve searching for a lost six-year-old girl.
Director: Herbert L. Strock | Stars: Broderick Crawford, William F. Leicester, Jeanne Baird, Michelle Ducasse
Votes: 86
30.
Annie Oakley (1954–1957)
Episode:
Santa Claus Wears a Gun
(1956)
Not Rated | 26 min | Western
A elderly sharpshooter, Snowy Kringle, arrives in town for show where he will demonstrate his skill with a flintlock rifle and cap-and-ball pistol. The man who is charged with delivering ... See full summary »
Director: Ray Nazarro | Stars: Gail Davis, Jimmy Hawkins, Brad Johnson, Stanley Andrews
Votes: 26
31.
The Alcoa Hour (1955–1957)
Episode:
Merry Christmas, Mr. Baxter
(1956)
60 min | Drama
A stingy man tries to shop for his family's gifts with the least amount of cash.
Stars: Patricia Benoit, Margaret Hamilton, Dennis King, John McGiver
32.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
The Busy Christmas
(1956)
Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Ozzie volunteers for so many Christmas committees that he has little time to do his Christmas shopping, hang the Christmas lights or buy a Christmas tree.
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 64
33.
The Lone Ranger (1949–1957)
Episode:
Christmas Story
(1956)
TV-G | 30 min | Western
The Lone Ranger meets a young boy whose Christmas wish is to be re-united with his father. The Lone Ranger and Tonto go on a quest to find the boy's father and grant the boy his wish.
Director: Earl Bellamy | Stars: Clayton Moore, Jay Silverheels, William Henry, Aline Towne
Votes: 49
34.
The Alcoa Hour (1955–1957)
Episode:
The Stingiest Man in Town
(1956)
60 min | Drama
This is a musical version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". Ebenezer Scrooge is given a chance to reform and save his soul. He is visited by 4 ghosts and is shown visions of his past life and the consequences of his life on others.
Director: Daniel Petrie | Stars: The Four Lads, Johnny Desmond, Basil Rathbone, Robert Weede
Votes: 54
35.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
The Day After Christmas
(1956)
Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Feeling nostalgic on the day after Christmas, Ozzie is determined to take the family ice skating up at the lake.
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 35
36.
The Adventures of Long John Silver (1956–1957)
Episode:
The Orphans' Christmas
(1957)
Adventure, Family
It's Christmas time, but Jim Hawkins, an orphan himself, is too depressed to participate in the holiday festivities. He's just met the children living in Miss Willoughby's orphanage, where ... See full summary »
Stars: Robert Newton, Connie Gilchrist, Kit Taylor, Billy Kay
Votes: 55
37.
Date with the Angels (1957–1958)
Episode:
Santa's Helper
(1957)
Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy
Vickie tries to find a suitable outlet for Mr. Finley, Sr.'s energy, so she enlists the help of her friend Dolly to get him a job in the local department store as one of Santa's helpers. ... See full summary »
Director: James V. Kern | Stars: Betty White, Bill Williams, Burt Mustin, Richard Deacon
Votes: 44
38.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
The Christmas Tree Lot
(1957)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
David and Rick decide to earn some extra cash to buy Christmas presents by opening up a Christmas tree lot, but soon discover that being a small-time entrepreneurs is a lot more involved than they had realized.
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 51
39.
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1955–1960)
Episode:
The Christmas Goose
(1957)
Approved | 25 min | Action, Adventure, Family
When Matilda, a young boy's beloved pet goose, is sentenced to be plucked, stuffed, and cooked as the Christmas dinner for the new lord of the manor, Robin Hood and Friar Tuck conspire to create a Christmas miracle.
Director: Don Chaffey | Stars: Richard Greene, Alexander Gauge, Jon Whiteley, Jack Watling
Votes: 42
40.
The Bob Cummings Show (1955–1959)
Episode:
Bob's Christmas Party
(1957)
Not Rated | Comedy
Director: Robert Cummings | Stars: Robert Cummings, Ann B. Davis, Rosemary DeCamp, King Donovan
41.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1962)
Episode:
The Festive Season
(1958)
TV-14 | 30 min | Drama, Mystery
A bitter man continues to live in a dark old mansion with his controlling sister, who he believes killed his wife, while openly planning her murder.
Director: Arthur Hiller | Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Carmen Mathews, Edmon Ryan, Richard Waring
Votes: 486
42.
Lassie (1954–1974)
Episode:
The Christmas Story
(1958)
TV-G | 30 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
While the Martin's are Christmas shopping, Lassie saves a child from getting hit by a truck and is struck herself. Dr. Weaver is uncertain if he can do the operation to save her and the specialist who can is unreachable.
Director: George Archainbaud | Stars: Anne Barton, Larry J. Blake, George Chandler, Lassie the Dog
Votes: 37
43.
Naked City (1958–1963)
Episode:
And a Merry Christmas to the Force on Patrol
(1958)
TV-14 | 30 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The precinct investigates a brazen Christmas Eve robbery and shooting by the notorious Marco Butcher and his brother.
Director: Stuart Rosenberg | Stars: John McIntire, James Franciscus, Harry Bellaver, Frank Sutton
Votes: 108
44.
This Is Alice (1958– )
Episode:
Christmas Story
(1958)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
Alice gets a job selling Christmas trees to do a good deed. Alice has learned that a kindly older lady is poor and not expecting any gifts so the little girl decides a surprise is in order.
Director: Sidney Salkow | Stars: Patty Ann Gerrity, Phyllis Coates, Tommy Farrell, Kathy Garver
45.
Dennis the Menace (1959–1963)
Episode:
The Christmas Story
(1959)
TV-G | 25 min | Comedy, Family
It's Christmas time and Dennis is going around the house looking for his presents. Henry and Alice think they have the perfect place to hide them, The Wilson's house in Mr. Wilson's closet ... See full summary »
Director: Don Taylor | Stars: Jay North, Herbert Anderson, Gloria Henry, Joseph Kearns
Votes: 69
46.
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959–1963)
Episode:
Deck the Halls
(1959)
TV-Y7 | 26 min | Comedy, Family
Herbert T. Gillis finds himself in jail on Christmas Eve after being stripped of his holiday spirit and driven to desperation by his family and customers.
Director: Rod Amateau | Stars: Dwayne Hickman, Frank Faylen, Florida Friebus, Bob Denver
Votes: 41
47.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
The Girl in the Emporium
(1960)
Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Ricky and Wally notice a pretty sales clerk in a store and try to get jobs for the Christmas shopping rush in the same department.
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 44
48.
The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968)
Episode:
Christmas Story
(1960)
TV-G | 26 min | Comedy, Family
Crotchety old businessman Ben Weaver wants moonshiner Sam Muggins locked up for Christmas but, after seeing the holiday spirit in Andy's jail, he tries to be arrested himself.
Director: Bob Sweeney | Stars: Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knotts, Frances Bavier
Votes: 773
49.
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959–1963)
Episode:
Jangle Bells
(1960)
TV-Y7 | 26 min | Comedy, Family
Maynard throws a Christmas party for his friends, but status seeker Zelda persuades Dobie it would be better to attend Chatsworth's posh party. Troubled, Dobie is haunted by ghosts in this spoof of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."
Director: Rod Amateau | Stars: Dwayne Hickman, Frank Faylen, Florida Friebus, Bob Denver
Votes: 33
50.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)
Episode:
A Piano for the Fraternity
(1960)
TV-G | 26 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
The fraternity wants to buy a piano for the Christmas party, and David and Rick meet a nice older couple with a piano they can afford.
Director: Ozzie Nelson | Stars: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson
Votes: 36
51.
Lassie (1954–1974)
Episode:
The Christmas Story
(1960)
TV-G | 30 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
Timmy befriends two poor children staying in a tool shed with the father who is fleeing authorities to prevent the children's placement in foster care so the Martins acts of charity include getting the man a job to support the children.
Director: Jack Hively | Stars: Jon Provost, June Lockhart, Hugh Reilly, Robert Foulk
Votes: 32
52.
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959–1963)
Episode:
Have Reindeer, Will Travel
(1961)
TV-Y7 | 26 min | Comedy, Family
Maynard befriends a poor Mexican shoeshine boy and generously gives him $55.78--all the money his classmates had saved to fund their Christmas dance. To earn back the money, Maynard takes a job as a department store Santa Claus.
Director: Rod Amateau | Stars: Dwayne Hickman, Frank Faylen, Florida Friebus, Bob Denver
Votes: 35
53.
Dr. Kildare (1961–1966)
Episode:
Season to Be Jolly
(1961)
60 min | Drama
On Christmas Eve, an alcoholic, bitter, cynical department store Santa Claus is admitted to the hospital. The hospital chaplain is shocked to recognize the man as someone he knew in the ... See full summary »
Director: Elliot Silverstein | Stars: Richard Chamberlain, Raymond Massey, Dan O'Herlihy, Kenneth MacKenna
Votes: 17
54.
The Jack Benny Program (1950–1965)
Episode:
Christmas Party
(1961)
Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy
Jack and Rochester give gifts to the cast. First TV appearance of Mel Blanc following his near fatal car accident in January of 1961.
Director: Frederick De Cordova | Stars: Jack Benny, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Don Wilson, Dennis Day
Votes: 19
55.
Dennis the Menace (1959–1963)
Episode:
The Fifteen-Foot Christmas Tree
(1961)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
Dennis, Henry, and Mr. Wilson go out in search of the perfect Christmas tree to chop down. As problems arise, their quest turns into quite an odyssey.
Director: Charles Barton | Stars: Herbert Anderson, Gloria Henry, Willard Waterman, Pat McCaffrie
Votes: 49
56.
Bonanza (1959–1973)
Episode:
Gabrielle
(1961)
TV-PG | 60 min | Western
The Cartwrights take in a young orphaned blind girl on Christmas Eve. Will they be able to reunite her with her embittered old grandfather?
Director: Thomas Carr | Stars: Michael Landon, Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker
Votes: 169
57.
The Untouchables (1959–1963)
Episode:
The Night They Shot Santa Claus
(1962)
52 min | Action, Crime, Drama
It's Christmas eve 1930 and Eliot Ness and his men are investigating the murder of a close friend of his, Hap Levinson. The man had been playing Santa Claus at a children's orphanage and ... See full summary »
Director: Alex March | Stars: Robert Stack, Ruth White, Russell Collins, Nita Talbot
Votes: 73
58.
Ben Casey (1961–1966)
Episode:
Between Summer and Winter, the Glorious Season
(1962)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama
During the hectic holiday season, Ben hires elderly Mrs. Plumduff, a nurse with an excellent reputation. Her eccentricities, including serving homemade plum pudding to the patients, soon ... See full summary »
Director: Paul Nickell | Stars: Vince Edwards, Sam Jaffe, Gail Bonney, Nellie Burt
Votes: 7
59.
Going My Way (1962–1963)
Episode:
Keep an Eye on Santa Claus
(1962)
60 min | Drama, Family
Ex-con grandfather may repeat his past mistakes.
Director: Joseph Pevney | Stars: Gene Kelly, Dick York, Leo G. Carroll, James Dunn
60.
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959–1963)
Episode:
Will the Real Santa Claus Please Come Down the Chimney?
(1962)
TV-Y7 | 26 min | Comedy, Family
The Gilleses believe that the time has come to disabuse Maynard of his belief in Santa Claus and set in motion an elaborate scheme to accomplish the task.
Director: Rod Amateau | Stars: Dwayne Hickman, Frank Faylen, Florida Friebus, Bob Denver
Votes: 31
61.
The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971)
Episode:
Home for Christmas
(1962)
TV-PG | 26 min | Comedy, Family
Jed, Elly May, Jethro, and Granny take their first airplane flight back home for Christmas to visit cousin Pearl who's busy cooking up a feast to win Mr. Brewster's unwilling heart.
Director: Richard Whorf | Stars: Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, Max Baer Jr.
Votes: 209
62.
Mister Ed (1961–1966)
Episode:
Ed's Christmas Story
(1963)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Mister Ed tells Wilbur the story of how a horse was responsible for getting Santa Claus started in the gift-giving business. Meanwhile, Gordon talks Wilbur into entering a pact wherein they... See full summary »
Director: Arthur Lubin | Stars: Alan Young, Connie Hines, Leon Ames, Florence MacMichael
Votes: 38
63.
The Danny Thomas Show (1953–1965)
Episode:
Christmas Story
(1963)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Comedy, Family
Danny is disheartened because his family is so caught up in the material aspects of Christmas that they seem to have forgotten its real meaning. He comes up with a plan he hopes will remedy this.
Director: Danny Thomas | Stars: Danny Thomas, Marjorie Lord, Rusty Hamer, Angela Cartwright
Votes: 14
64.
Petticoat Junction (1963–1970)
Episode:
Cannonball Christmas
(1963)
TV-PG | 26 min | Comedy
The Bradleys, Sam Drucker, Herby, Charlie and Floyd are decorating the Cannonball for it's annual Christmas Eve trip of caroling, gift-giving and merriment around the valley, but Homer ... See full summary »
Director: Guy Scarpitta | Stars: Bea Benaderet, Edgar Buchanan, Jeannine Riley, Pat Woodell
Votes: 113
65.
Profiler (1996–2000)
Episode:
Original Sin
(1999)
TV-14 | 44 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
As Christmas nears, Rachel and the VCTF work into the night in search of a twisted serial killer who goes on-line to select his victims, all of whom are carefully screened, seeking a ... See full summary »
Director: James Quinn | Stars: Jamie Luner, Robert Davi, Julian McMahon, Roma Maffia
Votes: 124
66.
Lassie (1954–1974)
Episode:
The Little Christmas Tree
(1964)
TV-G | 30 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
When trees cut from the forest for a Christmas charity project are stolen from a church lot, Stuart plays on the suspected thieves consciences by introducing them to the charity givers and recipients .
Director: William Beaudine | Stars: Robert Bray, Richard Correll, Joanna Dix, Ted Eccles
Votes: 23
67.
The Red Skelton Hour (1951–1971)
Episode:
The Plight Before Christmas
(1964)
TV-G | 60 min | Comedy
Director: Bill Hobin | Stars: Red Skelton, Don Brodie, Jimmy Cross, David Rose and His Orchestra
Votes: 8
68.
The Avengers (1961–1969)
Episode:
Too Many Christmas Trees
(1965)
TV-14 | 52 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Steed has been having bad dreams involving Christmas trees and a man dressed as Santa Claus. At a party given by publisher and Dickens fan Brandon Storey, two telepathic spies attempt to ... See full summary »
Director: Roy Ward Baker | Stars: Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Mervyn Johns, Edwin Richfield
Votes: 452
69.
Daniel Boone (1964–1970)
Episode:
The Christmas Story
(1965)
TV-PG | 60 min | Adventure, Western
Just before Christmas a blizzard drives everyone from their homes to the safety of Boonesborough. Tempers are as short as food when an Indian couple, about to have a baby at any time, show up seeking shelter.
Director: Maurice Geraghty | Stars: Fess Parker, Ed Ames, Patricia Blair, Veronica Cartwright
Votes: 54
70.
The Addams Family (1964–1966)
Episode:
Christmas with the Addams Family
(1965)
TV-G | 25 min | Comedy, Family, Horror
Mr. Thompson next door tells Wednesday and Pugsley there's no Santa Claus and the family volunteers Uncle Fester to play Santa for their benefit. But when he gets stuck in the chimney and ... See full summary »
Director: Sidney Lanfield | Stars: Carolyn Jones, John Astin, Jackie Coogan, Ted Cassidy
Votes: 272
71.
The Space Kidettes (1966–1967)
Episode:
The Flight Before Christmas
(1966)
TV-Y7-FV | Animation, Family, Sci-Fi
72.
Petticoat Junction (1963–1970)
Episode:
The Santa Claus Special
(1966)
TV-G | 25 min | Comedy
It's the Christmas season, and those at the Shady Rest, among others, are decorating the Cannonball in preparation for their annual caroling and gift delivery runs. Their plans are placed ... See full summary »
Director: Guy Scarpitta | Stars: Bea Benaderet, Edgar Buchanan, Linda Henning, Lori Saunders
Votes: 56
73.
ABC Stage 67 (1966–1967)
Episode:
A Christmas Memory
(1966)
51 min | Comedy, Drama, Musical
Its the last Christmas together in Depression era Alabama of a sensitive boy and his elderly cousin who was his closest friend. The two raise enough money to buy the ingredients for 30 ... See full summary »
Director: Frank Perry | Stars: Geraldine Page, Donnie Melvin, Lavinia Cassels, Christine Marler
Votes: 262
74.
Bonanza (1959–1973)
Episode:
A Christmas Story
(1966)
TV-PG | 60 min | Western
A singer returns to Virginia City for Christmas along with his scheming uncle.
Director: Gerd Oswald | Stars: Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon, Wayne Newton
Votes: 131
75.
Dragnet 1967 (1967–1970)
Episode:
The Christmas Story
(1967)
TV-G | 30 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Friday and Gannon investigate the theft of a statue of the baby Jesus from a church's nativity scene on Christmas Eve. The figure itself has little monetary value. Father Xavier Rojas ... See full summary »
Director: Jack Webb | Stars: Jack Webb, Harry Morgan, Harry Bartell, Bobby Troup
Votes: 182
76.
The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971)
Episode:
The Week Before Christmas
(1968)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
The Clampetts prepare to go to Hooterville for Christmas.
Director: Ralph Levy | Stars: Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, Max Baer Jr.
Votes: 80
77.
Adam-12 (1968–1975)
Episode:
Log 122: Christmas - The Yellow Dump Truck
(1968)
TV-PG | 25 min | Crime, Drama
On Christmas eve Reed and Malloy make rounds distributing police department donation packages to needy families, and pull many heartstrings.
Director: Hollingsworth Morse | Stars: Martin Milner, Kent McCord, Dick Foran, Mittie Lawrence
Votes: 147
78.
Adam-12 (1968–1975)
Episode:
Log 46: Pilgrimage
(1970)
TV-PG | 25 min | Crime, Drama
In this Christmas themed show Malloy and Reed confront a man who robbed a bell ringing Santa Claus followed by a pregnant woman caught shop lifting. She tells the store manager and the ... See full summary »
Director: Oscar Rudolph | Stars: Martin Milner, Kent McCord, J. Pat O'Malley, Stanley Adams
Votes: 103
79.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
Episode:
Christmas and the Hard-Luck Kid II
(1970)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
Mary is forced to work not only on Christmas Day but Christmas Eve, too.
Director: Jay Sandrich | Stars: Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Valerie Harper, Gavin MacLeod
Votes: 284
80.
Getting Together (1971–1972)
Episode:
Blue Christmas
(1971)
30 min | Comedy, Music
Director: Jerrold Bernstein | Stars: Bobby Sherman, Wes Stern, Jack Burns, Susan Neher
81.
All in the Family (1971–1979)
Episode:
Christmas Day at the Bunkers'
(1971)
TV-PG | 26 min | Comedy, Drama
Archie is depressed at Christmas because his boss canceled his holiday bonus (purportedly for screwing up a work order) and he doesn't know how to break the news to his family.
Director: John Rich | Stars: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers
Votes: 291
82. The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971 TV Movie)
PG | 100 min | Drama, Family
On Christmas Eve 1933, the Waltons prepare for the holiday, but they are becoming increasingly worried because John Walton, who was forced to take work in another part of the state, has not yet returned home.
Director: Fielder Cook | Stars: Patricia Neal, Richard Thomas, Edgar Bergen, Ellen Corby
Votes: 2,113
83.
Mod Squad (1968–1973)
Episode:
Kristie
(1972)
TV-PG | Action, Crime, Drama
A little girl's father gets in trouble with jewel thieves just before Christmas. He leaves his daughter with Pete, an old friend, but then doesn't return for her as promised, and the trio tries to find him.
Director: Richard Newton | Stars: Michael Cole, Clarence Williams III, Peggy Lipton, Tige Andrews
Votes: 43
84.
Bridget Loves Bernie (1972–1973)
Episode:
'Tis the Season
(1972)
30 min | Comedy
Celebrating Christmas becomes complicated for Bridget and Bernie due to the Steinberg's strong Jewish beliefs. When the couple plans to leave and spend Christmas elsewhere, the families begin to realize what's most important.
Director: Alan Rafkin | Stars: David Birney, Meredith Baxter, Harold J. Stone, Bibi Osterwald
Votes: 11
85.
Festival of Family Classics (1972– )
Episode:
A Christmas Tree
(1972)
Not Rated | Animation, Short, Adventure
Directors: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr. | Stars: Carl Banas, Len Birman, Bernard Cowan, Peg Dixon
Votes: 26
86.
The F.B.I. (1965–1974)
Episode:
Dark Christmas
(1972)
60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Hitman Stuart Tilden seriously wounds a businessman in Chicago while seeking the whereabouts of his intended target. The FBI launches an intense investigation, seeking to prevent him from ... See full summary »
Director: Virgil W. Vogel | Stars: Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Philip Abbott, William Reynolds, Don Gordon
Votes: 16
87.
Billy Liar (1973–1974)
Episode:
Billy and the Gift of the Magi
(1973)
25 min | Comedy
Billy has his heart set on a pair of bright yellow trousers for Christmas, but there are two problems. One - they're expensive, and two - his Dad is determined that he should never wear such horrible things.
Director: Stuart Allen | Stars: Jeff Rawle, George A. Cooper, Pamela Vezey, May Warden
Votes: 12
88.
All in the Family (1971–1979)
Episode:
Edith's Christmas Story
(1973)
TV-PG | 25 min | Comedy, Drama
On Christmas Day, Edith tells Gloria that she has found a lump in her breast and worries that she may have cancer.
Director: John Rich | Stars: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers
Votes: 217
89.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
Episode:
Not a Christmas Story
(1974)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
Everyone is getting on each other's nerves when they are trapped in the newsroom by a snowstorm.
Director: John C. Chulay | Stars: Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight
Votes: 207
90.
The Rookies (1972–1976)
Episode:
Blue Christmas
(1974)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama
On Christmas Eve the Dankos invite Lt. Ryker over for dinner and ask him to dress up as Santa Claus to cheer up their niece whose parents are separated. Officers Webster and Owens maintain the Christmas spirit while out on patrol.
Director: Bruce Bilson | Stars: Georg Stanford Brown, Sam Melville, Bruce Fairbairn, Kate Jackson
Votes: 34
91.
Apple's Way (1974–1975)
Episode:
The Christmas Party
(1974)
Drama, Family
When someone tells George some information, he expects that it will remain confidential. But George soon has a dilemma: reveal the news entrusted to him, or risk a rupture with his father.
Director: Richard C. Bennett | Stars: Ronny Cox, Frances Lee McCain, Malcolm Atterbury, Vincent Van Patten
92.
Adam-12 (1968–1975)
Episode:
Christmas
(1974)
TV-PG | 25 min | Crime, Drama
Christmas in sunny Los Angeles finds Reed and Molloy in a series of seasonal vignettes. They meet up with a colorful tree lot salesman and help out a Santa entertaining a retiree's home all while chasing down a rooftop gunman.
Director: Norman Abbott | Stars: Martin Milner, Kent McCord, William Boyett, Wallace Rooney
Votes: 91
93.
Lucas Tanner (1974–1975)
Episode:
Merry Gentlemen
(1974)
Drama, Sport
Lucas is battling the grief he feels as the anniversary of his wife and son's death approaches. A chance encounter with his former father-in-law resurrects past issues forcing Tanner to deal with them over Christmas.
Director: Walter Doniger | Stars: David Hartman, Rosemary Murphy, Barry Sullivan, Robbie Rist
94.
Kojak (1973–1978)
Episode:
How Cruel the Frost, How Bright the Stars
(1975)
TV-PG | 48 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Christmas Eve is anything but peaceful for Kojak and his men. A woman is convinced her boyfriend is going to commit some kind of crime-but she doesn't know what; and a jealous husband is looking to kill his cheating wife.
Director: David Friedkin | Stars: Telly Savalas, Dan Frazer, Kevin Dobson, George Savalas
Votes: 193
95.
Maude (1972–1978)
Episode:
The Christmas Party
(1975)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
With Christmas on the way, Walter has his annual office Christmas party at the house. But he's worried that Maude's feminist friend, Stephanie, who goes out of her way to preach to everyone... See full summary »
Director: Hal Cooper | Stars: Bea Arthur, Bill Macy, Adrienne Barbeau, Conrad Bain
Votes: 66
96.
Barney Miller (1975–1982)
Episode:
Christmas Story
(1976)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
Fish goes undercover to catch a mugger who's targeting Santas. Wojo doesn't know how to tell Yemana that his Christmas Eve date is a call girl. Luger fishes for an Christmas Day invitation from Barney.
Director: Bruce Bilson | Stars: Hal Linden, Abe Vigoda, Max Gail, Ron Glass
Votes: 153
97.
All in the Family (1971–1979)
Episode:
The Draft Dodger
(1976)
TV-PG | Comedy, Drama
Archie explodes with anger when he discovers that Mike has invited his draft dodger friend to the family's Christmas dinner, where the guest of honor is Archie's close friend, a gold star father whose son was killed in Vietnam.
Director: Paul Bogart | Stars: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers
Votes: 313
98.
McCloud (1970–1977)
Episode:
'Twas the Fight Before Christmas...
(1976)
TV-PG | 70 min | Action, Crime, Drama
The final "Alamo" episode is set during the Christmas holidays, as McCloud helps a suicidal woman on a window ledge, deals with a psychotic stalker, and tries to rescue "Santa" Clifford and... See full summary »
Director: Dennis Weaver | Stars: Dennis Weaver, J.D. Cannon, Terry Carter, Diana Muldaur
Votes: 85
99.
Paddington Bear (1976–1993)
Episode:
Christmas!
(1976)
4 min | Animation, Family
Paddington is sitting up in bed with pillowcase full of parcels, which he unwraps. Later, the Brown family and Paddington are at the table for Christmas dinner. Paddington polishes off the ... See full summary »
Director: Ivor Wood | Star: Michael Hordern
Votes: 17
100.
Eight Is Enough (1977–1981)
Episode:
Yes Nicholas, There Is a Santa Claus: Part 1
(1977)
TV-G | Comedy, Drama, Family
The family all have separate plans for Christmas Eve, and during the night, an old man appears to ruin their holiday. Part two reveals the reason for all the trouble.
Director: Harry Harris | Stars: Dick Van Patten, Betty Buckley, Grant Goodeve, Willie Aames
Votes: 47
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