Top 10 Christmas Shorts
Christmas TV specials are just as synonymous, if not more in some cases, with the holiday than Christmas movies. You have some all-time classics that many families gather around the TV every year to watch together, as well as some newer entries that have started to become traditions too. This list could’ve just been filled with Rankin & Bass’s specials, but I only put a select few here so it would be a more diverse list.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer- One of the most iconic Christmas specials, this 1964 stop motion special has a runtime of 52 minutes is based on the iconic song, which itself was based on a 1939 poem. The special runs several times throughout the holiday season and has been cast every year since its debut, making it the longest running annual special. The special features a majority of lesser known actors in the voice roles, with the exception of Burl Ives appearing as Sam the Snowman and singing the titular song.
Frosty the Snowman- This 1969 special is also based on a song, this special is only 25 minutes long, but is perhaps just as iconic as Rudolph. The special is also aired annually & is traditionally animated, intended to look like a Christmas card. While both Frosty & Rudolph received sequel specials in 1976, they came together in 1979 for ‘Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas in July,’ converting Frosty the stop motion style.
A Charlie Brown Christmas- The Peanuts gang has a special for most holidays, though I’d have to say the trifecta of ‘It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ (1966), ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ (1973), & their predecessor, this 1965 special. Running 25 minutes long, this story is iconic for Charlie choosing the puniest tree & it’s closing dance sequence (which I do a mean impression of). Featuring an equally as iconic jazz soundtrack (by Vince Guaraldi), the special lacks a laugh track which was an animation staple at the time, so executives thought it would surely fail. It was broadcast for 56 years on TV proving them wrong, and is not available exclusively on Apple TV+.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!- With both a live action & animated adaptation in it’s wake, the 25 minute 1966 special can sometimes get forgotten about. It is a much more faithful adaptation of the book, really just telling the same story as the 1957 book. Narrated by horror actor Boris Karloff (also voices the Grinch), the story brings a serious tone, but makes it that much sweeter when the Grinch finally comes around & has a heart enlargement.
The Little Drummer Boy- Debuting in 1968, this special has a 25 minute runtime and tells the story of a Jewish boy named Aaron with his three talking animal friends as they travel Bethlehem to meet a newly born Jesus. The film also has a 1976 sequel that tells a much less familiar story of Aaron teaming up with one of the Magi to protect silver bells from the Romans.
The Year Without a Santa Claus- I really could’ve filled this whole list with Rankin/Bass Productions Christmas specials. I’ve already talked about Rudolph, Frosty, and the Drummer Boy, and some of their other well known specials include ‘Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’ & ‘Jack Frost.’ However I chose to go with this 1974 special, with a runtime of 51 minutes, known particularly for it’s two character the Snow Miser & Heat Miser. Telling a story of Santa getting sick & believing that no one believes in him anymore, Mrs. Claus recruits elves Jingle & Jangle to find evidence of the contrary. Along the way they encounter Vixen, the Misers, & Mother Nature.
The Snowman- This 1982 British special runs 26 minutes is based on the 1978 book of the same name. This film was critically acclaimed upon release receiving an Oscar nomination & winning a BAFTA. The film has no dialogue (aside from songs) & features an orchestral score. The film is incredibly beloved in the UK, but has grown to a wider audience across the pond as well.
Olive, the Other Reindeer- This 1999 special is based on the 1997 book and follows Olive, a dog who mistake the line ‘all of the other reindeer’ from the Rudolph song as ‘Olive, the other reindeer.’ She thinks she is the other reindeer in question and is determined to get the the North Pole to help out. The film features Dan Castellaneta, Joe Pantoliano, Ed Asner, & Tim Meadows, as well as Drew Barrymore in the title role with a 45 minute length.
Prep and Landing- From Disney, this 2009 special is 22 minutes long, the most recent addition on my list, and tells the story of two elves apart of the elite ‘Prep & Landing’ team which gets homes around the world ready for Santa’s arrival. The film has had two sequels with a third coming in 2025.
Shrek the Halls- I’ve mostly avoided specials based on movies & films, just to highlight other options. However, I have to talk about ‘Shrek the Halls’ due to my immense love of it as a kid. This & the Shrek Yule Log were DVDs often being played in the Wilson household. Coming out in 2007, the special is 21 minutes long & features the voice cast from the film reprising their roles. Taking place after the third film, the story follows Shrek trying to set up a Christmas surprise for Fiona, but putting an ogre spin on normal holiday traditions.
*BONUS* Ted Lasso: The Missing Christmas Mustache- This brief short (its about 5 minutes long) features a lot of the main cast of the beloved show in claymation form. It’s a great quick little watch to enjoy the always joyful ‘Ted Lasso.’
