It’s that time of the year when our TV’s are taken over by Christmas specials, and though this year seems to offer more old than new offerings, there’s nothing wrong with that. Sit down with your friends, your kids or grandkids or whomever, and experience A Charlie Brown Christmas all over again, or loath the Grinch in all his Grinchiness when you feel your childhood memories come flooding back. Here’s a list of do-not-miss holiday specials that everyone can enjoy……………
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS,
Dec. 15 at 8pm on ABC
The classic animated Christmas-themed PEANUTS special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, is a must-see every year, no matter if you’ve seen it 50 times or it’s your first time. In the newly digitally re-mastered 1965 special, Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees everywhere during the Christmas season. Lucy suggests that he become Director of the school Christmas pageant, and Charlie Brown accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little Christmas tree fails, Charlie Brown needs Linus' help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is. www.abc.com
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN,
Dec. 18 at 8pm on CBS
This classic 1969 animated special features the loveable Jackie Vernon in the title role.
A discarded silk top hat becomes the focus of a struggle between a washed-up stage magician, and a group of schoolchildren, after it magically brings a snowman to life. Realizing that the newly-alive snowman will melt in spring unless he takes refuge in a colder climate, Frosty and a young girl who he befriends, stow away on a freight train headed for the North Pole. Little do they know that the magician is following them, and he wants his hat back. This animated short is based on the popular Christmas song of the same name. www.cbs.com
CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON, 
Dec. 20 at 8pm on TNT
This beloved concert takes place each year at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. This year, Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Sugarland, Rob Thomas and Usher will be the featured guests. George Lopez hosts this star-studded evening in what is sure to be one of the best holiday music specials. www.tnt.tv
THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS,
Dec. 23 at 8pm on ABC
This Dr. Seuss 1966 animated special features the incomparable Boris Karloff as narrator! Bitter and hateful, the Grinch is irritated at the thought of the nearby village having a happy time celebrating Christmas. So with himself disguised as Santa Claus, and his dog as a reindeer, he raids the village to steal all the Christmas presents. But will the village really have a sad Christmas this year? www.abc.com
A CHRISTMAS STORY,
Dec. 24 at 8pm & continuously
‘til Christmas night
This TBS classic is always a must-watch around the holidays! Ralphie, a young boy growing up in the '40's, dreams of owning a Red Rider BB gun. He sets out to convince the world this is the perfect gift. But along the way, he runs into opposition from his parents, his teacher, and even good 'ol Santa Claus himself. www.tbs.com
DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE,
Dec. 25, at 10am on ABC
In case you have nothing else to do Christmas morning, be sure and watch “Tis the Season to be Merry at Disney Parks”, when the 26th annual Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade takes place. Featuring award-winning musical talent and iconic stars, this year’s show promises to dazzle viewers with must-see performances by Celine Dion and Stevie Wonder. Pop sensations the Jonas Brothers, and Demi Lovato spread joy to all as enchanting sounds from world-renowned musical artist Yanni and his Yanni Voices echo through the park. American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen will perform, and Wizards of Waverly Place star Selena Gomez will make a special appearance in the annual telecast. www.abc.com
DICK CLARK'S NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' EVE,
Dec. 31 from 10-2am Jan.1 on ABC
Since it first aired on ABC in 1974, Dick Clark’s famed New York City extravaganza has aired on the network every year since, (except 1999). A million people take part in the celebration each year, and many millions more watch it on TV. The show has become the mainstay of American New Year's celebrations, and watching the ball drop on Clark's show is considered an annual cultural tradition for the New Year's holiday. Musical guests are The Black Eyed Peas, Colbie Caillat, Robin Thicke, Keri Hilson, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber. Fergie will be serving as hostess for the segments from Las Vegas. www.abc.com
NBC'S NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH CARSON DALY,
Dec. 31 from 10- 12:30am on NBC
It’s going to be crowded at the world's most famous New Year's Eve destination, Times Square, because Carson Daly will also be broadcasting from there. For the first time, the live show will be broadcast entirely in high definition. NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly will also feature some of the biggest names in music, with this year's performers Sir Elton John, Ludacris, T.I., The Ting Tings, and Katy Perry performing. Viewers and revelers will once again be part of the action with Saturday Today co-anchor Amy Robach, Allison Stewart and Luke Russert reporting from amongst the hundreds of thousands of partyers in Times Square. www.nbc.com
