Ahh, Christmas season. They say it's the most wonderful time of the year. To me, wonderful means full of joy and relaxation, and the best way to do that is to sit back and watch some Christmas specials. From Disney to Nickelodeon and TV shows to movies, this list is sure to cover at least one of your favorite specials and help you discover another one.
1. "Merry Christmas, Drake and Josh"
GiphyWe're starting this list off with one of the greatest Christmas movies that ever premiered on television. Not only is it every 90's kid's favorite pair of stepbrothers, but it also shows viewers the true holiday spirit through foster families, community service, and lots of jokes. Every family should gather around the TV on Christmas day and really relish in the family moments.
2. "Big Time Christmas"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTL8Ny398f0
Two words: Snoop Dogg. One of the best boy bands of the 21st century plus Snoop Dogg plus Miranda Cosgrove equals the best Nickelodeon Christmas special to this day. Also, all the songs in it are a BOP and the boys look great in their Christmas attire.
3. Hannah Montana- "It's the End of Jake as We Know It"
GiphyAfter the emotional episode where Miley had to choose between Jake and Jesse (Still team Jesse but no hard feelings Miley), Hannah is filming a Christmas special with Sheryl Crow and volunteering as Mrs. Claus while Jake is an elf. This whole episode has a beautiful duet in it and shows the true value of friendship (thank you Lilly and Oliver).
4. Dora the Explorer- "A Present for Santa"
https://www.google.com/search?q=dora+the+explorer+santa&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlwEJdIfNIWRRRCYaiwELEKjU2AQaBAgVCAgMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEiiaEZkRqQqoCaoK5QnAHsYeoxGlF6opgCLON6sptSm5KacjqiO4Kbg4GjD9b0_1HSD3KFz4CYRU3GoJykEPVNQAu9G8KeuADuTx6C2bkCU3FhkFa4ah8u3QQFywgBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBCooJJYM&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiUs4flqaffAhXh6IMKHQf8Ao0Qwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=AeInD33Fpbz_lM:
In our first cartoon special on the list, Dora and Boots decide to visit Santa Claus because he deserves a present as well. Even if little kid cartoons aren't your thing, at least watch it for the song "Feliz Navidad" cause let's be honest, Dora has some vocals.
5. "iChristmas"
GiphyI'll admit, I'm a strange person, so when Spencer designed his own electromagnetic Christmas tree, I understood. But Carly did not and wished for a normal brother, causing an angel (named Mitch) to grant her wish. Carly lives in a messed up world and realizes how much she loves her actual life. This episode has one of the best lessons of the whole list.
6. The Bear in the Big Blue House- "A Berry Bear Christmas"
https://www.google.com/search?q=1999+bear+in+the+big+blue+house&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlwEJmHD59PJmXvgaiwELEKjU2AQaBAgVCAAMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEijtC_1gL9QvDC-AWrRGfC6AL4RauEaAp8CGiKac3-CGhKdEiuCqeKas3GjAfmXpN7MM6CYzM4Ottumk8naWObG4Ez97foNxXFVu_1TaniJotpR8x4JewD8azsmecgBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBPGkE28M&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiz7r3XqaffAhWJ3oMKHXwcDUUQwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=B2ni-vK04UX3YM:
I'm gonna be honest, I don't remember much of this episode, let alone the show. But 3-year old thought this show was the shiz, so I have to put it in. Just look at how cute the animals are and watch the dang special.
7. Spongebob- "Christmas Who?"
GiphyNowadays, there are at least three Spongebob Christmas specials (even though the claymation one is really strange and makes me lowkey uncomfortable), but nothing can beat the original one. From the songs to Spongebob's extra personality to Squidward "giving in" to the spirit, this is hands-down one of my top three favorite Christmas specials on any network.
8. That's So Raven- "Escape Claus"
https://twitter.com/ravensymone/status/812032467108511744
Considering this special is unique for the fact that Raven can see into the future, it's worth a watch. I was never a huge fan of the show, but I'm all about this Christmas Special.
9. Camp Lazlo- "Kamp Kringle"
GiphyAny Christmas special that takes place at a summer camp automatically makes my list. Not only was this one of the best shows Cartoon Network produced (even with the super messed up ending), but it also shows that you should never trust what your siblings tell you when it comes to Santa Claus.
10. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody- "Christmas at the Tipton"
https://www.google.com/search?q=plays+mr+tipton+on+suite+life&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlwEJr_1Qn_1ntO3lcaiwELEKjU2AQaBAhCCBUMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEiizG7Eb2R-wG7QbuhuyG88fuxvTH98voDvdL5873i_1IOZw7sCWKLowuGjCwmXXrFoxDGDHuL-xlw4K_14UOjt7Vp-5uxClPa10zTqp9DdHuduMNohvE2jBg_1sYcgBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBOxMp7IM&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjcv829qaffAhXJ34MKHYzkBSYQwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=dWt_xXKsvPPF8M:
You probably don't need a reason to watch Zack and Cody because, c'mon, it's Zack and Cody, but this special is easily one of my favorite episodes of the whole series. I hope that I never get snowed in at a hotel on Christmas, but if I do, I hope it goes like this. This episode really shows the meaning of family and co-parenting at its' finest.
11. Sonny with a Chance- "A So Random! Holiday Special"
GiphyAgain, three words: Chad Dylan Cooper. This show with a show inside of it (that's confusing) has the most random skits and a fantastic duet between Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas. If anything, watch for the duet.
12. Victorious- "A Christmas Tori"
https://twitter.com/DailyNickNews/status/808478035045445632
Secret Santas, Beck looking fine (like always), the girls slaying their Christmas outfits, and a bop of a song make this Nickelodeon special land on my list. Also, I wish one of my teachers would have made secret Santa an assignment. I'm not the only one, right?
13. "Billy and Mandy Save Christmas"
https://www.google.com/search?q=billy+and+mandy+save+christmas+gif&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlwEJ9TVuPRWlY2IaiwELEKjU2AQaBAgVCAIMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEiizHO8WlhHJHo4M6haiEbgXshenDPI9oDWELMMhrDWrNYMsjSyqI_1M9GjCVQXIrXodK1va9bPi1TjcjZlOgFEjSp7O1kVK3qyJWMT2PJio1DchQUTHQbKEuhe0gBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBHbq4xcM&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjy6YWnqaffAhVCxoMKHcmPAdIQwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=xAjObvBGRxO8MM:
Alright, so now that we're halfway through the list, it is time to present my all-time, hands-down, no doubts about it, favorite Christmas special: Billy and Mandy Save Christmas. As a child, this episode scarred me on so many levels, but as I got older, I grew to love it. The plot twists are amazing. Billy's personality is on point. The elves are adorable. There's so much I could say, but if you only pick one episode off of this whole list, watch this one. Please and thank you.
14. "Scooby-Doo Christmas"
https://www.google.com/search?q=shaggy+scooby+doo+winter&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlQEJ2WHDQRigO9gaiQELEKjU2AQaAggVDAsQsIynCBpiCmAIAxIoyR6zHp0RqxzGHqwcnhGwHJoRpRzDIaA1nzX5If8jqCmDJKw1oTWnPRowWFd5z1Q_1Qq5XaOVZmQuqRfyU6UQCGfAAj5dFAht9AkqHkFus1j_1Z6WRIXc066DyJIAQMCxCOrv4IGgoKCAgBEgRjAOqSDA&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi1if6bqaffAhUq_IMKHe64D9IQwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=qAC9MhuVR1lI_M:
I've always been a huge fan of Scooby-Doo, so this was obviously going to be included, but this movie really does show the true spirit of Christmas when a huge snowmonster practically destroys a small town right before Christmas Day. Scooby and the gang take charge and find out who is behind it (They probably would have gotten away with it too if it wasn't for those meddling kids).
15. "Ed, Edd, n Eddy's Jingle Jingle Jangle"
https://www.google.com/search?q=ed+edd+n+eddy%27s+jingle+jingle+jangle&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSmAEJrnVYV6te_1nsajAELEKjU2AQaBggVCAQICQwLELCMpwgaYQpfCAMSJ2DmCbYD6AnlCbQUtRT7E-cIsQOyKbkptSnON9A3wyG4Kc03qTWAIhowzJcvDjZfwpAFJJJCAB-ZJKablDtT5_1dB1RduwRmOJMZDkzhoo9eZD4Rnhg8LEVnFIAQMCxCOrv4IGgoKCAgBEgQ3hNm6DA&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwii1oKPqaffAhWj6oMKHYuPDI4Qwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=QxAs5uZhq2cj8M:
There's something about children coming up with elaborate schemes and making out with their bullies that really screams "Merry Christmas." Ed, Edd, and Eddy are all excited for Christmas when Eddy discovers that his presents aren't "as fancy" as everyone else's. He goes on an adventure to get adopted by a family with better presents while Ed and Edd set out to teach him the real meaning of Christmas. This one is a tear-jerker, so get ready guys.
16. "Regular Show- A Christmas Special"
https://www.google.com/search?q=regular+show+christmas+box&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlwEJgnxIc5TydIkaiwELEKjU2AQaBAgVCAMMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEiimHKUcgRvtG6wciRurHJYRixuHG90j8TOjI6c9_1yOgNYcthSeKPd4jGjB0amsKjg8w7t3oULObmzhTVFvqIrXowyxil2U4d8ULywOSUEQUCjFrdhiYyhM9UcggBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBFbQkFsM&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwib-O6GqaffAhVm5oMKHYzRB44Qwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=vwHJRQLde-AOeM:
Imagine that one of Santa's elves created a present that could literally destroy Christmas, and you and your coworkers/best friend have to destroy it and rescue Santa Claus. That's basically what this episode is about, and it is some of the best thirty minutes you will experience in your lifetime.
17. Chowder- "Hey, Hey It's Knishmas!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx-rSc8BQ8c
In this episode, Chowder is worried that he won't receive the gift he really wants for the Knishmas (Christmas), and tries really hard to get it while discovering that the holiday is not about presents. It's definitely worth the watch, and you can celebrate another holiday. Happy Knishmas!
18. "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
https://www.google.com/search?q=charlie+brown+christmas+scene&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlwEJEM-8DWW6-x0aiwELEKjU2AQaBAgVCAEMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEij0CPII8wiqCvUI7wiwCrsCixS2FIAi6yHtIbYptyewKdAn8z24KcQiGjA-hVlG46MLjpDBEsOOsrkw_10DdStG6fxxPhRGR_105nFuEiyWoe2fdbO6j81CT25uwgBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBJB-kCQM&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwicv7_RqKffAhWk4IMKHclSDXgQwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=HMCDRFhKoCZm6M:
By far the oldest on this list, a Charlie Brown Christmas is one of the classic Christmas cartoons that ABC shows every year. Charlie, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang get ready to celebrate the holidays. Also, look at how cute the Charlie Brown tree is.
19. Courage the Cowardly Dog- "The Nutcracker"
https://www.google.com/search?q=courage+the+cowardly+dog+vol+1&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlQEJAEdqW597sm0aiQELEKjU2AQaAggVDAsQsIynCBpiCmAIAxIopBmjGa0ZnxnDDKcZ_1wv1EL0MvwyGOsks-SGFOp81oDWoKfchxyz4IRowpVlCPfbIdgsNAfqhO4qaWmBYcMVHAar8yqzdl1hkfx_1H_11bygCRzVdVJ8NTJZ27JIAQMCxCOrv4IGgoKCAgBEgQkYtuADA&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwilt9HJqKffAhXrq4MKHXBYDQUQwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=mJSODn_swkiqPM:
Courage the Cowardly Dog was that show that I watched as a kid and never understood why. I love the show, don't get me wrong, but it's terrifying. With that being said, this episode puts a spin on Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," a classic Christmas ballet. In this version, the dancing rats are evil and Courage must save his owners before it's too late. This episode is the "scariest" on the list.
20. "Arthur's Perfect Christmas"
https://www.google.com/search?q=arthur%27s+perfect+christmas&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlwEJWpRrFQz-RwsaiwELEKjU2AQaBAgVCAIMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEiiaEakKlxHGHskelhGmHK0cyBTHFM43wyGgNfkhrDWDLKg1oyOrNbg4GjBpg0-bdhiqKdwsMYhO5AK8Bm9YWZAEdywCIk8iuC148yjPCQaEXsGoQ1iGe-UWxREgBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBJV3DDkM&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiE4Ze9qKffAhUB5YMKHZE1BRsQwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=OegvJm6kNItN4M:
In this movie special, Arthur and his friends not only prepare to celebrate Christmas, but the other holidays of the season as well. They discover the traditions of each holiday and why the families celebrate them. This movie really is for everyone, not matter what holiday you celebrate or how old you are.
21. Austin and Ally- "Santas and Surprises"
RAINI RODIRGUEZ, CALUM WORTHY, ROSS LYNCH, LAURA MARANOhttps://twitter.com/jesus12family
I love Austin and Ally and bawled when they ended it, and I will never forget this episode. First off, the outfits are ridiculous (how do you wear Christmas sweaters in Florida without dying of heat stroke?). But more importantly, the core four try their hardest to get Lilly's, one of their students, dad home in time for the holidays. Also, Austin performs a great song. Seriously, all these Disney specials have a fantastic song or two!
22. "Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!"
https://twitter.com/RXMANSPHOENIX/status/850890886816858113
When people ask me what my favorite Christmas is, I answer with this one. I can probably quote this whole movie without thinking about it. It shows a happy family, a Christmas miracle, and plenty of Christmas blessings! Without giving too much away, just know you will need tissues. Also, if anyone reading this is having a baby soon, this movie will give you a pointer or two on how to tell your family members.
23. Paw Patrol- "Pups Save Christmas"
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMF2T1dR6noYglsA53-WsHUpw9VjwxzhZ
We all know that if you're ever in trouble, just yelp for help and the Paw Patrol will be there! Well in this episode, Santa has to yelp because his sled crashed, the reindeer ran off, the magic star got lost, and the presents are scattered all over town! The pups have to race to get everything under control in time so that Santa can finish delivering the presents in time for Christmas! My little brother and I watch this episode at least three times every holiday season, as he is a Paw Patrol fanatic!
24. Wonder Pets- "Save the Reindeer!"
https://www.google.com/search?q=wonder+pets+north+pole&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlwEJ8Pr45riQuFYaiwELEKjU2AQaBAgVCAEMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEiitA_1sWwgP8FqoDrAPuFfQIgBWEDKAp6yGBKdEioSm4KqYphymkKYApGjBpXoLL4K8X6YFFmdCQ03C8XDLEekHSJAj4eRREtE7OVPzcUj3caJyP2wg6bSo-w9QgBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBPcCQx0M&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwijnLyEqKffAhVL4oMKHcIzCGcQwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=TB4bzBGPx1WACM:
The Wonder Pets are on their way to save one of Santa's reindeer and save Christmas day! This episode is super cute and helpful to any youngster learning their numbers and animals. I used to watch it all the time when I was younger.
25. "Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation"
https://www.google.com/search?q=phineas+and+ferb+xmas&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSlwEJPBFQDYepklYaiwELEKjU2AQaBAgVCAIMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEiijHvwLwxeyF8YXoRf9C-4WvxeiHvkh-CGfNfYhpzXILMks9yGiNaE1GjAAb_1r49CNbjF77sASDPrFIxsT4q-lYo937rE1ChL-OdKrzsu8YzQIghbFTWgvrFMQgBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBGFePLIM&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi68f_tp6ffAhUC9YMKHSeXA-QQwg4IKygA&biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=oLRaaJgwONdbOM:
I'm ending this list with my second favorite Christmas special of all time. Now, why did I put it at the bottom of the list instead of my overall favorite? To be honest, I just did it that way because I followed the order on my word document. Anyway, Phineas and Ferb are back at it again to have the best day ever, and this day just happens to be Christmas! They decorate the town, look for Perry, and save Danville from the naughty list all in one super-busy day! This special has an amazing soundtrack and really shows the definition of Christmas spirit. I cannot wait to watch it again this year!
So, there you have it. Twenty-five Christmas specials that are full of joy, blessings, and holiday spirit. Pick a few (or all of them), make yourself and your company some hot chocolate, and sit down and watch Christmas come to life in front of you. Merry Christmas everyone!
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