Jennifer Nettles, pictured here at the CMA 2014 Country Christmas in Nashville, Tennessee, on Nov. 7, 2014, will return to ABC to host the 2015 special "CMA Country Christmas," which airs on Dec. 3 and Dec. 25.Getty
October’s not even over, and ABC is already prepping for the holidays. The network released its exciting lineup of Christmas movies and specials to watch in November and December.
ABC is celebrating the holidays with old classics like “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” However, the network also has plenty of new specials and programming airing as well. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Christmas-themed PEANUTS special, the network is bringing together celebrities and musical guests to honor the cartoon characters. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of “Toy Story,” which ABC will also mark with a behind-the-scenes special about the making of the Pixar movie. And country lovers can’t forget about the “CMA Country Christmas.” Although performers have yet to be announced, Jennifer Nettles will return as the host.
Check out the full schedule of holiday treats set to air this year:
Friday, Nov. 27
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” at 8 p.m. EST -- Fall in love with this 1970 holiday classic all over again. The movie, narrated by Fred Astaire, is about a young Kris Kringle.
Monday, Nov. 30
“It’s Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown” at 8 p.m. EST -- It’s a big year for the PEANUTS gang. Fans can celebrate 50 years of the classic animated movie with actress Kristen Bell. The special will include performances by guests such as Pentatonix, Boyz II Men, Matthew Morrison and the stars of the “Peanuts” Broadway show.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” at 9 p.m. EST -- Following the “50th Christmas” special, viewers can watch the original 1965 holiday celebration.
“The Great Holiday Baking Show” at 10 p.m. EST -- Based on the U.K. series “The Great British Bake Off,” the U.S. baking show focuses on themed challenges. Nia Vardalos and husband Ian Gomez host the four-week event. James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and author Johnny Iuzzini and British TV personality Mary Berry will judge. New episodes air Mondays at 10 p.m. EST.
Thursday, Dec. 3
“Toy Story That Time Forgot” at 8 p.m. EST -- This Disney/Pixar special only came out last year, but it already has a special place in the hearts of “Toy Story” fans.
“Shrek the Halls” at 8:30 p.m. EST -- This 2007 holiday special reunites viewers with Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Gingerbread Man and Puss in Boots as they have an “unforgettable Christmas.”
“CMA Country Christmas” at 9 p.m. EST -- Join the biggest names in country music to get into the Christmas spirit. Jennifer Nettles hosts the event for the sixth year.
Monday, Dec. 7
“The Great Christmas Light Fight” at 8 p.m. EST -- This holiday competition show returns for its third season as 20 families and three neighborhoods decorate their homes. New episodes air Mondays at 10 p.m. EST.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
“Fresh Off the Boat” at 8:30 p.m. EST -- The Huang family puts its own spin on Santa Claus when members of the family tell Evan that Santa is a “scientist with multiple post-graduate degrees from Princeton and has a close relationship with his mother.”
Wednesday, Dec. 9
“The Middle” at 8 p.m. EST -- The Hecks stay home on Christmas Eve and watch church on TV. Of course, things don’t go as planned.
“The Goldbergs” at 8:30 p.m. EST -- Beverly creates “Super Hanukkah” when the family appears to be “unenthusiastic” about the holiday season.
“Black-ish” at 9:30 p.m. EST -- Dre and Bow decide to lay off the gifts and spend more time together with the kids. But the kids aren’t happy about that.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
“Toy Story 20th Anniversary Special” at 8 p.m. EST -- The producers, animators, technical artists, designers and voice talent talk about the making of “Toy Story” in this 20th anniversary special.
“Toy Story” at 9 p.m. EST -- Following the 20th anniversary special, viewers can watch the beloved original 1995 film.
Friday, Dec. 11
“Last Man Standing” at 8 p.m. EST -- Mike wants his family members to do a “good deed” instead of giving a physical Christmas present in this holiday special.
“Dr. Ken” at 8:30 p.m. EST -- Ken has to beg the “master scheduler” for time off around the holidays when he realizes he forgot to put in for his Hawaii vacation.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
“Toy Story That Time Forgot” at 8 p.m. EST -- This Disney/ Pixar special only came out in 2014, but it already has a special place in the hearts of “Toy Story” fans.
“Shrek the Halls” at 8:30 p.m. EST -- This 2007 holiday special reunites viewers with Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Gingerbread Man and Puss in Boots as they have an “unforgettable Christmas.”
Thursday, Dec. 17
“Disney Prep & Landing” at 8 p.m. EST -- An elf becomes upset when he doesn’t receive a promotion to be the Director of Naughty List Intelligence.
“Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice” at 8:30 p.m. EST -- The elves must save Christmas after a computer-hacking Naughty Kid gets his hands on classified North Pole information.
Friday, Dec. 18
“Yes, Virginia” at 8:30 p.m. EST -- This 2009 animated tale follows a young girl named Virginia O’Hanlon who tries to find out if Santa Clause is real. The special is voiced by Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Michael Buscemi, Alfred Molina and Beatrice Miller.
Saturday, Dec. 19
“I Want A Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!” at 8 p.m. EST -- ReRun asks Snoopy’s brother to visit for the holidays during this animated tale.
Thursday, Dec. 24
“It’s your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown” at 8 p.m. EST -- A rerun of the 2015 special.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” at 9 p.m. EST -- If you missed the Nov. 30 airing, you can catch the 1965 animated holiday classic again.
Friday, Dec. 25
“CMA Country Christmas” at 8 p.m. EST -- A rerun of the 2015 holiday special.
What are you excited to watch this holiday season? Tweet your thoughts to @AmandaTVScoop.
