Watching Christmas films is a must when preparing for December 25th. However, festive TV specials are just as important. They often provide a nice break from plotlines – which the holiday itself often does to our real lives – as well as presenting our favourite characters in jolly settings. What’s not to love? Some specials focus around all things Santa Claus and magic, while others face catastrophes around the big day.
Here are some of the best Christmas TV Specials of all time, so far!
Friends is a classic series that is still loved by many people today. Despite the fact it concluded over 17 years ago, it maintains its popularity among audiences today. The show’s thanksgiving episodes were always hilarious, but “The One With the Holiday Armadillo” is just too iconic to forget. Ross wants to do something special for his son Ben but ends up with a creepy armadillo outfit instead.
“Christmas Party” is the first festive episode of The Office US. Taking place in season 2, the episode features a gift exchanged-turned-Yankee Swap. Jim’s special present for Pam ends up in the wrong hands. In fact, they end up in the worst hands – that of Dwight Schrute. Real-life Christmas parties are all too familiar for us, but this episode unfolds into madness when vodka shots are introduced.
Full House is the ultimate go-to for a flashback in time. This retro favourite gives us all the family feels. “A Very Tanner Christmas” focuses on DJ, who doesn’t want boyfriend Steve to move for college. In the meantime, Becky is missing the wintery-feeling of the holidays at home so Jesse surprises her with a white Christmas.
An episode with a similar name is that of the Christmas special of Glee season 2. “A Very Glee Christmas” not only presents festive cheer and holiday vibes, it also features some classic songs. What’s better than a Christmas special on TV? One answer: adding covers to our favourite Christmas songs to the mix. “Merry Christmas, Darling”, “Last Christmas” and even “You’re A Mean One, Mr Grinch” all help make this episode very jolly.
It’s almost impossible to dislike the noughties time capsule that is Gilmore Girls and the same rules apply for the Christmas episode from season 2. The holiday doesn’t dictate the narrative of the episode, so it’s perfect when you’re looking for something slightly different to watch. It marks the start of the love triangle that is Rory, Dean and Jess, so we can confirm that it’s a good one.
Modern Family soon became a “modern” classic with viewers when it first aired in 2009. It concluded last year but delivered gave us multiple festive episodes over its run. The first of which is entitled “Undeck the Halls” and centres around Phil and Claire threatening to cancel the celebrations. This episode is great in itself, but it’s nice to go back to season 1 to see how bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the cast is.
What are your favourite TV Christmas specials? Let us know down in the comments below!
