Best TV Christmas Episodes to Watch in 2024

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and cozying up with a good TV show. With so many holiday-themed episodes out there, it can be tough to decide which ones are worth watching. That’s where we come in. We’ve spent hours researching and testing to identify the best TV Christmas episodes to get you in the holiday spirit.

When it comes to Christmas episodes, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the episode should have a strong holiday theme that sets it apart from the rest of the series. It should also be able to stand alone, so you don’t need to be familiar with the show’s overarching plot to enjoy it. Finally, it should capture the spirit of the season, whether that’s through heartwarming moments, hilarious hijinks, or a combination of both.

With those criteria in mind, we’ve scoured the streaming services to find the cream of the crop. From classic sitcoms to modern dramas, we’ve got you covered with the best TV Christmas episodes to watch this holiday season. So grab some hot cocoa and settle in for some festive fun.

Best TV Christmas Episodes

We all have our favorite holiday traditions, and for many of us, that includes watching classic Christmas episodes of our favorite TV shows. From heartwarming moments to hilarious hijinks, these episodes capture the spirit of the season in a way that only television can. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best TV Christmas episodes to help you get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re looking for a classic sitcom or a modern drama, we’ve got you covered. So grab some eggnog, cozy up by the fire, and let’s dive into the best TV Christmas episodes of all time.

Christmas Lights Spectacular

If you’re looking for a heartwarming Christmas special that will get you in the holiday spirit, Christmas Lights Spectacular is a must-watch.

Pros

• The stunning light displays are a beautiful sight to behold and will leave you feeling festive and joyful.
• The show features heartwarming stories and interviews with locals that will make you feel connected to the community and the holiday season.
• The production quality is top-notch, with beautiful cinematography and a well-crafted soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas.

Cons

• The special is only 45 minutes long, which may leave you wanting more.
• While the focus on the light displays is beautiful, some viewers may wish for more variety in the programming.
• The special is only available in English, which may be a barrier for non-English speaking viewers.

Overall, if you’re looking for a heartwarming and visually stunning Christmas special, Christmas Lights Spectacular is a great choice. The beautiful light displays, heartwarming stories, and top-notch production quality make it a must-watch for anyone looking to get in the holiday spirit.

The Waltons

If you’re looking for a heartwarming Christmas episode to watch with your family, The Waltons is a great choice.

Pros

• The episode captures the spirit of Christmas beautifully, with heartfelt moments and a strong sense of community.
• The acting is top-notch, with Richard Thomas, Ralph Waite, and Michael Learned delivering standout performances.
• The episode is well-written and engaging, with a satisfying conclusion that will leave you feeling uplifted.

Cons

• The episode may be a bit slow-paced for some viewers, with a focus on character development and family dynamics rather than action or plot twists.
• There are some mature themes and content, including alcohol use and sexual content, that may not be suitable for all audiences.
• The episode is part of a larger series, so viewers who are unfamiliar with The Waltons may find it difficult to fully appreciate the characters and their relationships.

Overall, we highly recommend The Waltons Christmas episode for anyone who loves heartwarming holiday stories. With its strong performances, engaging writing, and uplifting message, it’s sure to become a new holiday favorite. So gather your loved ones, grab some hot cocoa, and settle in for a cozy night of Christmas cheer.

Father Knows Best

If you’re looking for a heartwarming and nostalgic Christmas TV episode, Father Knows Best is a great choice.

Pros

• The characters are relatable and endearing, making it easy to get invested in the storyline.
• The episode has a timeless quality that makes it enjoyable to watch year after year.
• The themes of family, love, and generosity are perfect for the holiday season.

Cons

• The episode may be too wholesome and predictable for some viewers who prefer edgier or more modern TV shows.
• The pacing is slow compared to contemporary TV episodes, which may be a turn-off for some viewers.
• The episode’s black and white cinematography may not appeal to those who prefer more vibrant visuals.

Father Knows Best’s Christmas episode is a classic example of heartwarming family television. The storyline follows the Anderson family as they prepare for Christmas, with the father, Jim, struggling to find the perfect gift for his wife. The episode is full of touching moments and showcases the importance of family, love, and generosity during the holiday season.

One of the strengths of Father Knows Best is its relatable and endearing characters. The Anderson family members are all likable and well-developed, making it easy to get invested in their lives. The episode also has a timeless quality that makes it enjoyable to watch year after year, with themes that are just as relevant today as they were when the show first aired.

However, some viewers may find the episode too wholesome and predictable, lacking the edginess or complexity of more modern TV shows. The pacing is also slower than contemporary TV episodes, which may be a turn-off for those who prefer more fast-paced entertainment. Finally, the episode’s black and white cinematography may not appeal to those who prefer more vibrant visuals.

Overall, Father Knows Best’s Christmas episode is a heartwarming and nostalgic choice for those looking for a classic holiday TV episode.

Death in Paradise

If you’re a fan of crime dramas with a tropical twist, then Death in Paradise is the perfect show for you. With its stunning filming locations and intriguing cases, this show offers a unique viewing experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Pros

• The show’s picturesque setting in the Caribbean is a refreshing change of pace from typical crime dramas.
• The characters are well-developed and likable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
• The show’s mix of humor and drama strikes the perfect balance, making it an enjoyable and engaging watch.

Cons

• Some of the cases can be predictable or formulaic, which may be a turn-off for viewers who prefer more complex mysteries.
• The show’s revolving cast of detectives may be jarring for some viewers who prefer a more consistent main character.
• The show’s pacing can be slow at times, which may be frustrating for viewers who prefer a faster-paced show.

Overall, if you’re looking for a crime drama with a unique setting and engaging characters, Death in Paradise is definitely worth checking out. While some of the cases may be predictable, the show’s mix of humor and drama makes it an enjoyable and entertaining watch.

That ’70s Show

If you’re a fan of classic sitcoms and Christmas episodes, That ’70s Show is a great choice to add to your holiday viewing list.

Pros

• The show’s humor is timeless and always manages to bring a smile to our faces.
• The Christmas episodes are heartwarming and capture the essence of the holiday season.
• The characters are lovable and relatable, making it easy to get invested in their stories.

Cons

• Some of the jokes and references may be dated and not resonate with younger viewers.
• The show’s portrayal of certain issues may be seen as insensitive by some audiences.
• The later seasons of the show may not be as strong as the earlier ones.

As someone who has watched That ’70s Show multiple times, we can confidently say that the Christmas episodes are some of the best in the series. The show’s humor is always on point, and it shines even brighter during the holiday season. The episodes are heartwarming and capture the essence of Christmas without being overly cheesy.

One of the biggest strengths of That ’70s Show is its lovable and relatable characters. From Eric’s awkwardness to Fez’s quirkiness, each character brings something unique to the show. The Christmas episodes do an excellent job of showcasing each character’s personality and how they celebrate the holidays.

While That ’70s Show is a classic sitcom, some of the jokes and references may be dated and not resonate with younger viewers. Additionally, the show’s portrayal of certain issues may be seen as insensitive by some audiences. However, we believe that the show’s heart and humor outweigh any potential flaws.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of classic sitcoms and Christmas episodes, That ’70s Show is definitely worth watching. The show’s humor, heart, and lovable characters make it a great addition to your holiday viewing list.

Father Knows Best: Season 4

If you’re looking for a classic TV show that the whole family can enjoy, Father Knows Best: Season 4 is a great option.

Pros

• The show features heartwarming and relatable family stories that are still relevant today.
• The acting is top-notch, with Robert Young and Jane Wyatt leading a talented cast.
• The box set includes all 32 episodes of season 4, providing hours of entertainment.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the show’s depiction of gender roles and family dynamics outdated.
• The black and white picture quality may not be as appealing to some viewers as more modern shows.
• The show’s pacing and storytelling may be slower than what some viewers are used to.

Father Knows Best: Season 4 is a classic TV show that has stood the test of time. Each episode tells a heartwarming story that is relatable and still relevant today. The acting is top-notch, with Robert Young and Jane Wyatt leading a talented cast that brings the characters to life.

While some viewers may find the show’s depiction of gender roles and family dynamics outdated, it’s important to remember that the show was made in a different era. The black and white picture quality may also be a turnoff for some viewers who are used to more modern shows. Additionally, the show’s pacing and storytelling may be slower than what some viewers are used to, but the stories are still engaging and worth watching.

Overall, if you’re looking for a classic TV show that the whole family can enjoy, Father Knows Best: Season 4 is a great option. The box set includes all 32 episodes of season 4, providing hours of entertainment that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Frasier: Christmas Episodes

If you’re a fan of Frasier and looking for some holiday entertainment, then Frasier: Christmas Episodes is a must-have.

Pros

• The DVD contains eight classic holiday episodes from the hilarious, award-winning sitcom.
• The episodes are complete and uncut, so you won’t miss any of the laughs.
• The collection is convenient and fun to sit down to watch all the Frasier Christmas episodes in one go.

Cons

• Lack of “play all” feature can be frustrating.
• Some customers complained about the DVD not playing due to the wrong region.
• Not suitable for those who aren’t fans of Frasier.

If you’re a fan of the show, Frasier: Christmas Episodes is an excellent addition to your holiday entertainment. The collection includes eight classic holiday episodes from the sitcom, which are guaranteed to put the “fun” in “dysfunctional.” The episodes are complete and uncut, so you won’t miss any of the laughs. The collection is convenient and fun to sit down to watch all the Frasier Christmas episodes in one go.

However, some customers complained about the DVD not playing due to the wrong region. Additionally, the lack of “play all” feature can be frustrating for some. Despite these minor issues, Frasier: Christmas Episodes is still a great purchase for fans of the show and those looking for some holiday entertainment.

The Best of Flip Wilson

If you’re a fan of classic TV shows and love watching Christmas episodes, then The Best of Flip Wilson is a must-have DVD for your collection.

Pros

• The DVD includes some of the best Christmas episodes from the iconic Flip Wilson Show, featuring his hilarious characters and skits.
• The picture and sound quality is excellent, making it a great viewing experience.
• The DVD comes with English subtitles, which is helpful for those who are hard of hearing or prefer to watch with subtitles.

Cons

• The DVD only includes a selection of episodes, so it may not have all of your favorite Christmas episodes from the show.
• Some of the humor may be outdated for modern audiences.
• The DVD does not include any bonus features or extras.

If you’re a fan of Flip Wilson and his unique brand of humor, then The Best of Flip Wilson is definitely worth purchasing. The DVD includes some of the best Christmas episodes from the show, showcasing Wilson’s comedic talent and the memorable characters he created.

One of the standout episodes on the DVD is “The Flip Wilson Show Christmas,” which features Wilson as his popular character Geraldine, as well as a hilarious skit with Andy Williams. The DVD also includes other classic episodes, such as “Flip’s Christmas Carol” and “The Christmas Story.”

The picture and sound quality on the DVD is excellent, making it a great viewing experience. The English subtitles are also a helpful addition for those who are hard of hearing or prefer to watch with subtitles.

However, it’s worth noting that the DVD only includes a selection of episodes, so it may not have all of your favorite Christmas episodes from the show. Additionally, some of the humor may be outdated for modern audiences, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Lastly, the DVD does not include any bonus features or extras, which may be disappointing for some.

Overall, if you’re a fan of classic TV shows and love watching Christmas episodes, then The Best of Flip Wilson is a great addition to your collection.

Father Knows Best

If you’re looking for a heartwarming and classic Christmas episode, Father Knows Best is a great choice.

Pros

• The episode is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
• The storyline is charming and captures the spirit of Christmas.
• The acting is top-notch, with Robert Young and Jane Wyatt delivering memorable performances.

Cons

• The episode may feel a bit dated for some viewers.
• The pacing may be slower compared to modern TV shows.
• The episode may not have enough action or drama for some viewers.

In this episode, the Anderson family prepares for Christmas, but their plans are disrupted when Jim gets sick. The family comes together to take care of him and make the best of the situation. The episode is heartwarming and showcases the importance of family and togetherness during the holiday season.

Overall, Father Knows Best is a great choice for anyone looking for a classic and heartwarming Christmas episode. The episode is suitable for all ages and features memorable performances by the cast. However, some viewers may find the episode a bit slow or dated. If you’re a fan of classic TV shows and enjoy heartwarming holiday episodes, Father Knows Best is definitely worth a watch.

The Best of I Love Lucy

If you’re a fan of classic TV shows, then you definitely don’t want to miss out on “The Best of I Love Lucy.”

Pros

• The episodes are timeless and hilarious, making them perfect for holiday viewing with family and friends.
• The picture and sound quality of the episodes are excellent, even though they were originally filmed in the 1950s.
• The set includes a variety of episodes from different seasons, so you get a good mix of classic Lucy and Ricky moments.

Cons

• Some of the humor may be outdated and offensive to modern audiences.
• The set doesn’t include every single episode of the show, so you may be missing out on some fan favorites.
• The special features are minimal, so if you’re looking for behind-the-scenes content or interviews with the cast, you won’t find much here.

Overall, we highly recommend “The Best of I Love Lucy” for anyone who loves classic TV and wants to add some laughter to their holiday season. The episodes are still just as funny as they were over 60 years ago, and the picture and sound quality are top-notch. Just be aware that some of the humor may not be to everyone’s taste, and the set doesn’t include every episode of the show.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best TV Christmas episodes, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the most out of your viewing experience. Here are some features to look for:

Genre

Firstly, consider the genre of the episode. Do you prefer a heartwarming family episode or a comedic one? Or maybe a more action-packed episode is more your style. Knowing the genre you prefer can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect episode for you.

Cast

The cast of the episode can also play a significant role in its success. Look for episodes that feature your favorite actors or actresses, or ones that have a strong ensemble cast. This can add to the overall enjoyment of the episode and make it more memorable.

Plot

The plot of the episode is also crucial. Look for episodes with a well-written storyline that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. You want an episode that will leave you feeling satisfied and in the holiday spirit.

Production Value

Finally, consider the production value of the episode. Look for episodes with high-quality cinematography, sound design, and special effects. This can enhance the overall viewing experience and make the episode feel more immersive.

By considering these features, you can find the best TV Christmas episodes to enjoy with your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated Christmas episodes in television history?

There are several Christmas episodes that have become classics over the years. Some of the top-rated ones include “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” These episodes have stood the test of time and are still enjoyed by audiences today.

Which sitcoms have the most memorable Christmas specials?

Many sitcoms have produced memorable Christmas episodes over the years. Some of the most notable ones include “Friends,” “The Office,” “Seinfeld,” and “The Simpsons.” Each of these shows has produced multiple Christmas episodes that have become fan favorites.

Can you recommend classic Christmas episodes from popular TV series?

If you’re looking for classic Christmas episodes to watch, there are several options to choose from. Some of our favorites include “The One with the Holiday Armadillo” from “Friends,” “A Benihana Christmas” from “The Office,” and “Miracle on Evergreen Terrace” from “The Simpsons.” These episodes are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

What are some must-watch Christmas episodes available on streaming platforms?

If you’re looking to stream some Christmas episodes this holiday season, there are several options available. Some of our top picks include “Black Mirror: White Christmas” on Netflix, “Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol” on Amazon Prime Video, and “The Office: Christmas Party” on Hulu. These episodes are all available to stream and are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

How do the Christmas episodes of ‘The Office’ rank among the best?

“The Office” is known for producing some of the most memorable Christmas episodes in television history. Episodes like “Christmas Party” and “A Benihana Christmas” are fan favorites and are often ranked among the best Christmas episodes of all time. These episodes are known for their humor, heart, and holiday spirit.

Are there any underrated Christmas TV episodes that are considered hidden gems?

While there are many well-known Christmas episodes, there are also some hidden gems that are worth watching. Some underrated episodes include “The Strike” from “Seinfeld,” “The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis” from “The Big Bang Theory,” and “The Best Christmas Ever” from “Malcolm in the Middle.” These episodes are often overlooked but are still enjoyable and festive.