Detroit, November 29, 2025
This holiday season, Detroit is brimming with festive entertainment as local viewers can enjoy a diverse lineup of 25 holiday television specials and movies. From classic films and romantic comedies to animated specials and cozy mysteries, the season promises something for everyone. With programming spanning from musical events on ABC to exclusive films on streaming services, audiences are encouraged to indulge in the holiday spirit at home throughout December.
Detroit, MI: 25 Holiday TV Offerings to Watch
The holiday season in Detroit is set to be filled with a variety of festive television specials and movies, offering something for everyone. From musical events and romantic comedies to cozy mysteries and classic films, viewers can look forward to a diverse lineup of holiday programming. Below is a curated list of 25 holiday TV offerings scheduled from December 1 to December 25, 2025.
December 1
- The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular – Hosted by Derek Hough, featuring performances by artists like Nicole Scherzinger and Gwen Stefani. Airs on ABC; streaming the next day on Hulu and Disney+.
December 3
- Christmas in Rockefeller Center – Hosted by Reba McEntire, showcasing the lighting of the iconic Christmas tree in New York City. Broadcast on NBC.
December 5
- The First Snow of Fraggle Rock – A new holiday special from the beloved Fraggle Rock series. Available on Apple TV+.
December 6
- She’s Making a List – A Hallmark Channel movie starring Lacey Chabert as Isabel, who works for Santa Claus. Available on Hallmark+.
December 7
- A Christmas Murder Mystery – A cozy mystery film airing on UPtv, featuring Vera Vexley, a puzzle editor and amateur detective.
December 9
- Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas – A two-hour special narrating the story of Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Jesus. Airs on ABC.
December 10
- Merv – A holiday romantic comedy on Prime Video, starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox as exes who reunite over their shared custody of a dog.
- Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer – An animated adaptation of the classic song, airing on The CW Network.
December 11
- Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors – A TV movie on The CW, depicting Dolly Parton’s early life in the 1950s Smoky Mountains. Originally debuted in 2015.
- Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular – A musical comedy special featuring celebrity guests, airing on NBC.
December 12
- Elf – A marathon of the popular holiday film starring Will Ferrell, airing on AMC.
December 13
- A Charlie Brown Christmas – A free streaming event on Apple TV+ for subscribers, featuring the classic Peanuts holiday special.
- A Suite Holiday Romance – A Hallmark Channel movie about a ghostwriter and a designer who team up to make a child’s Christmas wish come true. Available on Hallmark+.
December 14
- Oy to the World! – A Hallmark Channel movie about interfaith collaboration during the holidays. Available on Hallmark+.
- Great Performances: Nutcracker from English National Ballet – A reimagined version of the classic ballet, airing on PBS and streaming on PBS.org and the PBS app.
December 15
- The Madame Blanc Mysteries – A two-part Christmas special on Acorn TV, featuring antique dealer Jean White solving a holiday mystery in France.
December 16
- Great Performances: Nutcracker from English National Ballet – Continues airing on PBS and streaming on PBS.org and the PBS app.
December 20
- A Pickleball Christmas – A Lifetime movie about a tennis pro and a tennis instructor participating in a holiday tournament to save a racquet club. Available on Lifetime’s streaming platforms.
December 21
- Mario Lopez Presents: Chasing Christmas – A Great American Family movie starring Tate Donovan and Jillian Murphy, about a morning show host and a designer making a child’s Christmas wish come true. Available on Great American Family’s streaming platforms.
- The Sound of Music – The classic film airs on ABC.
December 24
- Home Alone – The beloved holiday film airs on ABC.
December 25
- NFL Christmas Day Games – The Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. Eastern, followed by the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings at …, both available on Netflix.
These programs span cable, broadcast, and streaming services, offering a variety of festive entertainment options for viewers in Detroit and beyond this holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some of the holiday TV specials airing in Detroit this December?
Detroit viewers can enjoy a variety of holiday TV specials this December, including “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” on December 1, “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on December 3, and “A Pickleball Christmas” on December 20. For a full list, refer to the curated list above.
Where can I watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” this year?
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be available for free streaming on Apple TV+ for subscribers on December 13 and 14. Additionally, it may be broadcast on local television networks; check your local listings for details.
Are there any new holiday romantic comedies airing this December?
Yes, new holiday romantic comedies include “Merv” on Prime Video, starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, and “A Suite Holiday Romance” on Hallmark Channel, featuring Jessy Schram. Both are scheduled to air in December; refer to the curated list above for specific dates.
When is “The Sound of Music” airing on ABC?
“The Sound of Music” is scheduled to air on ABC on December 21. Please check your local listings for the exact time.
What NFL games are scheduled for Christmas Day?
On December 25, Netflix will stream two NFL games: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. Eastern, followed by the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings.
Key Features of Holiday TV Offerings
| Date | Program | Platform | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 1 | The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular | ABC; Hulu and Disney+ (next day) | Musical Special |
| December 3 | Christmas in Rockefeller Center | NBC | Holiday Special |
| December 5 | The First Snow of Fraggle Rock | Apple TV+ | Animated Special |
| December 6 | She’s Making a List | Hallmark Channel; Hallmark+ (streaming) | Romantic Comedy |
| December 7 | A Christmas Murder Mystery | UPtv | Cozy Mystery |
| December 9 | Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas | ABC | Holiday Special |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
