15 Animated Specials That Kick Off the Holiday Spirit
The holidays would not feel complete without those familiar animated specials that bring everyone together. They carry stories filled with warmth, laughter, and seasonal charm. Each one offers a unique reminder of what makes this time of year so memorable. From snowy adventures to tales of kindness, these animations never fail to lift spirits. So make yourself comfortable and let the holiday magic unfold on screen.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
This animated special from 1965 remains one of the most loved holiday programs ever made. It follows Charlie Brown as he tries to find the true meaning of Christmas while surrounded by commercial cheer. The soft jazz score by Vince Guaraldi gives it a calm and nostalgic feeling. Its simple animation and heartfelt message continue to make it timeless.
Audiences treasure the scene of the small Christmas tree that Charlie Brown picks out. The moment Linus recites the story of the Nativity still touches hearts decades later. The show has become a yearly tradition for many families. It continues to remind viewers that the holidays are about kindness, not perfection.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Premiering in 1964, this stop-motion classic tells the story of Rudolph, a reindeer who learns to embrace what makes him different. The special features charming songs and memorable characters like Hermey the elf and Yukon Cornelius. Its message about acceptance and individuality has kept it popular for generations. The animation style gives it a distinct, nostalgic look.
The soundtrack, led by Burl Ives, adds warmth to the story. Children and adults alike recognize Rudolph’s glowing nose as a symbol of courage. Each viewing brings back the magic of old-fashioned storytelling. It remains a must-watch for anyone who loves holiday tradition.
Frosty the Snowman
Released in 1969, this animated favorite follows a snowman who comes to life through a magic hat. Frosty’s adventure with a group of children captures the joy and innocence of the season. The song that inspired the special gives it an upbeat and happy rhythm. Its hand-drawn animation adds to its old-school appeal.
The story is both fun and bittersweet, ending with Frosty’s promise to return again. It carries a message about friendship and the power of belief. Viewers often find themselves humming the catchy tune long after the credits roll. It continues to bring smiles every winter.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Based on Dr. Seuss’s book, this 1966 special tells the story of the Grinch who tries to ruin Christmas for Whoville. The narration by Boris Karloff and the clever rhymes make it unforgettable. Its art style captures the spirit of Seuss’s original illustrations. The story’s lesson about generosity never loses its charm.
The transformation of the Grinch from bitter to kindhearted still resonates today. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” has become a holiday anthem. Families enjoy watching his heart grow three sizes as he discovers joy in giving. It remains one of the most rewatched animated specials every December.
The Year Without a Santa Claus
This 1974 stop-motion special brings a playful twist to Christmas lore. Santa decides to take a break when he feels people have forgotten the meaning of the holiday. The story follows two elves who set out to prove that Christmas still matters. Along the way, they meet the unforgettable Heat Miser and Snow Miser.
The musical numbers are catchy and fun, creating a balance between humor and heart. It delivers a touching message about appreciation and belief. Its mix of fantasy and comedy makes it entertaining for all ages. Many fans see it as one of Rankin/Bass’s finest creations.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
Narrated by Fred Astaire, this 1970 stop-motion special tells the origin of Santa Claus in a colorful and imaginative way. It introduces characters like Kris Kringle, the Winter Warlock, and Jessica. The storytelling feels both whimsical and touching. Each scene is packed with memorable songs and charming details.
The special has become a classic for its creative approach to holiday storytelling. It explains familiar traditions like gift-giving and stockings with warmth and humor. Its joyful tone captures the wonder of childhood. Even after decades, it continues to enchant new generations.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Disney’s version of Charles Dickens’s classic tale features Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit and Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge. Released in 1983, it manages to stay faithful to the original story while remaining family-friendly. The animation is rich with festive details and emotional moments. It delivers the timeless message of redemption and generosity.
Fans of Disney admire how the familiar characters bring new life to the old story. The short runtime keeps it perfect for young audiences. Its ending, filled with warmth and laughter, captures the spirit of Christmas perfectly. It continues to be one of Disney’s most celebrated holiday shorts.
The Snowman
This 1982 British special tells the story of a young boy whose snowman comes to life one magical night. The animation uses soft, hand-drawn pastels that create a dreamlike atmosphere. With no dialogue, the story is carried by the famous song “Walking in the Air.” The result is emotional and beautifully simple.
The wordless storytelling lets viewers interpret the emotions freely. Its ending is both touching and unforgettable. It has inspired sequels, books, and stage performances through the years. Each viewing reminds audiences of the quiet beauty of winter.
Shrek the Halls
This 2007 holiday special brings the fun of the Shrek movies into a festive setting. Shrek tries to plan the perfect Christmas for his family, but chaos follows when his friends join in. The humor stays true to the original films, with playful jokes for both kids and adults. The animation is bright and full of seasonal color.
It offers a funny look at how families handle holiday stress. The story ends with a heartwarming reminder that Christmas is about togetherness. Fans of the franchise enjoy its clever mix of comedy and sentiment. It adds a modern touch to holiday viewing traditions.
Arthur Christmas
This animated feature from 2011 tells the story of Arthur, Santa’s clumsy but kindhearted son. He goes on a mission to deliver one forgotten gift before Christmas morning. The film presents the North Pole as a high-tech operation with plenty of charm. The voice cast includes James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, and Bill Nighy.
It offers humor, heart, and a reminder that small acts of kindness matter. The lively animation keeps audiences entertained from start to finish. The story shows that even the smallest person can make a big difference. It is often praised as one of the most thoughtful modern holiday specials.
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
This 2017 short continues the story of Frozen as Olaf searches for family traditions to share with Anna and Elsa. The animation sparkles with winter beauty, and the songs fit perfectly with the film’s tone. It blends humor with heartfelt moments that families enjoy watching together. The characters remain as lovable as ever.
The story highlights the importance of creating your own traditions. Olaf’s optimism brings warmth to the cold setting. It adds a lighthearted charm that feels perfect for the holidays. Fans of Frozen see it as a delightful seasonal treat.
Prep & Landing
This 2009 Disney special introduces elite elves who prepare homes for Santa’s arrival. The main character, Wayne, learns valuable lessons about teamwork and holiday spirit. The animation mixes humor with clever holiday details. Its playful approach gives a behind-the-scenes look at Santa’s operation.
It became so popular that it led to follow-up specials. The story balances adventure with a touching message about believing in others. Its fast-paced fun makes it enjoyable for all ages. It remains one of Disney’s best modern holiday productions.
The Polar Express
Released in 2004, this film uses motion-capture animation to tell the story of a boy’s magical train ride to the North Pole. Tom Hanks voices several roles, adding warmth to the film. The detailed visuals and snowy landscapes create a sense of wonder. The story blends adventure with a heartfelt message about belief.
Its soundtrack and animation style give it a unique atmosphere. The film has become a favorite for families during the holidays. It reminds viewers that sometimes the most important things are unseen. It continues to draw both children and adults every December.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s 1993 stop-motion classic blurs the line between Halloween and Christmas. The story follows Jack Skellington as he tries to bring Christmas to Halloween Town. Its visual style and memorable songs make it stand out among holiday films. The creativity behind each scene keeps it fresh year after year.
Fans love how it celebrates both spooky and festive themes at once. The characters are imaginative, and the music by Danny Elfman adds to its charm. It has become a tradition for both October and December viewing. Few animated films capture the holiday spirit in such an unusual way.
Klaus
This 2019 Netflix special tells a fresh version of Santa’s origin through the friendship between a postman and a toymaker. The animation style feels hand-painted, giving it warmth and texture. The story focuses on kindness and how small gestures can change a community. Its emotional storytelling makes it a standout among modern holiday films.
The characters feel genuine, and the message resonates across all ages. It won several awards for animation and story. Viewers often describe it as heartfelt and visually stunning. It has quickly earned its place among classic holiday favorites.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.