NBC is sledding into the holiday season with a lineup full of extraordinary perennial and annual specials that only a broadcast network, with its ability and breadth to reach such a wide audience, can bring into the most festive months of the year.
See below for a list of holiday specials and series through January 1, 2021. More will be announced in the days and weeks ahead.
· The Croods · Saturday, November 21, 8-10PM
Featuring the voices of Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone, this family-friendly adventure film about a caveman family was a worldwide box office hit.
· A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving Special Wednesday, November 25, 9-11PM
·Many of the Thanksgiving-themed sketches over the course of “SNL‘s” illustrious 46-season history will delight audiences.
· The 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Thursday, November 26, 9AM-noon (repeat at 2PM)
· The tradition continues with a reimagined celebration that will safely bring the magic of the parade to Herald Square with giant floats and Broadway performers as families watch from the comfort of their homes.
· The National Dog Show Thursday, November 26, 12-2PM (repeat November 28 at 8PM)
·Man’s best friend gets the spotlight as over 175 breeds will compete in the annual canine competition.
· How the Grinch Stole Christmas Friday, November 27, 8-8:30PM (repeat December 25, 8PM)
The iconic 1966 cartoon features the voice of Boris Karloff as the Grinch.
· Illumination Presents Minions Holiday Special Friday, November 27, 8:30-9PM
Illumination presents four new mini-movie escapades along with special guest appearances from some of Illumination’s beloved characters from their “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Sing” franchises.
· 88th Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center Wednesday, December 2, 8-10PM
For eight decades the tree-lighting ceremony has been one of the iconic New York City holiday moments with millions watching across the country in the comfort and safety of their homes.
· Radio City Christmas Spectacular Wednesday, December 2, 10-11PM
The world famous Rockettes perform in the iconic show that entertains the thousands of theatergoers who visit the famed Rockefeller Center venue each holiday season.
· The Voice Holiday Celebration Thursday, December 3, 8-9PM (repeat December 16 at 8PM and December 22 at 8PM)
An array of “Voice” coaches past and present, some music superstars and many beloved artists from the “Voice” family perform holiday classics and popular modern favorites. Plus, Season 19 coaches, Blake, Kelly, John, and Gwen share some of their favorite holiday traditions and memories.
· Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical! Wednesday, December 9, 8-10PM (repeat December 21 at 8PM)
Matthew Morrison will star as the curmudgeonly creature in a stage production from London’s Troubadour Theatre.
· A Saturday Night Live Christmas Special Thursday, December 16, 9-11PM (repeat December 22 at 9PM)
Santa brings the laughs as “SNL” goes into the time capsule for two hours of Christmas-themed sketches.
· Global Citizen Prize Saturday, December 19, 8-9PM
The second annual event features special musical collaborations, will celebrate individuals taking action to end extreme poverty, and present notable presenter and powerful video packages telling revealing stories of action and impact.
· It’s a Wonderful Life Thursday, December 24, 8-11PM
The holidays wouldn’t be the same without a rewatching of the classic 1946 film, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.
· Christmas Eve Mass Tuesday, December 24, 11:30PM-1AM.
Viewers will be able to watch the Pope Francis-led mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
· How the Grinch Stole Christmas (movie) Wednesday, December 25, 8:30-11PM
Jim Carrey starred as the title character in director Ron Howard’s holiday smash.
· Countdown to 2021 Thursday, December 31, 8-10PM
The highlights and newsmakers of 2020 are brought to the fore in this year-end review.
· NBC New Year’s Eve Special Thursday, December 31, 10-11PM (Part 1) and 11:30PM-12:30AM (Part 2)
An entertainment-filled sign-off to 2020 and a hopeful look ahead to 2021.
· The Rose Parade’s New Year’s Celebration Presented By Honda Friday, January 1, 2021, 11:30 a.m.-1PM
A look at what makes the iconic Pasadena parade such a national landmark to bring in the new year.
