Now that Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror, we can turn our full attention to the Christmas season! And one of the things I enjoy most about the Christmas season is watching old Christmas movies, specials, and TV episodes. Today, I’m helping you out with finding some of these old Christmas goodies with a handy list I’ve put together. Thanks to streaming, this has gotten much easier in the last several years.
Now I know not everyone subscribes to streaming services, so this list is limited to only the things that everyone can stream for free! No subscriptions or rental fees are required. While not all of the traditional big hitters are available for free, there are still plenty enough to ensure you have a full holiday season of viewing.
So let’s start with Tubi.TV. It’s a free streaming service that you can watch in your browser, on your mobile device, or on their app on streaming boxes like Roku. Here are some of the better selections I found, and all of the links go directly to the feature on Tubi’s site.
Free on Tubi
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – This is the best Christmas movie of all time, in my opinion.
- Miracle on 34th Street (1955) – The original classic.
- Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) – a movie that is widely considered the worst movie of all time.
- A Christmas Carol (1984) – This made-for-TV George C. Scott version is my favorite of the live-action tellings.
- The Night They Saved Christmas (1984) – Another made-for-TV classic from the ’80s.
- Christmas Comes to Willow Creek (1987) – A made for TV movie starring Bo & Luke Duke as truck drivers!
- The Little Match Girl (1987) – A touching tale starring little Rudy Huxtable.
- He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Special (1985) – One of the Christmas gems of the ’80s.
- Dragnet Episode “The Big Little Jesus”
- SIlver Spoons Episode “The Best Christmas Ever”
- The Honeymooners Episode “Santa and the Bookies”
- 227 Episode “Mary’s Christmas”
- GI Joe Episode “Cobra Claws Are Coming to Town”
Free on YouTube
- Jingle All the Way (1996) – Free with ads
- A Garfield Christmas (1987) – Easily in the top 5 animated specials ever.
- The Waltons Christmas Movie “The Homecoming” (1979) – Another one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies.
- Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1969) – This is the original that we all love.
- A Smoky Mountain Christmas (1986) – Special starring Dolly Parton and Lee Majors!
- John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together (1979) – Two great tastes that taste great together.
- Alice TV Series Christmas Episode (1983)
- Johnny Cash and Family Christmas Show (1977) – My favorite Christmas special of all-time!
- Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas (1991)
- The Glo Friends Save Christmas (1985)
- A Family Circus Christmas (1979)
There’s moe Christmas goodness to be found on both services, but those are the highlights the way I see them. Either way, there is enough to fill your holiday season with retro movies, specials, and shows to watch and keep you in the holiday spirit all month long.
Let me know if you plan on watching any of these gems for the first time so we can discuss!
That you included Smoky Mountain Christmas makes you one of the bestest people. 🙂 Thanks for a great list!