Holiday in Animation: The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials
Charlie Brown, Frosty, and Rudolph All Make an Appearance on This List as Well as Some Other Surprises!
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #1-A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown attempts to direct his friends in a Christmas play, but nothing seems to go right...not even finding the right tree. When Linus reminds his friends what the real meaning of Christmas is with his biblical reading, it brings this cartoon to a much deeper level and earns the number one spot on this list
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #2-Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph's unique red nose helps Santa deliver toys on a foggy Christmas Eve night. Who doesn't love Rudolph and the Misfit toys that have become cultural icons? Trivia: The first airing of Rudolph did not include the song Fame and Fortune. It was added the following year.
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #3- How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Dr. Seuss' classic tells the tale of a mean spirit who is determined to steal Christmas from an entire town called Whoville. Boris Karloff's performance as the narrator and the Grinch perfectly captures the greed that, sadly, can come into play during the Christmas season. In the end, the Whos of Whoville get their Christmas back and live happily ever after.
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #4- Frosty The Snowman (1969)
Jimmy Durante takes on the voice of Frosty in this tale about a snowman with a magical hat and a greedy magician who wants it. Will Frosty make it to the North Pole in time before the upcoming Spring weather melts him?
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #5- Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)
Ever wonder how the Christmas legend of Santa Claus came about? This claymation classic explains how as Kris Kringle (voiced by Mickey Rooney) refuses to let the children of Sombertown live without toys.
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #6-South Park: Mr Hankey The Christmas Poo (1997)
Poor Kyle feels left out at Christmastime because he's Jewish. Then one day he befriends a Christmas poop named Mr. Hankey. His friends and family don't believe Mr. Hankey is real so they have Kyle committed. It's up to Chef to save Kyle in this offensive, yet brilliant musical episode of South Park.
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #7-Mr Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)
Mr. Magoo is thrilled to be 'back back back' on Broadway as the lead in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The catchy clever songs make this cartoon special something to remember. (that and razzleberry dressing!)
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #9-The Simpsons (1989)
Marge blows Christmas present money on a tattoo removal off Bart. Homer doesn't get a Christmas bonus and tries to win money for presents at a dog track. But when Homer decides to take a race dog home as a pet, the family thinks it's a Christmas gift and they are thrilled. All series debuts should be this good.
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #9-The Year Without A Santa Claus (1974)
Santa is taking a break because he is tired. Besides, no one has the Christmas spirit anymore right? Well, Mrs Claus and a couple of elves set out to prove to Santa that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the hearts and minds of the old and young. Mickey Rooney and Shirley Booth among the voices in this cartoon.
The Top Ten TV Christmas Cartoon Specials #10-The Flintstones "Christmas Flintstone" (1964)
Fred takes a job at Macyrock so he can earn some extra Christmas present money. But when he gets a special request from a VIP at the North Pole, it's up to Fred to not let the children of the world down on Christmas Eve.
Sources:
Many thanks to my boyfriend Paul Bruker: Licensed appraiser for pop culture memorabilia and TV archivist
Personal experience
Published by J Budd, RN - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
I am a registered nurse and former radio broadcast journalist in the NYC/NJ area for over a decade. Some of the stations I have worked with include Bloomberg News Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, Fox News Rad... View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentOnly saw this article now. But it seems like such fun.
I love these!! : )
Many of these are ones our generation grew up on. One of my favorites though is Annabelle's Wish (1997). I get all teary eyed every time.
As always, great job :)
Love the article. I agree with all of it. My favorite show is The Year Without A Santa "Heat Meiser Baby"
I agree with every item. I would also have to throw in the Rankin/Bass "Jack Frost" as a great show. If you've never seen it, and like "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," check it out.
Awesome, awesome list.