Documentaries & Specials

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Holiday Special

This episode is a quirky, tongue-in-cheek take on classic television holiday shows as Tony and his pal, Michael Ruhlman, plan a huge potluck holiday dinner. Guests include Mario Batali, Duff, Ted Nugent and others.

Backstage

Enjoy an evening backstage as Christian musicians play an assortment of Christmas classics.

Backstage Christmas Special

Mary Anne LaHood, well-known to viewers of EWTN’s Angel Force, sings a variety of Christmas songs in this special episode of Backstage.

Battle of the Nutcrackers

The holiday tradition is back for its fifth installment, featuring a different production of “The Nutcracker” each night this week and inviting viewers to vote for their favorites. Things kick off tonight with the U.S. television premiere of a 2007 production from the State Academic Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, where “The Nutcracker” was first performed in 1892.

Bejart’s Nutcracker

Punctuated by Bejart’s narration of his life story, his magical staging of The Nutcracker is an enchanting and enchanted autobiography.

Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern Holiday Special

Andrew invites a group of diverse friends from around the world to celebrate their respective holidays.

Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker

The ballet is a fantastic tale presented in the choreography of Yuri Grigorovich.

Casse Noisette Circus: Ballet of Monte Carlo

Casse Noisette Circus delivers a resplendent and modern version of The Nutcracker, filled with dizzying pirouettes, elaborate trapeze work, juggling, intricate acrobatics and modern dance.

Catholic University of America’s Christmas Concert (2011)

The annual Christmas concert presented by the Catholic University of America, featuring a blend of voices and the sounds of the Christmas season.

Catholic University of America’s Christmas Concert 2010

The Catholic University of America presents its annual Christmas concert from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Chainsaw Ice Sculptors

Look at the sculptors who use chainsaws and ice to create memorable works of winter art. 

The Chimes

Derek Jacobi narrates this Charles Dickens story about a poor and discouraged 19th-century porter.

Christmas and the Civil War

This program examines how a nation torn apart by slavery was held together, North and South, through a holiday that was transformed from a religious festival to a federal holiday.

Christmas at Belmont (2011)

Taped at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, this concert features nearly 700 student musicians joining the Belmont School of Music faculty and the Nashville Children’s Choir in an annual production of traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites.

Christmas at St. Olaf

This new production of one of the nation’s most highly acclaimed annual musical celebrations marks the 100th anniversary of the annual Christmas Festival from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center

NBC will celebrate the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree with a live broadcast from Rockefeller Center in New York City. The star-studded holiday special will feature performances by Neil Diamond, Big Time Rush, Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, Cee Lo Green, Carole King, Katharine McPhee, Javier Colon and The Radio City Rockettes with a mix of current hits and holiday classics.

Christmas In Washington

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this holiday concert is a star-studded musical celebration benefiting the Children’s National Medical Center.

Christmas Lights

A relaxed high-definition celebration of Christmas lights at locations across North America, including Rockefeller Center, the National Mall and Colonial Williamsburg.

Christmas to the Extreme

A celebration of Christmas with those who truly take the holiday to the extreme.

The Christmas Toy

This Jim Henson Christmas special from 1986 features toys that magically come to life when people are not around.

Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring David Archuleta and Michael York

Pop star David Archuleta and actor Michael York join the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir in an energetic Christmas celebration recorded before an audience of 80,000 people.

Christmas With the Nuns

Special Christmas music with the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration from Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama.

Christopher Classic Christmas

The Christophers founder Father James Keller celebrates Christmas with stars of yesteryear, including Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, Rosalind Russell and Danny Thomas.

Cousins in Christ: Family Christmas

The Cousins in Christ perform songs celebrating the season, including “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger” and many others.

Dear Food Network Holiday Desserts

No holiday is complete without sweets! Host Paula Deen and guest chefs Tyler Florence, Sunny Anderson, and Michael Symon indulge in their favorite holiday desserts.

Dear Food Network Holiday Family Traditions

Food Network stars share their favorite holiday memories, family traditions, and recipes. Hosted by Giada DeLaurentiis, and guest starring Michael Symon, Tyler Florence, and Danny Boome.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2012

Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber are among the performers are “Rockin’ Eve” celebrates its 40th anniversary with a 5 1/2-hour, bi-coastal event kicking off with a two-hour anniversary party hosted by Jenny McCarthy and Fergie.

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: A North Pole Christmas

Guy Fieri heads up to North Pole, Alaska, for all kinds of Christmas favorites.

Disney Holiday Magic With Samantha Brown

Samantha Brown travels to Walt Disney World and discovers an amazing new menu of holiday festivities.

Epic Christmas

In this special, five people who have helped friends, family, neighbors or strangers during this year’s extraordinary weather events are given a Christmas to remember.

The Fabulous Beekman Boys Holiday Special

The Fabulous Beekman Boys (a.k.a. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell) will welcome viewers to their historic Beekman 1802 Farm as they celebrate the holiday season with panache sharing their favorite holiday traditions.

The First Christmas

Christopher Plummer narrates this version of the Nativity story, which features a background of familiar carols.

The Flight Before Christmas

A young reindeer wants to become an expert flyer like his dad.

Fowler Sisters: Christmas Gift

The Fowler Sisters usher in the Christmas season with renditions of favorite Christmas classics.

Great Performances: Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker

San Francisco Ballet’s production of the beloved Nutcracker, reset during the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exhibition, introduces “Dance in America” viewers to Maria Kochetkova and Davit Karapetyan.

Great Performances: From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2011

Stage and screen legend Julie Andrews returns for the third year to host the festive annual New Year’s celebration with the Vienna Philharmonic, under the direction of Franz Welser-Möst from Vienna’s Musikverein.

The Greatest Tree on Earth

Prepare to be illuminated by this biography about the story of the Christmas tree.

Hercules Saves Christmas

This two-hour special features Hercules, the pit bull star of Animal Planet’s hit series Pit Boss. On the night before Christmas Eve, Max Moogle, a mischievous 12-year-old orphan with dwindling Christmas spirit, meets a large, talking dog named Hercules. As Santa’s beloved pit bull, Hercules is in charge of Santa’s “naughty-and-nice list” and offers Max a spot on the “nice list” if Max can help a sad, down-on-his-luck soul find Christmas spirit.

Holiday Notes From Home

Wynonna sends a musical love letter to our men and women in the Armed Forces with an unforgettable performance that will warm the heart and inspire the spirit.

Holiday Treats Unwrapped

Visit the Swiss Colony as they prep for their busiest time, see how a snow globe becomes an edible sweet, check out a company building gingerbread houses, and more.

Holiday Wrapping Party

Hosts Nan Kelley, Storme Warren, Suzanne Alexander, and Bill Cody all come together to share their warmest and funniest moments from 2009, play their favorite holiday videos as well.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys For Tots

Larry King is grand marshal of this year’s parade. The parade has been a tradition for over 80 years. Held in Hollywood, it helps bring the joy of Christmas to children in need.

Image of God: Christmas

Mrs. Smith talks to the kids about Christmas presents and explains that it is a time to celebrate the night thousands of years ago when Jesus was born.

In Concert: A Christmas Celebration — O Magnum Mysterium

Music for the Christmas season is performed by the Corydon Singers and His Majesty’s Sagbutts and Cornetts.

In Search of Santa Claus

He’s one of the most widely recognized figures in the world, but just who was Saint Nicholas and how did [...]

Joy of Music: A Danube Christmas Celebration

Diane Bish shares the sights and sounds of Christmas as she travels along the Danube River. Enjoy musical favorites performed in Hungary, Austria and Germany.

Joy of Music: A Musical Journey of Christmas

In this special holiday program, host Diane Bish celebrates Christmas in the churches and cathedrals of Austria and Germany.

Joy of Music: Christmas in the Holy Land

Diane Bish visits the Holy Land at Christmas time. Sung Sook Lee, soprano, sings as favorite carols are performed.

L.A. Holiday Celebration

This program is a highlight version of the six-hour Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration that took place in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center on Christmas Eve 2009.

The Legends of Santa

This feature-length documentary tracks the origin of Santa Claus and how today’s modern Santa is a fusion of cultures and traditions associated with the Christmas season.

Mad Hungry For the Holidays

Lucinda Scala Quinn, author, editor and mother of three grown boys, hosts first-ever primetime holiday special.

Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas To You

From the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, singing superstar Mariah Carey performs songs from her new holiday album, Merry Christmas II You. Carey sings yuletide classics and original tunes, including her new song “Oh, Santa!”

Martha Stewart’s Holiday Open House

Martha Stewart welcomes guests Jennifer Garner and Claire Danes to her annual special, Martha Stewart’s Holiday Open House, airing for the first time this year on Hallmark Channel.

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!

This delicious contemporary production is full of pathos and theatrical magic. From a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, to the spectacular candy folk of Sweetieland, Clara’s journey passes through Oliver Twist, the Ice Capades and the kaleidoscopic fantasy of Busby Berkeley musicals.

A Michael Bublé Christmas

Three-time Grammy winner Michael Bublé headlines his first network television variety special, which features hits from his latest holiday CD along with sketch comedy segments.

Mickey’s Christmas Special

A collection of Disney shorts that tell fun holiday tales with some of Disney’s most popular characters. The shorts include “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Toy Tinkers” and “Donald’s Snow Fight.”

The Middle: A Christmas Gift

On a tipsy whim – and against Mike’s wishes – Frankie decides to throw a Christmas Eve party at the house.

Most Christmasy Places in America

This special travels the country in search of America’s “Most Christmasy Places,” showcasing the nation in all its yuletide glory.

Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone

From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.

NBC’s New Year’s Eve With Carson Daly

Carson Daly’s two-hour New Year’s Eve special will air live, beginning in primetime and continuing at 11:30 p.m. (ET) with the countdown to 2011 and the first performances of the New Year.

New Year’s Eve Live ’11

Cameras capture the final moments of 2011 from both Las Vegas and the heart of New York City as the world-famous ball makes its descent into Times Square. The event is set to feature the year’s chart-topping musicians.

Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen: The Big Freeze

Nigella begins her freezer filling session in the kitchen, making everything from a Lychee Martini to a Lamb and Date Tagine.

Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen: The Stocking Filler

Nigella’s pre-Christmas brunch menu features comforting recipes perfect for celebration! The scrumptious lineup includes a tasty Espresso Martini to add spirit to the holiday season, and her Triple Cheese and Onion Strata, Glazed and Toasted Vanilla Cake “Brioche,” and Antioxidant Fruit Salad create the fabulous holiday feast.

A Night at the Movies: Merry Christmas!

TCM takes movie lovers on a tinsel-filled journey through the most iconic holiday films of all time in this documentary. This new special will look at variations within the genre, such as holiday romances, family movies and even thrillers.

The Nutcracker

Presented from the historic opera and ballet house, the State Academic Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where The Nutcracker was first performed in 1892, this is the U.S. television premiere of this performance.

Paula’s Cookie Swap

The holiday season is finally here again and this year Paula is throwing the Ultimate Cookie Swap Party.

The Real Story of Christmas

This special unwraps the story of this beloved and ancient holiday, from how caroling began to the evolution of Santa Claus.

A Renaissance Christmas

Chicago’s celebrated Music of the Baroque Chorus and Brass presents the soaring sounds of the holiday season.

Samantha Brown’s Holidays in New York

Everyone’s favorite traveler enjoys the wintry wonderland of New York City during the holiday season.

San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad

The San Juan Children’s Choir celebrates Christmas with music from around the world.

Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade Holiday

Join Sandra, her family and friends for a festive hour of holiday cheer filled with delicious quick, semi-homemade recipes.

Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas

A look at the funniest and most festive holiday sketches in the history of “SNL.” Also includes guest appearances by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, and new sketches with Gillly (Kristen Wiig).

Secret Life Of … Christmas

Takes a look at the history of all things Christmas. When did Christmas become such a big holiday? What is the origin of the Christmas foods? Where did candy canes, fruitcakes and plum puddings come from? All this and more.

Shalom Sesame — Chanukah: The Missing Menorah

It’s time to celebrate Chanukah in Israel as Grover and other familiar faces from “Sesame Street” help a girl find her missing menorah before sunset.

Solemn Mass of Christmas Day

Live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.

Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Live coverage of the Christmas Eve mass from Washington, D.C.

Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve With Pope Benedict XVI

The Pope leads a Christmas Eve mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The Story of Santa Claus

This animated musical holiday special features the voices of Edward Asner, Betty White and Tim Curry, and revolves around a gentle toymaker whose only wish is to deliver a toy to every child on Christmas.

The World is Born: Christmas With the Louisville Chorus

The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites.

The 13th Annual A Home for the Holidays

Country superstar Martina McBride hosts and performs in this annual special that also includes moving performances by Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Gavin DeGraw, OneRepublic and Christina Perri.

The True Story of the Nativity

The story of the early years of the Holy Family is revealed through contemporary scientific discoveries.

TV’s Funniest Holiday Moments: A Paley Center for Media Special

Jane Lynch hosts this two-hour special that counts down the Top 30 funniest holiday moments in small-screen history.

Urbi et Orbi: Pope Benedict XVI’s Christmas Message to the World

From St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the Pope gives a Christmas Day message to the world.

Wintertime Treats Unwrapped

Get cozy for a full hour of wintertime treats, from sparkling cider and Yule logs to Campbell’s Chicken Soup.

The Word is Born: Christmas With the Louisville Chorus

The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites. The choir performs in the historic Saint Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

WWE Tribute to the Troops

WWE honors the U.S. armed forces with its third annual telecast of this holiday special. This year, WWE Superstars and Divas, along with Sherri Shepherd and Miss USA Rima Fakih, travel to Fort Hood, Texas.