Search Everything in the Lowcountry and the Coastal Empire.
Countdown to top Christmas specials
Email it
Print it
Feeds
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
Christmastime and New Year's send television into overdrive with specials and holiday-themed episodes. What stands out? Here's a look at noteworthy programs and a countdown to the most special of all specials:
10. "Little Spirit: Christmas in New York," 8 p.m. Dec. 10 on NBC: Duncan Sheik, composer of "Spring Awakening," supplies original songs in this new special. The voices include Danny DeVito, Lucy Liu, Freddy Rodriguez, Brenda Song and NBC anchor Brian Williams.
9. "Christmas in Washington," 8 p.m. Dec. 17 on TNT: Kristin Chenoweth of "Pushing Daisies" supplies Broadway pizazz. Julianne Hough of "Dancing With the Stars" brings the down-home country feel. Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw host this special. The president and first lady usually attend the concert, which benefits the National Children's Medical Center.
8. "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa," 8 p.m. Dec. 17 on NBC: In this new special, Kermit and his buddies race to get three letters to Mr. Claus. This new special features songs by Paul Williams. The many guest stars include Uma Thurman, Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Krakowski, Jesse L. Martin, Steve Schirripa and Tony "Paulie Walnuts" Sirico.
7. "Christmas in Rockefeller Center," 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC: Al Roker hosts. The performers will include Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Beyonce, the Jonas Brothers, Harry Connick Jr., "American Idol" David Cook, Rosie O'Donnell and Rascal Flatts. The high point usually is the Christmas tree lighting.
6. "Shrek the Halls," 8 p.m. Dec. 22 on ABC: Have you seen a gingerbread man throw up? A cooked turkey dance in a parade? Clever sight gags abound in this tart special. The story: Shrek is uptight. Villagers fret over preparations. A party falls apart. The best-laid holiday plans can go horribly wrong.
5. "Kennedy Center Honors," 9 p.m. Dec. 30 on CBS: Caroline Kennedy hosts America's classiest awards show. The honorees are Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who, country great George Jones, actor Morgan Freeman, choreographer Twyla Tharp and singer-actress-director Barbra Streisand.
4. "A Christmas Story," Dec. 24 on TBS: A 24-hour marathon begins at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Jean Shepherd narrates this 1983 movie based on his memoir. It's the story of a boy (Peter Billingsley), a Red Ryder BB gun and some priceless comedy. Let us all give thanks for Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon, who play the parents.
3. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS: Best reason to watch? The glorious voice of Burl Ives. The "Animagic" special, a favorite since 1964, has been digitally remastered. But the story hasn't changed. Rudolph and his pals still scurry to save Christmas.
2. "It's a Wonderful Life," 8 p.m. Dec. 13 on NBC: George Bailey (James Stewart) learns what life in Bedford Falls would have been like if he had never lived. Frank Capra directed this 1946 fantasy, which features Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore and Henry Travers. NBC will repeat the movie at 8 p.m. Dec. 24.
1. "A Charlie Brown Christmas," 8 p.m. Monday on ABC: This beloved special, which first aired in 1965, has been digitally remastered. The program remains a classic for its beguiling simplicity and the message imparted by Linus. ABC will repeat the special at 8 p.m. Dec. 16.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Nyx.CommentBody@