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MUSICAL EVENTS TO MATCH THE SEASONÌý

'The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular'Ìý

Disney, which owns its own television network, always sets itself a place at this cross-promotional table, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. New musical performances by host Derek Hough and other acts, including Aloe Blacc, Good Charlotte, Gwen Stefani and Trisha Yearwood, arrive from Florida's Walt Disney World, Hawaii's Aulani Resort & Spa andÌý Disneyland.ÌýABC, Dec. 1

'CMA Country Christmas'Ìý

Filmed at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the 16th annual edition of this special is hosted by Christian music superstar Lauren Daigle and hitmaker Jordan Davis, with appearances from Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and the ever-present BeBe Winans.ÌýABC, Dec. 2

'Christmas in Rockefeller Center' and 'Christmas in Nashville'

Reba McEntire heads to New York to host a two-hour special, highlighted by the lighting of a really big tree in the network's own backyard. Next we head to Music City, where you might have expected to find McEntire; who we will find is so far a mystery.ÌýNBC, Dec. 3

'A Motown Christmas'Ìý

Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey are your hosts. Expect something old, something new(er).ÌýNBC, Dec. 9

'iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025'Ìý

Something for the youngsters, as Ed Sullivan used to say. Featured artists include Alex Warren, BigXthaPlug, Conan Gray, Ed Sheeran, Nelly, Reneé Rapp, Jessie Murph and more.ÌýABC, Dec. 17

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES THAT ENLIGHTEN

'Great Performances: Twelfth Night'

Shakespeare's comedy of sexual confusion and mistaken identity (named for and originally performed on the last of the 12 days of Christmas), was filmed in New York as part of the Public Theater's Free Shakespeare festival. Cleverly cast brother and sister Lupita Nyong'o and Junior Nyong'o play castaway twins Viola and Sebastian, with Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sandra Oh and Daphne Rubin-Vega among other well-known actors rounding out the cast. Now streaming on and PBS app

'Great Performances: The Nutcracker'Ìý

Even those with scant interest in classical music or dance will be osmotically familiar with Tchaikovsky's 1892 Christmas ballet, with its hit-filled score and Sugarplum Fairy. This one is performed by the English National Ballet against an Edwardian backdrop (Act I) and a Candyland (Act II) full of exotic flavor. PBS, and PBS app, Dec. 16

FAMILY FRIENDLY VIEWING

'A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas'

Christmas spirit is low, Santa is depressed and cartoon versions of characters from the famous pizza place decide to buck him up by throwing a surprise party, as a dark-hearted elf taking fashion cues from Orlando Bloom's Legolas gets in the way. Reportedly a back-door pilot for a full-service cartoon series — there is an audience for this.ÌýNow streaming onÌýPrime Video and YouTube

'A Paw Patrol Christmas'Ìý

In this "save Christmas" special of the kid-popular series, computer-animated puppies in knit sweaters step in when a cold sidelines a sick Santa, threatening the delivery of presents and the true meaning of Christmas. Now streaming on Paramount+

'Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol'Ìý

I'm a fan of this witty IP, unusually original to the small screen, featuring elves Wayne (Dave Foley) and Lanny (Derek Richardson), whose job it is to advance Santa's household appearances. In this third edition, a sort of short-story omnibus relating post-Christmas work disasters, we get good slapstick, a Busby Berkeley homage, spa parody, office comedy and a succession of coffee mugs bearing the legends "It's Nog or Never," "Nice List or Bust!" and "Fa La La La Latte."ÌýABC, Nov. 30; now streaming on Disney+

'With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration'

The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle invites you in as she gets set for Christmas, with a bit of cooking, crafting and hall-decking, with "simple how-tos to follow at home."ÌýNetflix, Dec. 3

'The First Snow of Fraggle Rock'Ìý

The puppet gang still tended by the reliable Jim Henson Co. return for the holidays. When only a single snowflake arrives at Fraggle Rock — they live underground, so, you know, not that surprising — Gobo, having trouble finishing his annual holiday song, heads up into the world of humans, where he meets YouTube powerhouse Lele Pons. Meanwhile, there's a new baby at the Gorgs' house.ÌýApple TV, Dec. 5

STREAMING HOLIDAY FILMS FOR (ALMOST) EVERYONEÌý

'A Merry Little Ex-Mas'Ìý

Alicia Silverstone is a divorced architect about to sell her house who decides to throw one last holiday party. Her ex-husband (Oliver Hudson) arrives packing new girlfriend Jameela Jamil, which would make anyone jealous. Melissa Joan Hart is in it, too, always a recommendation. Now streaming on Netflix

'A Very Jonas Christmas Movie'Ìý

I can't name a single Jonas Brothers song, but I can heartily recommend this trains-planes-and-automobile story, which finds the trio supernaturally hindered from getting home from Europe for Christmas. (Santa may be involved.)ÌýNow streaming on Disney+

'Champagne Problems'Ìý

Minka Kelly plays a hotshot executive out to acquire a French Champagne vineyard. Stopping over in Paris before heading out into the countryside, she has a magical night with handsome Frenchman Henri (Tom Wozniczka), who, wouldn't you know, turns out to be the son of the man (Thibault de Montalembert, from "Call My Agent") whose company she's out to buy.ÌýNow streaming on Netflix

'Jingle Bell Heist'Ìý

Love and larceny combine as Olivia Holt, "a sharp-witted retail worker," and Connor Swindells, "a down-on-his-luck repairman," independently plan to rob the same London department store on Christmas Eve. The presence of Peter Serafinowicz and Lucy Punch is icing on the gingerbread.ÌýÌýNow streaming on Netflix

'The Merchants of Joy'Ìý

This documentary outlier follows five families who fight for dominance and survival in the New York City Christmas tree trade. The title does not appear to be ironic.ÌýPrime Video, Dec. 1

'Oh. What. Fun.'Ìý

Michelle Pfeiffer plays a type A supermom who, having been accidentally abandoned by her family closes up shop, hits the road and lets the rest of them mishandle Christmas themselves. The not-to-be-sneezed-at cast includes Denis Leary, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Dominic Sessa, Danielle Brooks, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu and Jason Schwartzman. It also comes with a new Gwen Stefani song, "Shake the Snow Globe."ÌýPrime Video, Dec. 3

'My Secret Santa'Ìý

In order to score her daughter half-price snowboard lessons, single mom Taylor (Alexandra Breckenridge) disguises herself as an old man in order to play Santa at a ski resort, like you do. Ryan Eggold is the handsome hotel manager who, as you might expect, complicates matters.ÌýNetflix, Dec. 3

'Merv'Ìý

When Anna (Zooey Deschanel, out of her "Elf" costume) and Russ (Charlie Cox) split up, it sends their adorable terrier into a depression. (Also, it's Christmas.) When all three leave the snowy north for Florida sun, it's anyone's guess what'll happen.ÌýPrime Video, Dec. 10