Where to watch 11 classics on TV and streaming

Where to watch 11 classics on TV and streaming
Where to watch 11 classics on TV and streaming

Christmas is all about tradition. And when it comes to watching holiday favorites, it’s still traditional — on television vs. streaming services.

While some of them are available to stream (and more available to rent on demand), not all of them are. The big exception: “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which is only available streaming on Apple TV+ (which is offering it free, without a subscription, Dec. 22-25 only).

Either way, here’s where you can find 11 of them this season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s in 2022.

‘Almost Christmas’

On TV/cable: On FX — midnight Nov. 26, 7:30 a.m. Nov. 27; on Freeform — 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14.

Can I stream it?: Not on major streaming services.

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

The Peanuts gang gets into the holiday spirit in "A Charlie Brown Christmas," showing only on Apple TV+ this holiday season

On TV/cable: Not showing on over-the-air TV or cable this year.

Can I stream it?: Yes, on Apple TV+ (available free to nonsubscribers Dec. 22-25).

‘A Christmas Story’

Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) is stymied by Santa in a scene from "A Christmas Story."

On TV/cable: On NBC — 7 p.m. Nov. 25; on TBS — 6 and 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 8 p.m. Dec. 11, and 7 p.m. Dec. 24 (showing in a marathon for the next 24 hours); on TNT — 8 and 10 p.m. Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 15, and 7 p.m. Dec. 24 (showing in a marathon for the next 24 hours).

Can I stream it?: Yes, on HBO Max.

‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (1966 animated TV special)

The Grinch finds the strength of 10 Grinches, plus 2, in "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

On TV/cable: On NBC — 7 p.m. Nov. 25, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15; on TNT — 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Can I stream it?: Yes, on Peacock.

‘Elf’

Will Ferrell (right) stars as Buddy in "Elf."

On TV/cable: On TNT — 3 p.m. Nov. 24, 1 p.m. Nov. 25; on TBS — 5 a.m. Nov. 26 (showing in a marathon for the next 24 hours); on Cartoon Network — 5 p.m. Nov. 27, 10 a.m. Nov. 28; on AMC — 6 and 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 9 p.m. Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 9, 7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 11, 9:15 p.m. Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 9 p.m. Dec. 15, 5 p.m. Dec. 16.

Can I stream it?: Yes, on HBO Max.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

George (James Stewart, left) and Mary Bailey (Donna Reed, center) face a tumultuous Christmas Eve in "It's a Wonderful Life."

On TV/cable: On NBC — 7 p.m. Dec. 24; on E! — 5 a.m. Nov. 25 (showing in a marathon for the next 18 hours).

Can I stream it?: Yes, on Amazon Prime Video.

‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947 version)

On TV/cable: On AMC — 1:30 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. Dec. 11.

Can I stream it?: Yes, on Amazon Prime Video.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’

On TV/cable: On TNT — 5 p.m. Nov. 24, 11 a.m. Nov. 25, 5 a.m. Nov. 27 (showing in a marathon for the next 24 hours); on AMC — 7 and 9:45 p.m. Dec. 1, 6 and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 4, 9 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 and 9:15 p.m. Dec. 8, 7 and 9:15 p.m. Dec. 10, 9 p.m. Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 7 and 9:15 p.m. Dec. 16.

Can I stream it?: Yes, on HBO Max.

‘The Preacher’s Wife’

Denzel Washington, right, is an angel come to Earth who charms Whitney Houston during the Christmas season in "The Preacher's Wife."

On TV/cable: On Freeform — 6 a.m. Dec. 2, 3 p.m. Dec. 14.

Can I stream it?: Yes, on Tubi.

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’

Rudolph, right, meets a new friend, Hermey the Dentist, in a scene from the animated classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

On TV/cable: On CBS — 7 p.m. Nov. 29.

Can I stream it?: No.

‘White Christmas’

On TV/cable: On AMC — 9 p.m. Nov. 28, 2:15 p.m. Nov. 29, 10:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 1:45 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. Dec. 9.

Can I stream it?: Yes, on Netflix.