Entertainment

7 Specials To Watch On Netflix This Christmas

by Caitlin Flynn

As Buddy the Elf once wisely said, "the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." Since not all of us are blessed with Buddy's musical talents, we have to find other ways to spread holiday cheer. Luckily, there are plenty of activities to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year — decorating, going to see our favorite holiday shows, and battling the crowds as we do our holiday shopping. (Hey, there are downsides to everything.) But, one of the best parts of the season is watching holiday movies. Of course, many TV channels have killer lineups of Christmas movies — but let's not forget about the Christmas specials available on Netflix that we can stream at our convenience.

Netflix has a diverse array of options — from cartoons to musicals to the Rockettes, there's a Christmas special for everyone. Plus, since some of them are a bit obscure, this is the perfect year to discover some new favorite holiday movies. Personally, I'll never get tired of A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas — but I can't wait to add a few new specials to my Christmas watch list.

Here are seven Christmas specials to watch on Netflix that will get you in the holiday spirit:

1. A Very Murray Christmas

When Sofia Coppola and Bill Murray collaborate, magic happens. This recently released musical comedy features cameo appearances by George Clooney, Amy Poehler, Chris Rock, and Rashida Jones — and the soundtrack is to die for. I'm definitely adding A Very Murray Christmas to my "must watch" list for the holiday season.

2. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

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If you can't make it to Radio City Music Hall this Christmas, don't fret. The 2007 show is available to stream on Netflix, so you won't have to miss a single one of the Rockettes' synchronized kicks — plus, you'll avoid the hoards of people at Rockefeller Center.

3. Kung Fu Panda Holiday

Have you ever been super stressed about hosting a holiday gathering? Then you have something in common with Po, better known as the Kung Fu Panda. Po has a hard time juggling all his responsibilities (something many of us can relate to), but something tells me he'll pull it off.

4. The Legend of Frosty The Snowman

When Frosty arrives in Evergeen, he's shocked to learn that magic and fun are forbidden — but that doesn't stop him from befriending the mayor's children and teaching the adults the true meaning of Christmas. For anyone who grew up watching Frosty the Snowman every year, this sequel is both enjoyable and nostalgic.

5. A Very Merry Pooh Year

This anthology includes Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too, and the animation is absolutely adorable. (Seriously, who doesn't love Winnie the Pooh?) In fact, this special is so lively that we even get to see Eeyore smile. Plus, it features music by Carly Simon. What more could you ask for?

6. The Mistle-Tones

This holiday musical premiered in 2012 as part of ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas. Holly, played by Tia Mowry, is devastated when she's rejected from a local holiday choir that was founded by her late mother. She takes matters into her own hands by starting her own chorus, the Mistle-Tones — and challenges her rivals to a sing-off.

7. Get Santa

What would you do if you found Santa asleep in your garage, with his sleigh totaled outside? It's up to you to save Christmas, of course — and help Santa and his reindeer find their way home. And you thought your Christmas obligations were stressful.

As you can see, there are plenty of old and new classics to watch on Netflix while you bake Christmas cookies and decorate your tree.

Images: Ali Goldstein/Netflix; Giphy