Christmas TV schedule 2023: Where to watch animated classics like 'Charlie Brown'

It's the time of year when many start looking for how to watch animated Christmas TV classics like "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Cable channels and streaming services have already released schedules for when the beloved holiday TV traditions will air or be available to watch for free.

Rudolph and Frosty are be back again this year, but you'll have to look a little harder to find Charlie Brown, Snoopy and their Peanuts friends.

Here's when and where you can catch some of the classics airing around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Many of these will air over and over on multiple channels, so check TV listings for additional times.

Also, check back as we update the list with more specials and air times.

'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

Apple TV+ still owns the rights to "A Charlie Brown Christmas," so you won't find it on network TV this year. However, Apple TV+ allowed nonsubscribers to watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" for free from Dec. 16 through Dec. 17.

The 1965 classic follows Charlie Brown as he tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.

'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'

Rudolph and his shining red nose gets another chance to save Christmas when the beloved 1964 special airs at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 on CBS. You can also catch him on Freeform at:

• 5:15 p.m. Dec. 21

• 5:35 p.m. Dec. 24

• 3:30 p.m. Dec. 25

'Frosty the Snowman'

Santa is keeping his promise. Frosty the Snowman will return again this year. You can catch the tale of the jolly, happy soul again at 9 p.m. Dec. 17 on CBS, but you'll be able to catch him on Freeform multiple times. Scheduled airings include:

• 4:40 p.m. Dec. 21

• 6:40 p.m. Dec. 24

• 4:30 p.m. Dec. 25

Come on, Frosty. We're all waiting for you.

'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'

The Grinch, with a heart two sizes too small, will try to steal Christmas when the Dr. Seuss tale airs at 8 p.m. Dec. 25 on NBC. You can also catch it after Christmas at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 on Bravo. It will also be available on Peacock between Dec. 20 and Dec. 31.

'The Year Without a Santa Claus'

Will sad Santa cancel Christmas? Thankfully we'll find out early when "The Year Without a Santa Claus" airs at 1 p.m. Dec. 22 and 1:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Dec. 24 on AMC.

'The Nightmare Before Christmas'

Halloween Town's Jack Skellington stumbles into Christmas Town and all it's bright colors. Watch it at 1:15 p.m. Dec. 24 on Freeform.

'Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town'

The story of how the tradition of Santa Claus came to be that's based on the hit Christmas song airs at 3:35 p.m. Dec. 21 on Freeform, 8 p.m. Dec. 23 on ABC and 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 25 on Freeform.

'The Little Drummer Boy'

"The Little Drummer Boy" is based on the song of the same name, but the 1968 TV special details the young drummer's emotional journey and the only gift he has to offer a baby who may be able to help heal his injured lamb. All the airings for this one have come and gone for the season.

► Stay connected and stay informed. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press today.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Charlie Brown,' 'Rudolph': How to watch Christmas TV specials