Top 6 Christmas Episodes & Specials on Television

Christmas episodes and holiday specials have long been the crown jewels of television, with writers and creators seizing the opportunity to elevate the stakes and pour extra heart into their storytelling. For decades, sitcoms and dramas alike have carved out their place in pop culture history by delivering unforgettable Christmas moments—episodes that aren’t just filler or festive afterthoughts but ones that genuinely push the story forward, showcase brilliant performances, and leave us basking in a warm, nostalgic afterglow that lingers long after the decorations come down.

What sets these episodes apart is the perfect recipe: a top-tier script, a dash of emotional depth, a sprinkle of humor, and often a clever, unexpected twist that keeps them from feeling cliché. When done right, they capture that elusive holiday magic—the kind that makes us laugh, maybe cry, and definitely hit “play” again next year. These episodes become more than just seasonal background noise; they turn into beloved traditions, watched and rewatched by fans who know every line but still feel the same spark of joy with each viewing.

And that’s exactly why Christmas episodes hold such a special place in our hearts. They’re not just about tinsel and tunes; they remind us why we fell in love with these shows in the first place. They solidify the legacies of our favorite characters, offer moments of unexpected reflection, and bring people together—whether that’s the characters on screen or the family gathered around watching from the couch.

So if you’re ready to dive into some holiday nostalgia and revisit the episodes that continue to define festive television, here are 5 truly exceptional Christmas specials and episodes to enjoy this season. Trust us, these aren’t just good—they’re annual must-watches that deserve a permanent spot in your holiday lineup.

6. Friends – “The One With the Holiday Armadillo” (Season 7, Episode 10)

“The One With the Holiday Armadillo” stands out as one of the most iconic and delightfully absurd episodes in Friends history—and for good reason. Set against the cozy, twinkling backdrop of Christmas in New York, this classic episode takes a heartfelt turn as Ross, in a rare dad-win attempt, tries to teach his son Ben about Hanukkah and the significance of the Festival of Lights. But in true Friends fashion, things quickly spiral from educational to absolutely ridiculous.

Unable to rent a Santa suit last-minute, Ross shows up as the “Holiday Armadillo,” a bizarre half-armadillo, half-holiday mascot who’s ready to sprinkle some Hanukkah history into the mix. Just as Ross begins winning Ben over with his well-meaning (if awkward) lesson, Chandler bursts in dressed as Santa Claus, and before long, Joey joins the party as Superman. Yes, really.

What follows is a hilarious culture clash that somehow manages to balance slapstick humor with sincere moments of holiday spirit. Beyond the laughs, the episode subtly delivers a thoughtful commentary on the blending of traditions and the beauty of honoring multiple cultures during the holiday season. With its perfect mix of absurdity, warmth, and comic timing, “The One With the Holiday Armadillo” isn’t just a festive classic—it’s a reminder of why Friends remains endlessly rewatchable, year after year.

5. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – “A Very Sunny Christmas” (Season 6, Episode 13)

“A Very Sunny Christmas” cranks up the chaos in true It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia fashion, delivering a holiday special that’s as unhinged, offensive, and downright hilarious as you’d expect—and then some. Never a show to play it safe, this festive episode gives each member of the gang their own wildly inappropriate subplot, but it’s Charlie who steals the spotlight with perhaps the most absurd (and disturbingly funny) storyline of them all.

Determined to confront the trauma of his childhood Christmases, Charlie embarks on a deranged quest to track down the mall Santa he believes “hooked up” with his mom years ago. What follows is a fever dream of awkward encounters, over-the-top antics, and cringeworthy chaos that only Sunny could pull off. His misadventure somehow manages to escalate from bizarre to downright surreal, capped off by a now-infamous, totally bonkers outburst that leaves audiences equal parts horrified and hysterical.

Meanwhile, the rest of the gang is up to their usual morally bankrupt shenanigans, turning traditional holiday cheer into their own personal playground of schemes, scams, and self-serving chaos. In true Sunny style, “A Very Sunny Christmas” takes the most wholesome time of year and flips it on its head—proving that, yes, the gang really can make even Christmas completely and utterly depraved. And we love them for it.

4. The Office – “Christmas Party” (Season 2, Episode 10)

One of the most unforgettable holiday episodes in The Office (and honestly, in sitcom history) is without a doubt “Christmas Party” from Season 2. What starts as a simple, low-key office gathering at Dunder Mifflin quickly devolves into a masterclass in awkward tension and comedic gold, thanks entirely to Michael Scott’s flair for turning everything into absolute chaos.

At the heart of the episode is the infamous Yankee Swap, which Michael single-handedly destroys after bringing an extravagant iPod as his gift—blowing the $20 limit out of the water and setting off a cutthroat, hilariously petty exchange. What was supposed to be a fun, festive game becomes a full-blown disaster of stolen presents, bruised egos, and peak cringe, all while Michael desperately tries to salvage the party’s “fun.”

But beneath the absurdity and the painfully awkward moments, the real magic of “Christmas Party” lies in the slow-burn chemistry between Jim and Pam. Their subtle glances, inside jokes, and the meaningful gift Jim picked out for her (complete with that teapot full of hidden significance) add a tender layer to the chaos. For fans rooting for them, this episode is a masterclass in romantic tension—proof that sometimes the best love stories unfold quietly, in the background of total mayhem.

With its perfect blend of sharp, uncomfortable humor and surprisingly heartfelt moments, “Christmas Party” remains a standout not only in The Office‘s catalog but in the holiday episode hall of fame. It’s clever, charming, and endlessly rewatchable—a festive must for any holiday binge session.

3. Doctor Who – “A Christmas Carol” (2010)

Widely celebrated by Whovians as one of the greatest Christmas episodes in Doctor Who history, “A Christmas Carol” (2010) is a masterful blend of sci-fi whimsy and timeless holiday spirit. Serving as the sixth Christmas special since the show’s revival in 2005—and the very first holiday outing for Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor—this episode delivers everything you could possibly want from a Doctor Who festive adventure: heart, humor, and just the right touch of timey-wimey magic.

As the title suggests, the story takes inspiration from Charles Dickens’ classic, but with that unmistakable Doctor Who twist. Set on the fog-covered planet of Sardicktown, the Doctor finds himself in a race against time to save a crashing spaceship full of passengers. But the only man with the power to help—Kazran Sardick, played to perfection by the legendary Michael Gambon—is a bitter, cold-hearted miser who’d sooner let hundreds perish than show an ounce of compassion.

Naturally, the Doctor does what he does best: meddles. With his trusty screwdriver and a lot of charm, he takes Kazran on a whirlwind journey through his own past, present, and future, reshaping the man’s life in a bid to thaw his frozen heart. What follows is a beautifully strange, emotionally rich story that balances quirky sci-fi concepts with deeply human moments of regret, love, and second chances.

Between Matt Smith’s endlessly energetic and heartfelt performance and Michael Gambon’s gravitas, “A Christmas Carol” soars as both a dazzling space adventure and a poignant reminder of the redemptive power of kindness. More than a decade after it first aired, it remains a beloved holiday staple, proving that even in the farthest corners of the universe, Christmas miracles are always possible.

2. Seinfeld – “The Strike” (Season 9, Episode 10)

Seinfeld — “The Strike”

If there’s one holiday that’s managed to wiggle its way into pop culture purely through sitcom brilliance, it’s Festivus, first introduced in Season 9 of Seinfeld. In this unforgettable episode, Frank Costanza (played by the legendary Jerry Stiller) unveils his wildly unorthodox, anti-commercial holiday, leaving Jerry, George, Kramer, and Elaine both bewildered and intrigued. What starts as confusion quickly turns into full-blown hilarity as the gang gets roped into the bizarre traditions of Festivus—a holiday that is, quite literally, for “the rest of us.”

Forget twinkling lights and perfectly trimmed trees. Festivus ditches all that for a plain aluminum pole (“I find tinsel distracting”), a raucous round of “Feats of Strength,” and the infamous “Airing of Grievances,” where Frank gleefully informs his loved ones of all the ways they’ve disappointed him over the past year. But the real comedic gold comes when Frank recounts the chaotic origin story of Festivus—a department store brawl over the last doll for George. Rather than let the stress of holiday shopping defeat him, Frank decided there had to be a better way… and thus, Festivus was born.

What started as a throwaway joke in a single episode has since snowballed into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. Every December, overzealous Seinfeld fans keep the tradition alive, hosting their own Festivus celebrations complete with poles, grievances, and plenty of laughs. “The Strike” isn’t just another holiday episode—it’s a satirical masterpiece that reminds us how gloriously ridiculous the holidays can be, and why sometimes, doing things your own way is the most festive move of all.

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – ‘Amends’

In Season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the holiday episode “Amends” delivers a Christmas story with a dark, emotional twist—because of course, in Sunnydale, even the holidays come with a side of torment. For Angel, it’s anything but merry. Haunted—literally—by the ghosts of those he murdered during his soulless vampire days, Angel spirals into despair. The apparitions taunt him relentlessly, whispering that the only way to end his suffering is to kill Buffy or end his own existence.

Unable to harm Buffy and consumed by guilt, Angel makes a heartbreaking choice. As dawn approaches, he climbs to the top of a hill, prepared to meet the sunrise and let the daylight finally put an end to his torment. But in true Buffy fashion, hope arrives just in time. Buffy finds him moments before sunrise, refusing to give up on him. And then, in a literal Christmas miracle, the sun never rises. Instead, snow begins to fall over Sunnydale—an impossibility in Southern California—blanketing the world in quiet magic and sparing Angel’s life.

“Amends” is far more than just a holiday special; it’s a deeply moving story about redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. It’s a rare moment of peace for two characters constantly fighting darkness, and that final snowy scene? Pure TV magic. More than two decades later, it remains one of the most beautiful and memorable Christmas moments in the Buffyverse—and a reminder that even the most haunted souls can find a little light in the winter.