WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – It will be a very festive Christmas season on NBC and KSN. The network has announced all the special programs that will air before Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
The lineup includes the popular “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” and “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.”
New specials coming include “Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry,” “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular,” and “Motown Christmas.”
Here is the full list:
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 9-10 p.m. “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked”
“Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked,” is a special behind-the-scenes celebration of Universal Pictures’ upcoming feature film, led by superstars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and the all-star cast of “Wicked” on Nov. 19.
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 7-8 p.m. “Countdown to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Hosted by Wendi McLendon-Covey and live from the famous starting line on the eve of the iconic Thanksgiving Day parade, viewers will get a sneak peek at the incredible stories behind the floats, balloons and bands on their journey through the streets of New York.
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 8-10 p.m. “A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving”
The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Thanksgiving-themed sketches from its 50 seasons.
Thursday, Nov. 28, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. “98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
The world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to bring the magic of the parade to New York City spectators and a national television audience with its exciting array of balloons, floats, marching bands, celebrities and more.
Thursday, Nov. 28, 12-2 p.m. “National Dog Presented By Purina”
NBC’s Thanksgiving Day tradition is hosted by John O’Hurley, former “Seinfeld” star and winner of “Dancing with the Stars,” along with expert analyst David Frei. Mary Carillo will offer a behind-the-scenes account of the competition.
Thursday, Nov. 28, 2-5 p.m. “98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” Encore
The morning parade will re-air.
Thursday, Nov. 28, 7:20 p.m. NFL Football
Watch the Dolphins take on the Packers on NBC and Peacock.
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m. “Christmas in Rockefeller Center”
Hosted by Kelly Clarkson, the dazzling display of musical talents, star-studded surprises and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree remains one of the holiday season’s most anticipated events.
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 9-10 p.m. “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular”
“Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular,” which will spotlight multi-hyphenate Jimmy Fallon’s festive new holiday album.
It will feature a star-studded lineup of guest appearances and performances from Fallon’s cheery new holiday album, including Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, J.B. Smoove, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL COOL J, Meghan Trainor, The Roots, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more. The special will conclude with a spectacular finale from the top of Rockefeller Center with the Radio City Rockettes. The special will stream next day on Peacock.
Thursday, Dec. 5, 7-7:30 p.m. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (encore on Dec. 25 at 7 p.m.)
The classic animated tale of the curmudgeonly Grinch who’s hoping to remove the joy from Christmas but, ultimately, has a change of heart.
Thursday, Dec. 5, 7:30-8 p.m. “Frosty the Snowman” (encore on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.)
The cherished original holiday special is about how Frosty, everyone’s favorite snowman, came to life one day.
Friday, Dec. 6, 7-8:15 p.m. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (encore on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.)
The classic animated special offers the perspective of Rudolph, who’s told he couldn’t play in any Reindeer Games due to his glowing nose. Rudolph sets out on a fantastic journey where he meets Hermey the elf, prospector Yukon Cornelius and a host of Misfit Toys, all while trying to hide from the Abominable Snow Monster.
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7:30-8 p.m. “Shrek the Halls”
This half-hour animated special debuted in 2007 and features a Christmas twist on the original “Shrek” characters.
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 8-10 p.m. “A Motown Christmas” (encore on Dec. 17 from 8-10 p.m.)
Hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, this special will feature performances by Motown legends and today’s hottest stars celebrating iconic Hitsville U.S.A classics and their favorite holiday songs.
Thursday, Dec. 12, 8:15-9 p.m. E! News present “NBC’S Hot 10 of 2024” (one-hour extended version airing Dec. 26 from 7-8 p.m.)
The end-of-year special hosted by E! News’ Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight will highlight the biggest and most unforgettable moments of the year from the Olympics to award show trendsetters and the buzziest celebrity couples in addition to blockbuster films, television, music, sports, entertainment and more along with what to expect in 2025. Special appearances by Jimmy Fallon, Dolly Parton, Andy Cohen and more who will recount their favorite viral moments.
Monday, Dec. 16, 7-9 p.m. “Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry” (encore on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.)
A star-studded music special featuring a dazzling array of country’s biggest names and hosted by Grammy Award-winning superstars Little Big Town. The celebration will feature a variety of Christmas favorites and holiday classics in front of a live audience at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 8-10 p.m. “A Saturday Night Live Christmas” (encore on Dec. 23)
The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Christmas-themed sketches from its 50 seasons.
Thursday, Dec. 19, 9-10 p.m. “Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas”
With a Vegas-sized backdrop and a renowned band, the evening will feature the best of Manilow’s greatest hits, including “Copacabana,” “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs” and “Looks Like We Made It” along with several holiday favorites.
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 7-10 p.m. “It’s A Wonderful Life”
NBC again presents this Frank Capra classic starring Jimmy Stewart. An angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. “Christmas Eve Mass“
Viewers will be able to watch the Pope Francis-led mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 7:30-10 p.m. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
On the outskirts of Whoville, there lives a green revenge-seeking Grinch who plans on ruining the Christmas holiday for all of the citizens of the town.
Thursday, Dec. 26, 8-10 p.m. “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas”
Join Dolly Parton and friends as she draws on holidays past, guided by her personal Three Wise Mountain Men, to find the unique “mountain magic” of Christmas. Musical performances by Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus and more.
Monday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. “135th Rose Parade Presented by Honda”
The streets of Pasadena, Calif., are lined with thousands of parade fans as gorgeous rose-covered floats and marching bands partake in their annual New Year’s holiday festivities.