NBC is getting ready for Christmas 2026 with a festive lineup of holiday favourites, spectacular live events and a brand-new Christmas special starring Snoop Dogg.
Written 14th November 2026 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter
From the magical Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting to the return of It's a Wonderful Life and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, there's plenty of festive entertainment to look forward to this holiday season.
The celebrations begin in November with the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade before continuing throughout December and into the New Year.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center Returns
One of America's most beloved Christmas traditions returns on Wednesday, December 2, at 7 PM ET, as NBC broadcasts its annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center celebration.
The special will feature festive musical performances and the spectacular lighting of the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City.
For millions of viewers, the annual tree lighting marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas season.
Snoop Dogg Hosts a Brand-New Christmas Special
This year, NBC is adding something a little different to its holiday lineup!
Christmas with Snoop premieres on Wednesday, December 2, at 10 PM ET, immediately following the Rockefeller Center celebrations.
The festive special will see Snoop Dogg celebrating Christmas with friends and special guests, including Gwen Stefani, Martha Stewart, Jamie Foxx, Kristin Chenoweth, Nicole Scherzinger and Wayne Brady.
Expect music, laughter and plenty of Christmas cheer as Snoop puts his own spin on the holiday season.
The special will also be available to stream on Peacock the following day.
It's a Wonderful Life Returns on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve wouldn't be quite the same without a classic festive film.
NBC will once again broadcast the beloved 1946 movie It's a Wonderful Life on Thursday, December 24, at 8 PM ET.
Starring James Stewart as George Bailey, the timeless Christmas story follows a man who discovers just how much his life has meant to the people around him.
Later that evening, NBC will air Christmas Eve at St. Peter's Basilica at 11:30 PM ET.
The Grinch Takes Over Christmas Day
Christmas Day is getting an extra helping of Grinch!
On Friday, December 25, NBC will show two versions of the much-loved Dr. Seuss Christmas story.
The original animated classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) airs at 8 PM ET, followed by the live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), starring Jim Carrey, at 8:30 PM ET.
It's the perfect Christmas Day double feature for families who can't get enough of the green Christmas grouch.
NBC Christmas 2026 TV Schedule
Here are the currently announced holiday programmes and their US broadcast times.
| Date | Time (ET) | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| November 25 | 8:00 PM | Countdown to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade |
| November 26 | 8:30 AM | 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade |
| November 26 | 2:00 PM | Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (Encore) |
| December 2 | 7:00 PM | Christmas in Rockefeller Center |
| December 2 | 10:00 PM | Christmas with Snoop |
| December 10 | 8:00 PM | NBC100: The Live Celebration |
| December 24 | 8:00 PM | It's a Wonderful Life |
| December 24 | 11:30 PM | Christmas Eve at St. Peter's Basilica |
| December 25 | 8:00 PM | How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) |
| December 25 | 8:30 PM | How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) |
| January 1 | 11:00 AM | 137th Rose Parade |
All times are US Eastern Time. Programming and schedules are subject to change.
What About Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman?
There is more festive television still to come!
NBC has confirmed that animated Christmas favourites Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman will return as part of its 2026 holiday programming, although their exact broadcast dates have yet to be announced.
Additional Christmas specials and seasonal favourites may also be added as the holidays approach.
With classic Christmas movies, festive performances and some exciting new specials, NBC's 2026 Christmas television lineup is already shaping up to be a wonderful way to celebrate the most magical time of the year!
Which Christmas TV special are you most looking forward to watching this year?
