Can You Name the Holiday TV Special From an Image?

By: Beth Hendricks
Estimated Completion Time
8 min
Can You Name the Holiday TV Special From an Image?
Image: NBC

About This Quiz

Popcorn? Check. Footed pajamas? Check. Hot chocolate and Christmas specials on TV? Check and CHECK! Listen, we love the Christmas season. There's nothing better than slightly colder (but not too cold, please!) temperatures, a fire in the fireplace, and snacks while everyone piles on the couch to watch the best holiday shows on TV.

Christmas classics made specifically for television have been going on for a long time. It was 1964 when we first met "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Just a year later, we got "A Charlie Brown Christmas." "Mickey's Christmas Carol" came along in the early 1980s, and we've gotten new classics along the way: "Shrek The Halls," "Kung Fu Panda Holiday" and, one of the newest editions, "Trolls Holiday." We'd dare say that the holiday season isn't complete without checking out a few, as time permits between caroling, ice skating and wrapping gifts.

But how well does your memory serve you regarding these Christmas classics? Who exactly "stole Christmas?" What kind of Christmas did Emmet Otter have? Who was the "Other Reindeer?" And, did anybody finally convince Virginia that there is, in fact, a Santa Claus? 
This quiz is a veritable walk down Candy Cane Lane, with a holiday "must-watch" list that will surely add to your own. Can you identify these Christmas TV features? Pair the screenshot and a short clue with the title and be prepared to have a "Berry Merry Christmas!"

8 - Frosty the Snowman
CBS
No Christmas is complete without at least one viewing of this "cool" favorite. Which one involves a heatwave and a magic hat?
"A Christmas Carol"
"Frosty the Snowman"
"The Snowman Returns"
"Jack Frost"
9 - Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol
NBC
It's another retelling of the life of Ebenezer Scrooge and the first-ever cartoon Christmas special made expressly for television. What is it?
"The Christmas Cheer Factory"
"Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol"
"Mr. Bean's Christmas"
"Get Smart at Christmas"
2-Santa-Claus-Comin-to-town
Rankin / Bass Productions
More than 200 artists have recorded this popular song, which spawned a television special first released in 1970. What is its name?
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"
"You Better Watch Out"
"Jingle All The Way"
"Sleigh Bells Ring"

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13 - A Chipmunk Christmas
NBC
Alvin, Simon and Theodore star in this animated Christmas feature that involves a Golden Echo harmonica. What is the name of the program?
"The Smurfs' Christmas Special"
"Yogi's Holiday Adventures"
"A Chipmunk Christmas"
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"
19 - A Garfield Christmas
CBS
Everyone's favorite fat cat returns in this holiday special where he learns what Christmas is really all about. What was this Emmy winner called?
"Christmas With Lasagna"
"A Garfield Christmas"
"Grumpy Cat Holiday"
"A Family Circle Christmas"
16 - Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
The WB
This fan favorite involves someone who'd been "drinking too much eggnog," just like the lyrics from the song of the same name. Which one is it?
"Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"
"Sleigh Ride"
"Jingle Bells"
"All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)"

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1 - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
NBC
You know Dasher and Dancer ... have we said too much? Which TV special would you associate with this duo?
"Amahl and the Night Visitors"
"Frosty's Winter Wonderland"
"Mickey's Christmas Carol"
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
32 - My Little Pony A Very Minty Christmas
Discovery Family
"Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane" gets broken in this Christmas special, and Santa's arrival is in jeopardy. What is this animated show called?
"Care Bears' Holiday"
"My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas"
"A Muppet Family Christmas"
"I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown"
23 - Merry Madagascar
NBC
Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith reprise their roles in this holiday hit as they try to get back to New York City in time for Christmas. What TV special are we talking about?
"Trolls Holiday"
"Mickey's Christmas Carol"
"A Pinky and the Brain Christmas"
"Merry Madagascar"

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4 - The Year Without a Santa Claus
ABC
Santa on vacation? Which of these specials has Mrs. Claus trying to get him back on track?
"Not-So-Holly-Jolly Christmas"
"The Claus Kidnapping Caper"
"Santa Ain't Coming"
"The Year Without a Santa Claus"
24 - It's a SpongeBob Christmas!
CBS
You just know a Christmas special with "jerktonium-laced fruitcake" is going to be special. Which one is it?
"A Goof Troop Christmas"
"It's a SpongeBob Christmas!"
"Merry Spongemas!"
"Patrick's Presents"
17 - Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays
Cartoon Network
A living snowman with a vengeance sounds terrifying. Which of these Christmas special combines elements of another holiday?
"Frosty Returns"
"Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays"
"The Year Without a Santa Clause"
"Scooby's Shiny New Year"

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29 - Pinocchio's Christmas
ABC
After Geppetto gets a "real boy," he must figure out how to buy gifts for him during his first Christmas. What is the special called?
"Geppetto's Dilemma"
"Pinocchio's Christmas"
"A Disney Holiday"
"Mickey and The Gang"
30 - Frosty's Winter Wonderland
ABC
He promised he'd "be back again someday" in the lyrics of a popular Christmas tune, but he finally returned in which of these specials?
"The Snowman"
"Parson Brown's Holiday"
"Frosty's Winter Wonderland"
"Scrooge and Friends"
2 - A Charlie Brown Christmas
CBS
"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" Which TV special features this famous line, followed by an explanation of the real reason for the season?
"Woodstock's Wonderland"
"A Snoopy Holiday Treat"
"The Peanuts' Carol"
"A Charlie Brown Christmas"

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35 - The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree
NBC
This movie is the perfect explanation for why you don't wait until the last minute to decorate. Which of these is based on a popular children's book series?
"Yogi's First Christmas"
"Garfield's Christmas Caper"
"A Family Circus Christmas"
"The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree"
21 - Rudolph's Shiny New Year
ABC
This sequel to a Christmas classic finds one of Santa's helpers using his abilities to track down Happy the Baby New Year. What was it called?
"Gift Wrapped"
"Rudolph's Shiny New Year"
"Frosty Returns"
"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"
7 - The Little Drummer Boy
NBC
Aaron is friends with a donkey, camel and lamb in which of these choices based on a Christmas song?
"The Stableboy's Christmas Surprise"
"Away In A Manger"
"The Little Drummer Boy"
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"

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28 - He-Man and She-Ra A Christmas Special
Filmation
One of the stars of this animated Christmas special is known for shouting, "I have the power!" Which show is it?
"A Care Bears Christmas"
"Rainbow Brite and the Christmas Miracle"
"He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special"
"Thundercats On Holiday"
20 - Kung Fu Panda Holiday
NBC
Almost six million people watched the premiere of this holiday special, featuring voiceover work by Jack Black. Which one showcased the Winter Feast at the Jade Palace?
"Santa Clause Is Comin' to Town"
"Panda's Presents"
"Kung Fu Panda Holiday"
"The Town Santa Forgot"
14 - Shrek the Halls
ABC
This holiday classic is "green" in more ways than one. Which is it?
"Shrek the Halls"
"Bugs Bunny's Looney Christmas Tales"
"The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper"
"Scooby's First Christmas'

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36 - Twas the Night Before Christmas
ABC
If they can base a Christmas special on a book, they can certainly base one on a poem. Which of these involves "A Visit from St. Nicholas?"
"'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
"St. Nick's Big Visit"
"Holidays At Home"
"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
26 - Jack Frost
NBC
So that's the groundhog's story! Which of these specials tells the story of a groundhog who gets a winter extension so he can nap longer?
"Frosty's Revenge"
"Mr. Freeze"
"Jack Frost"
"Old Man Winter"
38 - A Pinky and the Brain Christmas
The WB
Can they spend one Christmas without "trying to take over the world?" Which of these do you need to watch to find out?
"Pinky's Presentpalooza"
"A Pinky and the Brain Christmas"
"Taking Over Christmas"
"A Muppet Family Christmas"

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3 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas
CBS
Boris Karloff goes "green" every Christmas, entering our homes in this perennial holiday classic. What is it called?
"Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol"
"A Whoville Celebration"
"The House Without a Christmas Tree"
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
11 - Toy Story That Time Forgot
ABC
This Christmas special was our last interaction with Buzz and Woody for five years before the release of a new movie in summer 2019. What is this dinosaur-themed short?
"Olive, the Other Reindeer"
"The Spirit of Christmas"
"Toy Story That Time Forgot"
"Buzz and Woody Celebrate"
12 - Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
CBC
Jim Henson directed a cast of music-making Muppets in which of these movies?
"The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree"
"A Chipmunk Christmas"
"Twas the Night Before Christmas"
"Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas"

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10 - A Christmas Carol
TNT
Patrick Stewart stars as Ebenezer in the 1999 edition of the classic retelling of which of these stories?
"Deck The Halls"
"A Christmas Story"
"A Christmas Carol"
"Scrooged"
22 - Olive, the Other Reindeer
Fox
Rudolph isn't the only reindeer who deserves attention at Christmas. This special was based on a book and some "misheard" Christmas lyrics. Which of these is it?
"Comet"
"Reindeer on Parade"
"Olive, the Other Reindeer"
"Rudolph's Cousin"
40 - Babes in Toyland
NBC
With characters like Barnaby Barnicle, Jack-be-Nimble, Mary Contrary and Georgie Porgie, the title of this Christmas special could only be this. What is it?
"Toy Story Christmas"
"In The Nick of Time"
"Babes in Toyland"
"A Christmas Calendar"

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18 - Trolls Holiday
NBC
One of the newer editions to the holiday TV lineup, this feature follows Poppy, Branch and Bridget, voiced by Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake and Zooey Deschanel. What is its name?
"Trolls Holiday"
"Troll-y Christmas Time"
"A Christmas Treasure Troll"
"The Naughty Christmas Elf"
37 - A Goof Troop Christmas Have Yourself a Goofy Little Christmas
ABC
If you've ever had Christmas decorations short out your electricity, this is the holiday special for you. What is it called?
"Every Christmas Story Ever Told"
"A Goof Troop Christmas: Have Yourself a Goofy Little Christmas"
"Goofy's Christmas Town"
"Mickey's Holiday Hoedown"
27 - The House Without a Christmas Tree
CBS
A bitter widower comes to terms with his emotions at Christmastime in this 1970s made-for-TV movie. What was it called?
"The House Without a Christmas Tree"
"The Year Christmas Didn't Come"
"No Gifts For You"
"Presents For Polly"

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5 - Prep & Landing
ABC
Think your job is hard? What if you had to get millions of homes ready for Santa every year? Which of these TV specials tells the story?
"Fa La and More La"
"Merry & Bright"
"Prep & Landing"
"Jingle & Mingle"
25 - Duck the Halls A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special
Disney Channel
Only Disney could weave a Christmas tale in with a story about the migration of fowl. What was it called?
"Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special"
"Donald Duck and the Christmas Surprise"
"A Mickey Mouse Carol"
"Toon Time at the Holidays"
15 - Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
ABC
A TV short released in 1974, which of these was based on an editorial in "The New York Sun?"
"The Year Without a Santa Claus"
"Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus"
"It's a Wonderful Life"
"Prep & Landing"

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33 - Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Merry Christmas
The CW/CBS
A smell-good, er, feel-good holiday special involving Honey Pie Pony and a trip to Holidayland. What was this Christmas feature called?
"Rainbow Brite and the Christmas Rainbow"
"A Barbie Christmas Spectacular"
"Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Merry Christmas"
"Merry Care-y Bears"
34 - I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown
ABC
Snoopy might have something to say about this one! Which TV special tells the story of Rerun van Pelt and his Christmas wish?
"I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown"
"Snoop's Christmas"
"The Peanuts Take Over the North Pole"
"It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown"
31 - Amahl and the Night Visitors
NBC
This classic retelling of the story of the Magi was the first opera ever composed specifically for a TV viewing audience. What was it called?
"Jesus, Christmas Star"
"The Very First Christmas"
"To the Manger"
"Amahl and the Night Visitors"

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39 - Casper's First Christmas
NBC
The title character in this Christmas special is being evicted on Christmas Eve. How rude! Which show is it?
"Yogi's First Christmas"
"Casper's First Christmas"
"Friendly Haunted Holidays"
"A Family Circus Christmas"