NBC unveils its holiday schedule, featuring the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and new specials like “Wicked: One Wonderful Night.”
DENVER — It’s the most wonderful time of year!
NBC has unveiled its full holiday programming schedule through Jan. 1, 2026.
This year’s schedule holiday schedule kicks off on Nov. 6 with “Wicked: One Wonderful Night,” followed by the 99th “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” and the “National Dog Show” on Thanksgiving.
There are also returning favorites including “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” as well as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” on NBC.
New programming for 2025 includes “Wicked: One Wonderful Night,” “Christmas in Nashville,” and “Password Holiday Special.”
“These holiday events and specials bring audiences together in ways nothing else can,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “NBC is your home for heartwarming traditions, joyful celebrations, and unforgettable moments.”
Wicked: One Wonderful Night
Thursday, Nov. 6, 8-10 p.m. ET
A musical event celebrating the upcoming release of “Wicked: For Good.” Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande perform musical arrangements with cast interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, surprises and a sneak peek at what’s to come.
Countdown to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Wednesday, Nov. 26, 8-9 p.m. ET
Viewers will get a sneak peek at the stories behind the floats, balloons and bands on their journey through New York.
A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving
Wednesday, Nov. 26, 9-11 p.m. ET
The late-night program will highlight memorable Thanksgiving-themed sketches from its 51 seasons.
99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday, Nov. 27, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. ET (encore at 2 p.m. ET)
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brings the magic of New York City to a national television audience with an array of balloons, floats, marching bands and celebrities.
National Dog Show
Thursday, Nov. 27, 12-2 p.m. ET
NBC’s Thanksgiving Day tradition is hosted by John O’Hurley along with analyst David Frei.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 8-10 p.m. ET
Hosted by Reba McEntire, there will be star-studded performances and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree.
Christmas in Nashville
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10-11 p.m. ET
Ring in the holidays with performances straight from Music City.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 4, 8-8:30 p.m. ET (encore on Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET)
The classic animated tale of the Grinch, who’s hoping to remove the joy from Christmas but has a change of heart.
Frosty the Snowman
Thursday, Dec. 4, 8:30-9 p.m. ET (encore on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET)
The original holiday special about how Frosty came to life one day, returns to NBC.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Friday, Dec. 5, 8-9:15 p.m. ET (encore on Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. ET)
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” has returned to NBC, the network where it debuted in 1964, leaving CBS after five decades.
Password Holiday Special
Monday, Dec. 8, 10-11 p.m. ET (encore on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. ET)
“Password,” hosted by Keke Palmer and starring Jimmy Fallon, returns to ring in the season with special holiday episode.
Shrek the Halls
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 8:30-9 p.m. ET (encore on Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. ET)
The animated special debuted in 2007 and features a Christmas twist on the original characters.
A Motown Christmas
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 9-11 p.m. (encore on Dec. 17 at 9 p.m.)
Hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, the special will feature performances by Motown legends.
NBC 2025 Year in Review
Thursday, Dec. 11, 9:15-10 p.m. ET (one-hour extended version airing Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. ET)
Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover recap the most talked about entertainment stories and headlines of the year.
Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectactular
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 9 -10 p.m. ET
Jimmy Fallon searches for the holiday spirit in New York with special guests Meghan Trainor, Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, JB Smoove, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, The Roots, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
A Saturday Night Live Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 18, 9-11 p.m. (encore on Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. ET)
The late-night program will highlight memorable Christmas-themed sketches from its 51 seasons.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 8-11 p.m. ET
NBC presents the 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.”
Christmas Eve Mass
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. ET
Viewers will be able to watch the Pope Leo-led mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 25, 8:30-11 pm. ET
A Grinch plans on ruining Christmas for all the citizens of Whoville.
137th Rose Parade
Thursday, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET
The streets of Pasadena are lined with thousands of parade fans as gorgeous rose-covered floats and marching bands to celebrate the start of 2026.