NBC 2016 Holiday Programming Schedule

NBC's 2016 Holiday Programming Schedule

NBC is gearing up to deck the halls with their annual holiday programming! The iconic network will begin their festive schedule with the annual “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”, which will then be followed by specials such as “Christmas in Rockefeller Center”, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” (the follow-up to last year’s “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors”), “Hairspray Live!” starring Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande & Derek Hough, “A Pentatonix Christmas” and “Michael Bublé Sings and Swings”!

NBC will also air a special holiday episode of their hit new series “This Is Us”, rebroadcasts of “Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas” and “How Murray Saved Christmas”, and on Christmas Eve you can watch the holiday classic “It’s A Wonderful Life”. All of this will lead up to the grand finale to their festive line-up with “New Year’s Eve with Seth Meyers and Carson Daly” on December 31st.

You can check out the full schedule – complete with airtimes, below!

Stay merry!


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Thursday, November 24

“MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE” — The nation’s favorite holiday event will celebrate a milestone anniversary as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® marches down the streets of New York City for the 90th year of unparalleled spectacle. Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker of NBC’s “Today” will anchor the broadcast. The 90th procession will feature a star-studded cast who will celebrate the holiday with America including Kelsea Ballerini, Tony Bennett, Aloe Blacc, Chloe x Halle, Easton Corbin, Daya, De La Soul, Diamante Eléctrico, Brett Eldredge, Fitz & the Tantrums, Christopher Jackson, Johnnyswim, Sandra Lee, Lunchmoney Lewis, Maddie & Tae, Sarah McLachlan, NHL legends Adam Graves and Eric Lindros, Ben Rector, Regina Spektor, the cast of “Sesame Street,” Sprout’s Chica, Timeflies, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists Michelle Carter and Laurie Hernandez, U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalists Mikey Brannigan and Gianfranco Iannotta, Grace VanderWaal, and Jacob Whitesides, among others.

The unparalleled spectacle is set to enthrall more than 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of Manhattan and more than 50 million viewers on television, with a host of giant character balloons, dazzling floats, the nation’s best marching bands and performance groups, celebrities, and the official entrance of the one-and-only Santa Claus.

Performances from “Cats,” “Holiday Inn, The New Irving Berlin Musical,” “Cirque du Soleil Paramour,” and “Waitress” will highlight this year’s landmark 90th Parade. In addition, viewers will get a sneak preview performance from NBC’s “Hairspray Live!,” which premieres Wednesday, Dec. 7 (8 p.m. ET/PT). The world-famous Radio City Rockettes® will also lend their star power to kick off the holiday season. (Air Time: 09:00AM-Noon in all time zones)

Friday, November 25

“HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS” — A BITTER AND HATEFUL CREATURE DEVISES A PLAN TO STEAL CHRISTMAS FROM THE WHOS OF WHOVILLE – This classic tale involves the schemes of the green and small-hearted Grinch to steal every material vestige of Christmas from the Whos living in the town of Whoville, but the Grinch ultimately discovers he can’t remove the spirit of Christmas from the hearts of the Whos. Chuck Jones, who directed many of the most acclaimed Warner Bros. animated shorts, is producer and director of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” which was written by Theodor Geisel based on his book. The special features the voices of Boris Karloff as the Grinch and the narrator, as well as June Foray as Cindy Lou Who. TV-G (Air Time: 08:00PM – 08:35PM)

“HOW MURRAY SAVED CHRISTMAS” — Based on Mike Reiss’ (“The Simpsons”) best-selling children’s book, “How Murray Saved Christmas” is a one-hour animated holiday musical special. The story centers on a cranky deli owner, Murray Weiner (Jerry Stiller), who is forced to fill in for Santa (Kevin Michael Richardson) one Christmas and, with the help of Edison Elf (Sean Hayes), does a weirdly wonderful job. Jason Alexander, Dennis Haysbert and John Ratzenberger also star. TV-G (Air Time: 08:35M – 09:05PM)

Wednesday, November 30

“CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER” — The arrival of the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a dazzling display of musical talent and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree, live from Rockefeller Center in New York City and hosted by “Today” anchors Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Hoda Kotb. The star-studded evening will feature musical performances from Tony Bennett, Neil Diamond, Josh Groban, Tori Kelly, Sarah McLachlan, Dolly Parton, Jordan Smith, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood, the Radio City Rockettes and more, performing current hits and holiday classics. Prior to the primetime telecast, an additional live hour of the special will be broadcast on select NBC stations (7-8 p.m. ET). Check local listings. (Air Time: 08:00PM – 09:00PM)

“DOLLY PARTON’S CHRISTMAS OF MANY COLORS: CIRCLE OF LOVE” — “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” is the next chapter in the life of young Dolly Parton. The film delivers Christmas joy and peril as an unexpected blizzard threatens the Parton family, while at the same time Dolly’s father (and his kids) make sacrifices to raise enough money to finally buy his loving wife the wedding ring he could never afford to give her. Meanwhile, an important person in little Dolly’s life begins to see that her amazing voice and musical gift might just be made for something bigger than rural Tennessee.

Starring Jennifer Nettles as Avie Lee Parton, Ricky Schroder as Robert Lee Parton, Gerald McRaney as Rev. Jake Owens, Alyvia Alyn Lind as young Dolly Parton and a special guest appearance by Dolly Parton as The Painted Lady. TV-G (Air Time: 09:00PM – 11:00PM)

Saturday, December 3

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” — NBC again presents this exclusive and special telecast of Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. The film follows the life of George Bailey (Stewart) from childhood to maturity in the town of Bedford Falls. On what might be his last Christmas Eve, a discouraged Bailey wants to throw his life away. Fortunately, Clarence (Henry Travers), a second-class angel, is sent to show him the value of life. After Clarence gives Bailey a view of Bedford Falls without him, Bailey realizes how precious his life is and gets a second chance. He comes to learn that Clarence was right when he said, “No man is a failure who has friends.” The film, which earned Oscar nominations for best picture, director, actor and film editing, was produced and directed by Capra. TV-G (Air Time: 08:00PM – 11:00PM)

Tuesday, December 6

“THIS IS US” — EPISODE: “LAST CHRISTMAS” The Pearson family finds themselves at the hospital on Christmas Eve after little Kate comes down with appendicitis. When they run into Dr. K, who is alone at the hospital, they realize they need to be there for him as much as he was once there for them. Presently, Kevin celebrates Hanukkah with Olivia and her family, Kate continues to pursue her big surgery and someone from William’s past reappears in his life. TV-14 D, L, S (Air Time: 09:00PM – 10:00PM)

Wednesday, December 7

“HAIRSPRAY LIVE!” — NBC continues its musical holiday tradition with a LIVE production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical taking place in 1962 Baltimore. Rising star Maddie Baillio joins the all-star cast of this musical event featuring Dove Cameron, Kristin Chenoweth, Garrett Clayton, Harvey Fierstein, Ariana Grande, Derek Hough, Jennifer Hudson, Martin Short, Ephraim Sykes, and Shahadi Wright Joseph, with special appearances by Billy Eichner, Sean Hayes, Andrea Martin, and Rosie O’Donnell. Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the original production was a massive Broadway hit running for more than 2,500 performances. Now, a Tony and Emmy-winning creative team, Executive Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, and a cast of showstoppers create an exciting new take from the sprawling backlots of Universal Studios. TV-PG L (Air Time: 08:00PM – 11:00PM)

Wednesday, December 14

“A PENTATONIX CHRISTMAS” — “A Pentatonix Christmas Special” will celebrate the holiday season with a one-hour television event where viewers can enjoy the Grammy Award-winning musical phenomenon Pentatonix performing an array of classic holiday tracks as well as modern favorites. Taking part in the fun will be superstar Reba McEntire, Grammy Award winner Kelly Clarkson and more! (Air Time: 08:00PM – 09:00PM)

Tuesday, December 20

“MICHAEL BUBLE SINGS AND SWINGS” — Michael Bublé is back with his sixth annual NBC special! In “Michael Bublé Sings and Swings,” Bublé sings fan favorite pop hits as well as jazz standards that he has perfected over his career. Taped before a live audience in Manchester, England, this special captures Bublé at his absolute best and is sure to delight audiences of all ages. TV-PG (Air Time: 08:00PM – 09:00PM)

“TONY BENNETT CELEBRATES 90: THE BEST IS YET TO COME” — This two-hour special at Radio City Music Hall celebrating beloved 19-time Grammy Award-winner Tony Bennett’s 90th birthday will feature tributes from the music industry’s most prominent artists, including Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Elton John, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Leslie Odom Jr., Rufus Wainwright and Stevie Wonder as well as a performance by Bennett. Also making appearances will be Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Kevin Spacey and Bruce Willis. “Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet to Come” is executive produced by Danny Bennett and TB TV, LLC will produce. Jerry Foley will direct with production and lighting design by LeRoy Bennett. (Air Time: 09:00PM – 11:00PM)

Wednesday, December 21

“ELF: BUDDY’S MUSICAL CHRISTMAS” — ELF RETURNS TO THE SMALL SCREEN FOR A HOLIDAY SPECIAL STARRING FOUR-TIME EMMY AWARD WINNER JIM PARSONS (‘THE BIG BANG THEORY’) AS BUDDY – Based on the popular film “Elf” and the hit Broadway show “Elf: The Musical,” “Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas” is a one-hour stop-motion animated holiday musical special. Santa (Ed Asner) narrates the story of Buddy’s (Jim Parsons) travels to New York City to meet the father he never knew he had. Along the way his unrelenting cheer transforms the lives of everyone he meets and opens his father’s eyes to the magic of Christmas. Mark Hamill, Ed Asner, Fred Armisen, Jay Leno, Matt Lauer, Gilbert Gottfried, Kate Micucci, Rachael MacFarlane, Max Charles and Steve Higgins also star. TV-G (Air Time: 08:00PM – 09:00PM)

Friday, December 23

“HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS” — A BITTER AND HATEFUL CREATURE DEVISES A PLAN TO STEAL CHRISTMAS FROM THE WHOS OF WHOVILLE – This classic tale involves the schemes of the green and small-hearted Grinch to steal every material vestige of Christmas from the Whos living in the town of Whoville, but the Grinch ultimately discovers he can’t remove the spirit of Christmas from the hearts of the Whos. Chuck Jones, who directed many of the most acclaimed Warner Bros. animated shorts, is producer and director of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” which was written by Theodor Geisel based on his book. The special features the voices of Boris Karloff as the Grinch and the narrator, as well as June Foray as Cindy Lou Who. TV-G (Air Time: 08:00PM – 08:30PM)

“HOW MURRAY SAVED CHRISTMAS” — Based on Mike Reiss’ (“The Simpsons”) best-selling children’s book, “How Murray Saved Christmas” is a one-hour animated holiday musical special. The story centers on a cranky deli owner, Murray Weiner (Jerry Stiller), who is forced to fill in for Santa (Kevin Michael Richardson) one Christmas and, with the help of Edison Elf (Sean Hayes), does a weirdly wonderful job. Jason Alexander, Dennis Haysbert and John Ratzenberger also star. TV-G (Air Time: 08:30M – 09:00PM)

Saturday, December 24

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” — NBC again presents this exclusive and special telecast of Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. The film follows the life of George Bailey (Stewart) from childhood to maturity in the town of Bedford Falls. On what might be his last Christmas Eve, a discouraged Bailey wants to throw his life away. Fortunately, Clarence (Henry Travers), a second-class angel, is sent to show him the value of life. After Clarence gives Bailey a view of Bedford Falls without him, Bailey realizes how precious his life is and gets a second chance. He comes to learn that Clarence was right when he said, “No man is a failure who has friends.” The film, which earned Oscar nominations for best picture, director, actor and film editing, was produced and directed by Capra. TV-G (Air Time: 08:00PM – 11:00PM)

Saturday, December 31

“NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH SETH MEYERS AND CARSON DALY” — On New Year’s Eve, the place to be is NBC – two incredible parties, one awesome night! More information to come. (Air Times: TBD)

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