Growing up, TV Christmas specials were a highlight of the season. They were innocent, cheesy, and oh-so-spectacular. Honestly, who could resist the holiday stylings of the Osmonds or the Carpenters?
Whether it was Donnie & Marie or Karen & Richard, or whether it was Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, or Andy Williams, watching those variety shows always helped make the Christmas season merry and bright.
And how awesome is it that they can be found on YouTube?
Although Christmas variety shows are no longer the huge audience draw as they were in the ’70s, folks like Blake Shelton and Michael Bublé have manged in recent years to create family-friendly, music-driven Christmas shows. They are still a fun way to spend your time on a cold, December night.
So if you’re thinking you need a dose of Christmas nostalgia, look no further. Here’s my list of the best holiday variety show specials that are sure to make you feel festive, happy, and ready to sing along with your favorite songs of the season.
The Carpenters at Christmas – 1977
Dean Martin Christmas Show – 1968
Donny & Marie Osmond Christmas Show – 1976
Johnny Cash & Family Christmas Show – 1977
The Andy Williams Christmas Show (The Best of)
Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas – 1977
The Bob Hope Christmas Show – 1985
The Perry Como Christmas Show – 1974
Osmond Family Christmas Show – 1980
Michael Bublé Home for Christmas – 2011
Blake Shelton’s Not So Family Christmas (Clip) – 2012
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Let us know: What were your favorite Christmas variety shows?
Steve is a lawyer, writer, and the lucky father of three amazing boys. Here at The Nostalgia Diaries, his goal is to help readers focus on the important things, and wants everyone to celebrate the past to create better days today.
At The Nostalgia Diaries, our goal is to help you simplify, enhance, and engage your lives by focusing on the most important things: remembering, appreciating, believing, and becoming. It’s all about celebrating the past to create better days today.
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Thanks for this roundup! I’ve nrver watched a Xmas variety before. I’ll check some of these out
We are a Johnny Cash house and we always watch his every christmas. Love his voice.
Ohhh it looks like I found some new shows to watch during the Holidays! Thanks!
So many great shows here! I’m ready for a bingewatch. the Pentatonics is high on my list this year.
Would you believe I have never seen any of these? But they all look so fun I just might have to check them out!
I haven’t seen any of these! I had to click on the Johnny Cash one, because…. Johnny <3 Thank you so much for sharing these! Hope you are enjoying the season!! XOXO
I don’t think I have seen any of these, but I love Bing Crosby so I’ll be watching that if you need me. 🙂
I don’t think I’ve seen most of these – Johnny Cash would be cool! I have the Pentatonix one taped and I must watch soon.
-Lauren
Great roundup!! Im all about the nastalgia during the holidays!!
I’ve actually never seen any of these! Need to check a few out!
Lauren
OMG – saving this for later so that I can go through and watch allll the the clips!
What a great roundup! These bring back so many memories. There are also many I haven’t seen. 🙂
Thanks for the post! I love the whole concept of your website and this post is awesome!
I’ve seen the one with Michael Bublé (love his music) and I would love to see Pentatonix! They sing beautifully. Thanks for sharing!
these are all new to me but I will definitely check them out!
I wonder if there is a Celtic Woman Christmas special. There has to be. I’ve dreamed of one, with Kesha, Jennifer Lawrence and me in it. (Was that out loud?)
Pentatonix was suppose to be coming to my city and I missed them! I wanted to experience their Christmas show in person.
I’ll definitely be watching the Johnny Cash & Bublé specials. Thanks for compiling all of these!!
I’ve never seen any of these movies! Ill have to binge watch one day.
I’ve never seen any of these! I am going to definitely bookmark this and watch them! 🙂