10 Holiday Specials from the Past That Have Disappeared from TV
Holiday TV used to be full of charming specials that brought families together each year. Many of those once-beloved programs have now vanished, replaced by new traditions or forgotten entirely. Some were strange, some heartwarming, but all had a special place in seasonal memories.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
Before streaming and on-demand movies, holiday specials were annual TV events families looked forward to. Over time, a number of these nostalgic programs disappeared from schedules, often due to rights issues, changing tastes, or lack of reruns. While some are remembered fondly by older generations, others have quietly faded into history. Let’s take a look at 10 holiday specials from the past that have vanished from TV screens.
1. The Night the Animals Talked (1970)
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This animated special told the story of the Nativity from the viewpoint of barn animals that suddenly could speak. It aired on ABC for several years but quietly disappeared by the early ’80s. Many remember it as sweet and spiritual, though it’s rarely seen now.
2. A Mouse, A Mystery, and Me (1987)
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A mix of live-action and animation, this mystery holiday special featured a teenage girl and her talking mouse sidekick. It was quirky and fun, with a strong ’80s vibe. Despite being aired on NBC, it was never widely re-released and was mostly forgotten.
3. The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas (1973)
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This special followed a curious bear who wanted to find out what Christmas was while the others hibernated. It had charming animation and a gentle message. It was once a yearly tradition but hasn’t aired on major networks in decades.
4. The Christmas Toy (1986)
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From Jim Henson, this special centered on toys that come to life when no one is looking, long before Toy Story. It featured puppetry and heartwarming themes. Due to rights complications and limited re-airings, it quietly disappeared from TV lineups.
5. Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus (1974)
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Based on a famous newspaper editorial, this animated version tells the story behind a young girl’s letter to the editor. It was thoughtful and emotional, often airing on CBS. Over time, newer versions replaced it, and the original faded away.
6. Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)
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This Rankin/Bass special wasn’t as famous as Rudolph but still had a loyal following. It featured a clockmaker and talking mice trying to fix Santa’s trust in a small town. Though well-loved, it’s now rarely shown during the holidays.
7. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1985)
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Also from Rankin/Bass, this special was based on a book by L. Frank Baum and showed Santa’s fantasy origin. It was darker and more mystical than other Christmas tales. Its unusual tone might be why it vanished from TV schedules.
8. A Pink Christmas (1978)
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Starring the Pink Panther, this silent-style special had him searching for food on Christmas Eve in a snowy city. It was touching and had a surprising amount of heart for a comedy character. Despite its originality, it’s rarely part of modern holiday marathons.
9. The Smurfs Christmas Special (1982)
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The Smurfs helped a pair of lost kids in this festive tale, with magic and danger mixed in. It aired during the peak of the Smurfs’ popularity but vanished once the show ended. Today, it’s a rare find even on nostalgia channels.
10. He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special (1985)
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This holiday special combined the two popular animated shows in a sci-fi spin on Christmas. It was loud, colorful, and full of toy-friendly action. Despite a cult following, it’s mostly been ignored in holiday programming blocks.