November has arrived, and The CW is rolling out a holiday lineup that mixes family favorites, nostalgia, and event television to celebrate the season. The smart, audience-friendly slate features beloved seasonal titles and new-to-network premieres.
The CW’s holiday roster is anchored by the returning animated favorite Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer, the CW premiere of Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, and live event coverage of The 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. You can watch The CW’s holiday slate and more on DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV but keep in mind plans and location may vary. Additionally, the network is available to watch for free with an antenna.
From animated classics to contemporary holiday romances and live parade coverage, the network’s schedule delivers something for every age and mood. Here’s everything you need to know about The CW’s festive slate of programming.
What’s in The CW’s Holiday Slate
The schedule runs from late November into the week after Christmas, kicking off with A Waltons Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 22. The Waltons’ Homecoming, the clip special A Totally Funny Animals Holiday, and curated countdown programming like Best Christmas Movies Ever!, join fan-favorite holiday films A California Christmas and its sequel City Lights, plus family staples like Yogi’s First Christmas, to round out an exciting festive lineup. Exact air dates and times are listed HERE.
The CW Holiday Highlights Packs Nostalgia, Star Power & Live Events
Based on the viral holiday song, Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer returns as a one-hour special on Friday, November 28, at 8:00 PM. Leaning into family-friendly comedy, it features narration by recording artist Elmo Shropshire and a voice role from Michele Lee. The network will air an encore presentation on Wednesday, December 10, at 8:00 PM.
The CW premieres the acclaimed TV movie Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors on Thursday, December 11 (8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT). Starring Alyvia Alyn Lind and Jennifer Nettles, the film brings the inspiring true story of the legendary Dolly Parton, drama, and big-name recognition to the network.
The 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade (Friday, December 12, 8:00–10:00 PMET/PT) brings live, appointment-driven TV to the network. Celebrity hosts Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie headline an exciting tradition of stars, floats, bands, and a Santa send-off.
The 2025 lineup balances nostalgic titles that older demos will love with contemporary holiday romances and family animation that drives younger viewers. The CW’s nationwide reach and the ad-supported CW App, give viewers a chance to watch these specials across devices live or on demand after their premieres.
Check the full schedule below and mark your calendar for key dates.
2025 Holiday Programming Schedule on The CW
All times ET/PT
- Saturday, November 22: A Waltons Thanksgiving | 8:00–10:00 PM
- Friday, November 28: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer | 8:00–9:00 PM
- Friday, November 28: A Totally Funny Animals Holiday | 9:00–10:00 PM
- Thursday, December 4: Best Christmas Movies Ever! | 8:00–10:00 PM
- Monday, December 8: The Waltons’ Homecoming | 8:00–10:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 10: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer | 8:00–9:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 10: Penn & Teller: Merry Fool Us | 9:00–10:00 PM
- Thursday, December 11: Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors | 8:00–10:00 PM
- Friday, December 12: The 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade | 8:00–10:00 PM
- Monday, December 15: A California Christmas | 8:00–10:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 17: Best Christmas Movies Ever! | 9:00–10:00 PM
- Friday, December 19: Yogi’s First Christmas | 8:00–10:00 PM
- Monday, December 22: A California Christmas: City Lights | 8:00–10:00 PM
- Friday, December 26: Popstar! Best of 2025 | 8:00–9:00 PM