- Alcoa Aluminum's O Tannenbaum
All-star musical about a dancing pink aluminum tree that saves Christmas from old-fashioned stodginess. Starring Mary Martin as the tree, William Bendix as Santa Claus and Hans Conreid as the Spinning Colored Light Wheel. Narrated by Paul Frees. Special cameo appearance by Mickey Rooney as the Baby Jesus.
Broadcast: 7:00PM-8:00PM EST 12/22/1959 CBS.
- Holiday on the Rocks
Dean Martin hosts this rollicking star-studded salute to Christmas cheer. Guests include Richard Burton, Truman Capote, Janice Joplin, William Holden and the young Margaux Hemingway. Songs: "Rummy-tum-tum," "Eggnog and Mistletoe," "Spirits of Christmas Past" and "Rudolph's Got Nothin' On Me."
Broadcast: 9:00PM-10:00PM EST 12/20/1968 ABC.
- A One-Adam-12 Christmas
Kent McCord and Martin Milner star in this special holiday episode of the popular police drama Adam-12. The two LAPD patrolmen are called upon to solve a baffling mystery: who is decapitating Southern California's plastic nativity figures? With Sid Caesar as the Jewish Comedian and Agnes Moorehead as the Troublemaking Atheist Bitch. Special appearance by Mickey Rooney as Father Machete.
Broadcast: 8:00PM-8:30PM EST 12/19/1967 NBC.
- Hanukkanadian!
A youth-oriented musical cavalcade celebrating the long tradition of Judaism in Canada. Sole guest William Shatner sings "Oy Vey, Get Off Of My Cloud," "I'm Just A Jewish Ham" and "Yukon Get It Wholesale."
Broadcast: 8:00PM-9:00PM EST 12/22/1969 ABC.
- Rod Serling's Trilogy of Tinsel
A collection of three classic holiday tales from the master of the macabre. In the first segment Ed Asner portrays a greedy businessman who, in an ironic twist, discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Then an alcoholic department store Santa (Jackie Gleason) discovers his good intentions are going hysterically awry in the comic yet ironic second segment entitled "The Confusing Mr. Gilderbungle." In the chilling final segment, Karen Black discovers the terrifying secret lurking behind the ironic smile on the face of a Wetty Betty doll.
Broadcast: 8:30PM-10:00PM EST 12/23/1970 ABC.
- We Three Kings
Alan King, Don King and Yul Brynner star in this charming retelling of the Nativity story set in the exciting world of professional boxing. Also starring Charo, Howard Cosell and Jake LaMotta.
Parental advisory: some scenes contain offensive language, stylized violence and sexual situations.
Broadcast: 8:30PM-9:00PM EST 12/18/1972 CBS.
- It's Snowing in the Village: The Prisoner Christmas Special
Imprisoned in the futuristic Village by a mysterious, unnamed organization, former secret agent Number 6 (Patrick McGoohan) struggles to remember the lyrics to The Twelve Days Of Christmas before a giant deadly amorphous blob is turned loose at a holiday office party. Famed American character actor Mickey Rooney appears as Number 2 in this episode of the cult British import. Watch for the playfully oblique references to Gilligan's Island.
Broadcast: 8:00PM-9:00PM EST 12/23/1967 CBS.
- Kraft Theatre Presents: The Velveeta® Rabbit
Heartwarming tale of a young dying girl's traditional English cheese-rabbit that miraculously comes to life on Christmas Eve. The rabbit, voiced by Laurence Olivier, teaches the doomed moppet how to enjoy quality pasteurized, processed dairy products in the little time she has remaining. Songs: "Pleasing Golden Color, Smooth Texture And A Uniform, Lump-Free Melting Characteristic," "A Nutritious Bargain At Half The Price" and "Greasy Curds (The Cheddar's Lament)."
Broadcast: 7:00PM-8:00PM EST 12/24/1958 NBC.
- Like, Have Yourself a Groovy Little Christmas, Man
Popular Laugh-In free spirit Alan Suess stars in a lighthearted holiday romp down psychedelic Sunset Strip. Filmed entirely on location, Suess interviews such far-out, "hip" celebrities as Peter Fonda, Brian Wilson, Mickey Dolenz and up-and-coming songwriter Chuck Manson. Special guest appearance by Mickey Rooney as "The Man." Due to differing local statutes, viewing this program may be illegal in some areas of the South.
Broadcast: 11:00PM-12:00AM EST 12/20/1967 ABC.
- Quickdraw McGraw's Little Match Girl
Hanna-Barbera's animated version of the classic Hans Christian Anderson story is sobering fun for the whole family. Expect moist eyes all around during the heartbreaking final scene, as Quickdraw waits in vain to hear Bobalouie say "'Sarright!"
Broadcast: 7:00PM-7:30PM EST 12/22/1962 NBC.