From classic Holiday moments such as "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," the lighting of the tree during "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" and watching the beloved "It's a Wonderful Life," to getting cozy in front of new seasonal specials including "Peter Pan Live!" and "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas," NBC is the place to be for family fun and holiday cheer in 2014.
Through the dawn of 2015 the network will feature holiday programming featuring stars Allison Williams, Jim Parsons, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Jason Alexander, Dennis Haysbert, Trisha Yearwood, Michael Bublé, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, Seth MacFarlane, Idina Menzel and Christopher Walken.
Walken stars as Captain Hook in one of the most highly-anticipated productions of the 2014 holiday season: "Peter Pan Live!" Williams tackles the titular role of the boy who never grew up in this live musical retelling of J.M. Barrie's children's tale.
Beginning with a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at "Peter Pan Live!" and ending with a cheer as we celebrate "New Year’s Eve With Carson Daly" live from Times Square, NBC has the holidays covered.
"The Making of Peter Pan Live!"
This hourlong special will go behind the scenes to give viewers an inside look at the incredible teamwork it takes to create the event “Peter Pan Live” (Thursday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m.). Watch Allison Williams learn to fly and Christopher Walken practice his sword fighting as he prepares to play the villainous Captain Hook. From casting to costume design, this is an all-access pass to whet viewers’ appetites for all things “Peter Pan Live!” Wednesday, Nov. 26 (8-9 p.m. ET)
An hilarious compilation of the best Thanksgiving-themed clips from 40 years of the iconic late-night series “Saturday Night Live.” Wednesday, Nov. 26 (9-11 p.m. ET)
"Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade"
Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie of "Today" will host one of the biggest spectacles of the holiday season as more than 8,000 participants make their through the streets of New York City. Celebrities participating include Lucy Hale, Nick Jonas, Idina Menzel and Meghan Trainor. The parade will include high-stepping numbers from this season’s Tony Award-winning best musical "A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder," Sting’s "The Last Ship," "On the Town" and "Side Show," as well as a sneak peek at NBC’s "Peter Pan Live!" Thursday, Nov. 27 (9 a.m.-noon ET)
"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina"
Hosted by award-winning actor, author and Broadway star John O’Hurley ("Seinfeld," "Dancing with the Stars") and expert analyst David Frei, an AKC-licensed judge and host of USA Network’s "The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show," the 13th annual "National Dog Show" showcases the best of America's purebred canines. Thursday, Nov. 27 (noon-2 p.m. ET)
"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 famous Christmas tree. Hosted by "Today" show anchors Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Natalie Morales, this year's star-studded lineup includes Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett, Cyndi Lauper, Seth MacFarlane and will feature Sara Bareilles, Idina Menzel, Pentatonix, LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood. Wednesday, Dec. 3 (8-9 p.m. ET)
Getty Images
Christmas in Rockefeller Plaza
"SNL Christmas"
The funniest Christmas-themed clips from 40 years of the iconic late-night series “Saturday Night Live.” Wednesday, Dec. 3 (9-11 p.m. ET)
"Peter Pan Live!"
The classic Broadway musical about a boy who refuses to grow up, "Peter Pan Live!" stars Allison Williams as Peter and Oscar winner Christopher Walken as the villainous Captain Hook. Thursday, Dec. 4 (8-11 p.m. ET)
"How Murray Saved Christmas"
From four-time Emmy-winning writer and executive producer Mike Reiss ("The Simpsons"), "How Murray Saved Christmas" is based on Reiss’ best-selling children’s book of the same name and is written entirely in rhymed verse. The musical centers on 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. The special also stars the voice talents of Dennis Haysbert, Jason Alexander and John Ratzenberger. Friday, Dec. 5 (8-9 p.m. ET)
"It’s a Wonderful Life"
The NBC annual tradition continues as the iconic 1946 film once again returns to primetime. Directed by Frank Capra, "It’s a Wonderful Life" stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, who contemplates suicide before a guardian angel intervenes and allows him to see all that is right in his world. Saturday, Dec. 6 (8-11 p.m. ET) and Wednesday, Dec. 24 (8-11 p.m. ET)
"Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas"
Starring four-time Emmy Award winner Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory") as Buddy, this original stop-motion hourlong animated special is based on the popular film "Elf" and the hit Broadway show "Elf: The Musical." Santa narrates the story of Buddy’s 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. With nine new songs, the special features a voice cast including Mark Hamill, Ed Asner, Fred Armisen, Jay Leno, Matt Lauer and Gilbert Gottfried. Tuesday, Dec. 16 (8-9 p.m. ET)
"Michael Bublé’s Christmas in New York"
Grammy Award-winning singer Michael Bublé celebrates the season with his fourth annual special. Special guests join Bublé at the storied Radio City Music Hall in New York City for an hourlong celebration of his favorite holiday songs. Wednesday, Dec. 17 (8-9 p.m. ET)
"The Sing-Off"
A two-hour holiday special of the popular musical competition series showcases six new groups who compete for a prize of $50,000. Returning judges Jewel and Shawn Stockman will be joined by Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump, while Nick Lachey once again hosts. Wednesday, Dec. 17 (9-11 p.m. ET)
PornBurger.me/MathewRamsey
PornBurger.me/MathewRamsey
Can't get enough pumpkin in your life? This awesome burger created by Mathew Ramsey contains pumpkin spiced duck back and pumpkin aioli. This freaky burger really takes the cake in terms of pumpkin madness. Click to see more pumpkin-influenced treats.
Lakewood Brewing
Next time you hit happy hour try the beer inspired by pumpkin that doesn't actually contain it: Punkel. This dark lager has cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger instead. That spice trifecta is what gives pumpkin pie its distinctive flavor and is often what's used to trick the taste buds into thinking the food or drink has a "pumpkin" taste.
Burnett's
If pumpkin flavored beer isn't enough for you, we have good news. Burnett's has pumpkin spice flavored vodka.
Nabisco
Nabisco is joining the pumpkin craze this year by releasing their Pumpkin Spice Oreo cookies. Will you try them?
Cinnabon
Just thinking about Cinnabons makes your mouth water. Now imagine pumpkin flavored cinnamon buns! This year the company released Pumpkin Caramel cinnamon rolls. That's not all. They also released the Pumpkin Pie Chillatta.
Kahlua
The Mexican coffee-flavored rum-based liqueur, Kahlua, joined the pumpkin party too by releasing their limited edition Pumpkin Spice flavor.
The Food Network
Did you know that you can make pumpkin lasagna? Definitely a must this fall. Check out the recipe featured on the Food Network.
Chobani
Greek yogurt lovers, say hello to pumpkin spice Chobani.
Pillsbury
Love pizza? Pillsbury has a recipe for cute jack-o'-lantern shaped pizzas. Note: these don't actually contain pumpkin pie spices, but you could add them!
So Delicious
Lactose intolerant? So Delicious has got you covered, but now they've really pushed the envelope with their Pumpkin Spice Coconut Milk.
Maine Root
Maine Root is bringing back their Pumpkin Pie Soda for another season.
Trader Joe's
Another pumpkin treat: pumpkin macarons from Trader Joe's. What do you think — has the "pumpkin-spiced-everything" trend officially jumped the shark?
Country Crock
Next time you're grocery shopping, grab a Country Crock Pumpkin Spice seasonal spread for your autumn at home snacks.
"One Direction: The TV Special"
From Universal Studios Orlando, this musical special offers TV viewers a rare inside look at the wildly popular band, and its members: Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. Tuesday, Dec. 23 (8-9 p.m. ET)
"WWE Tribute to the Troops"
A tribute to the men and women who serve our country, WWE brings together the best of sports entertainment and pop culture with superstars and divas celebrity appearances, as well as performances from music’s most popular acts. Saturday, Dec. 27 (8-9 p.m. ET)
"New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly"
“The Voice” host will celebrate the arrival of 2015 from Times Square with an array of musical guests. Wednesday, Dec. 31 (10-11 p.m. ET and 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET)
SkyForce10
In the 1983 classic "A Christmas Story," all nine-year-old Ralphie wants under his tree is a Red Ryder BB gun. But his mother, teacher and a plump department store Santa all say the same thing: "You'll shoot your eye out!" Luckily, Dad is cooler than Mom.
Rankin/Bass/ABC
Santa Claus Is Comin to Town follows the orphaned Kris Kringle from his humble beginnings to his time as an outlaw and onward to fame and glory.
Twentieth Century Fox
"Miracle on 34th Street," the 1947 classic starring Edmund Gwenn and a very young Natalie Wood, has everyone thinking Santa Claus (legal name: Kris Kringle) is nuts until an ace lawyer proves he's the real deal.
necn
In 1994's "The Santa Clause," Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) gets stuck with the role of a lifetime when he accidentally turns into Kris Kringle.
WJAR
In "White Christmas," a successful song-and-dance team meets a sister act two weeks before Christmas As they team up to save a failing Vermont in, the four become romantically involved. Featuring the talents of Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, it's the 1954 holiday classic that made the song "White Christmas" famous.
Warner Home Video
in 1966's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," the Grinch was a mean one until his heart was warmed (and expanded) by the goodness of Cindy Lou Who. You've got to be as charming as an eel and as prickly as a cactus to steal someone's presents.
Paramount
In the 1946 classic "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) thinks he's worth more dead than alive. But an angel shows him just how rotten Bedford Falls would be without him around. Zuzu's petals!
Castle Rock Entertainment/Warner Bros.
All aboard the Polar Express! The computer-animated film follows a doubting boy as he boards a magical train that's headed to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. With it's catchy tunes and classic storyline, it instantly became a must-see movie during the 2004 holiday season.
Twentieth Century Fox
In "Home Alone," Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) keeps the bad guys (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) at bay when his family accidentally goes on vacation without him.
Universal Studios Hollywood
In the stop-motion classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," misfits Hermey and Rudolph star as a Christmas elf who wants to be a dentist and an outcast reindeer with a shining nose. And it turns out Abominable Snowmen are really good decorators.
AP
The 1938 classic "A Christmas Carol" brings to life the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. On Christmas Eve, the old miser is visited by the spirit of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. After dismissing the apparitions warning to change his ways or face the consequences in the afterlife, he's taken by the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
Touchstone/Disney
In "The Nightmare Before Christmas," all hell breaks loose when the tall and spindly skeleton Jack Skellington, known as the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, kidnaps and tries to replace the much rounder Santa Claus.
New Line Home Entertainment
In 2003's "Elf," Buddy (Will Ferrell) is a really large man who's been raised as an elf at the North Pole. Identity crisis, anyone? Luckily, he discovers himself while working in a New York department store during the holidays. Merry Christmas!
Warner Home Video
In "A Charlie Brown Christmas," a down-in-the-dumps young boy, his mischievous dog and a bossy wannabe psychiatrist team up to figure out the true meaning of the holiday.
Featuring Cary Grant, David Niven, and Loretta Young."The Bishop's Wife" is a 1947 Christmas classic. As the romantic tale opens, a bishop prays for guidance about building a new cathedral. But when an angel arrives, his guidance isn't reserved for just fundraising.
Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Everyone's done their take on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," but none can match "The Muppet Christmas Carol." With their large personalities, the Muppets bring new energy to the classic tale.
Warner Home Video
In 1989's "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," the Griswold family's misadventures continue.
Studio Canal/Universal Pictures
Set during the frantic month before Christmas, "Love Actually" follows the lives of eight very different London couples. As the 2003 romantic comedy progresses, many tales are shown to be interlinked.
Legend Films
Perhaps the first great Christmas flick was the 1934 classic "Babes in Toyland," in which Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy star as a pair of toymakers who borrow some money to save Mother Peep's shoe from foreclosure.
Miramax Home Entertainment
"Bad Santa" is not one for the kids, but grownups will love Billy Bob Thornton as a foul-mouthed, hard-drinking con man disguised as a department store Santa.
Classic Media
In 1969's "Frosty the Snowman," Frosty has the kids grinning — until the warm weather starts to get the better of our hero and he has to hop a northbound train.
Macy's/CBS
In "Yes, Virginia" the year is 1897. Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon is preparing for Christmas until her classmate brings up the age-old question: "Is there a Santa Claus?" Seeking advice concerning his existence, she sends a letter to the editor of The New York Sun.
FBI
In the 1988 film "Scrooged," Frank Cross (Bill Murray) is every bit as much of a jerk as Ebeneezer, but like his predecessor, he has a change of heart after spending an evening with some ghosts.
"Arthur Christmas" was recently released on video. In this film, an aging Santa's oldest son prepares to take over the family business, but it's up to his younger son, the bumbling Arthur, to make sure that one little girl doesn't get overlooked.
