Hollywood may be on strike. But the holidays aren't. So – as our gift to you – here's a list of a few festive faves and new classics to make your season merry and bright. We hope it keeps you caroling all the way to New Year's night.
THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
A misanthropic drummer boys meets three wise men on his way to Bethlehem – the city, not the bar. (7 p.m. Dec. 13, ABC Family)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman – played by the late, great Jimmy Stewart – by showing him what life would've been like if he was never born. (8 p.m. Dec. 14, NBC)
SNOWGLOBE
Sometimes singer Christina Milian somehow magically transports herself from the real world into the idyllic setting of her grandmother's snow globe, where she meets her love interest. Don't count on her to "Dip It Low." (8 p.m. Dec. 15, ABC Family)
TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Jack Skellington of Halloween Town plots to kidnap Santa Claus and become the overlord of Christmas. And the box office, considering that this film has been repackaged and rereleased in theaters four separate times over the past 14 years. (11:50 a.m. Dec. 16, Starz)
CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR
European singing sensation Sissel joins the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square for this annual presentation which will feature traditional Christmas songs and Norwegian folk tunes. (9 p.m. Dec. 19, PBS)
CHRISTMAS AT ST. OLAF: WHERE PEACE AND LOVE AND HOPE ABIDE
This Christmas special will feature the celebrated choirs and orchestra of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. Just don't count on any Rose Nylund stories. (10 p.m. Dec. 19, PBS)
9TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Inspirational stories about adoption will be enhanced by performances by Sheryl Crow, James Blunt, Carole King, John Legend and Reba McEntire. (8 p.m. Dec. 21, CBS)
ELF
After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community as a result of his shambling stature, a man raised as a tiny toymaker at the North Pole is sent to the United States in search of his true identity. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, the oversized elf. (8 p.m. Dec. 22, CBS)
ELMO'S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
When the 10 numbered boxes to Stiller the Elf's magical Christmas Counter-Downer become lost, the arrival of Christmas is impeded. Can Elmo and Abby find the missing boxes and restore the big countdown in time? The obvious guess is yes. Unless, of course, the Muppets recently adopted a sordid sense of humor. (7 p.m. Dec. 23, ABC)
CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT
"American Idol" finalist Melinda Dolittle hosts this program, which will feature a Christmas repertoire ranging from traditional carols to classical masterworks to lighthearted secular songs. (10 p.m. Dec. 24, PBS)
WALT DISNEY WORLD CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE
Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa at Walt Disney World and Ryan Seacrest at Disneyland, this holiday tradition promises to be bigger than ever with new floats, characters and performances. Making the way down Main Street USA will be a show-stopping "Dancing with the Stars" number, featuring Joey Fatone, Drew Lachey and a cast of professional dancers, as well as scheduled appearances by Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban and Jonas Brothers. (10 a.m. Dec. 25, ABC)
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC NEW YEAR'S EVE: JOSHUA BELL'S ROMANTIC VIOLIN
Philharmonic music director Lorin Maazel conducts the orchestra in a program of romantic showpieces featuring Bell, including Kreisler's "Liebesleid" and "Liebesfreud," Saint-Saens' Introduction and Rondo capriccioso, Ravel's "Tzigane" and Schubert's "Ave Maria." (8 p.m. Dec. 31, PBS)
DICK CLARK'S PRIMETIME NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' EVE 2008
Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark will co-host the 35th edition of America's signature Times Square sendoff. Expect an evening of celebration and performances by some of today's hottest hitmakers. (10 p.m. Dec. 31, ABC)
FROM VIENNA: THE NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION 2008
This time-honored holiday tradition returns to Vienna's Musikverein for its 24th annual New Year's Day celebration with the Vienna Philharmonic and host Walter Cronkite. (8 p.m. Jan. 1, PBS)
