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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first aired in 1964.

It’s still one of the most beloved holiday specials today.

In 2025, it’s back on its home network for two showings.

When it comes to holiday traditions, a few things come to mind immediately, from advent calendars to festive cookies to The Elf on the Shelf . But there are some movies that are a must-watch every December, and for me, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer tops the list.

The stop-motion classic first aired on NBC in 1964, and it’s just as beloved more than six decades later, thanks to its heartfelt message and charming animation. In 1971, Yukon Cornelius and the misfit toys made the jump over to CBS, where it remained for more than 50 years. Now, for the first time in 50 years, it’s back on NBC.

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