The holiday season is officially upon us, bringing with it the cherished tradition of watching classic Christmas movies and specials. Among these timeless favorites is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the longest-running holiday special that continues to warm hearts year after year. If you’re wondering Where To Watch Rudolph this year, you’ve come to the right place.
This heartwarming stop-motion animated special tells the unforgettable story of Rudolph, a young reindeer who is initially excluded by his peers due to his unusual glowing red nose. Rudolph’s journey takes him away from home, where he encounters a delightful group of misfits including Hermey the elf, the adventurous Yukon Cornelius, a collection of unique toys, and even the fearsome Abominable Snow Monster. Ultimately, Rudolph’s unique nose becomes his greatest asset, guiding Santa’s sleigh through a terrible blizzard to save Christmas.
Narrated by the iconic snowman, voiced by Burl Ives, the 1964 special features memorable songs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” a Christmas staple for generations. In a notable shift this year, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” has moved back to its original home on NBC after spending five decades on CBS.
So, where can you watch Rudolph this holiday season? Here’s a comprehensive guide to catching this classic on TV and through streaming services.
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Finding Rudolph on TV: NBC and Freeform Air Dates
For those who enjoy the tradition of watching holiday specials on television, you’re in luck. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is airing on NBC this year, marking its return to the network where it first premiered in 1964. To watch it on TV, simply tune into your local NBC channel or access NBC online at NBC.com. The special originally aired on NBC before moving to CBS in 1971, where it remained a holiday fixture for fifty years before its return to NBC.
When to watch Rudolph on NBC? Mark your calendars for the following dates and times (Eastern and Pacific Time):
- Friday, December 6th at 8:00 PM ET/PT
- Thursday, December 12th at 8:00 PM ET/PT
In addition to NBC, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is also part of Freeform’s popular “25 Days of Christmas” programming lineup. This means cable subscribers have multiple opportunities to watch Rudolph on Freeform throughout December. Here’s the Freeform schedule for “Rudolph”:
- December 7th at 9:10 PM ET/PT
- December 8th at 6:10 PM ET/PT
- December 16th at 9:20 PM ET/PT
- December 17th at 7:55 PM ET/PT
- December 21st at 6:15 PM ET/PT
- December 22nd at 3:00 PM ET/PT
- December 24th at 8:00 PM ET/PT
- December 25th at 11:00 PM ET/PT
Streaming Rudolph: Online Viewing Options for Everyone
If you prefer to stream your favorite holiday movies, there are several platforms where you can stream Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer this Christmas season. Whether you’re a cable cutter or simply prefer on-demand viewing, here are your streaming options:
“Rudolph” is available for streaming on:
- Amazon Prime Video: https://amzn.to/3sGJHzk (for purchase)
- Apple TV+: https://apple.co/45ZP1vN (for purchase)
- Tubi TV: (stream live when airing on TV)
- Pluto TV: (stream live when airing on TV)
It’s important to note that while you can find “Rudolph” on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+, it is currently available for purchase only at a price of $7.99. It is not included with standard subscriptions or available for rental on these platforms. However, you can stream it for free on Tubi and Pluto TV when it airs live, offering accessible ways to watch Rudolph without additional cost if you catch it at the right time.
Get Amazon Prime Video: https://amzn.to/3sGJHzk
The Enduring Magic of Rudolph: A Holiday Classic
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” has captivated audiences for decades due to its heartwarming story, charming stop-motion animation, and memorable characters. The special’s themes of acceptance, embracing differences, and the importance of teamwork resonate deeply during the holiday season. Rudolph’s journey from outcast to hero is a powerful and uplifting message for viewers of all ages, making it a beloved tradition to revisit each year.
The Talented Voices Behind Rudolph
The enduring appeal of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is also enhanced by its incredible voice cast, bringing these animated characters to life:
- Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman
- Larry D. Mann as Yukon Cornelius and Abominable Snow Monster
- Billie Mae Richards as Rudolph
- Paul Soles as Hermey
- Stan Francis as Santa Claus and King Moonracer
- Alfie Scopp as Charlie-In-The-Box, Fireball and Other Reindeer
- Janis Orenstein as Clarice
- Paul Kligman as Donner, Clarice’s Father and Comet the Coach
- Carl Banas as Head Elf, Spotted Elephant and Other Toys
- Corinne Conley as Doll and Others
- Peg Dixon as Mrs. Donner, Mrs. Claus and Others
This holiday season, make sure to include “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in your viewing plans. With options to watch on TV and through streaming, finding where to watch Rudolph is easier than ever. Gather your family, prepare some hot cocoa, and enjoy this timeless Christmas classic!
