SonyaNow that we’ve had our first official blanket of snow here in the city and all the twinkly lights are up, we can get into the festive spirit with movies, specials and music. CBC has released a sleigh-full of holiday content. Soooo…let’s get cozy, maybe stay in our pyjamas and enjoy this season! With over 200 hours of festive programming in December on CBC TV and CBC Gem, we’re pretty sure there is something for every Christmas fan. Here’s the line up (check the site for updates)…
NEW ORIGINAL HOLIDAY MOVIES:
A CHRISTMAS LETTER: Leslie (Glenda Braganza) has done everything right in her life except find Mr. Right. That is… until the spirit of Christmas leads her there in an unusual way. Airs Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), Thursday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) and Friday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV *Canadian Premiere*.
CAPE COD CHRISTMAS: Boston children’s book author Margot is heartbroken. She and her siblings have to sell their late parents’ Cape Cod house. Every Christmas was spent there – and this last one will be so special, it might even prevent the sale! When Margot runs into Chris, her childhood sweetheart, she has an idea. Airs Friday, Dec. 3 on CBC Gem *Canadian Premiere*.
A CHRISTMAS FAMILY REUNION: When perfectionist event planner, Amy, takes on rising pop star’s ten year family reunion as her latest project, disagreements within the family threaten disaster unless a plan can be made to satisfy everyone including handsome yet stubborn family member, Calvin. Airs Monday, Dec. 6 and Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV *Canadian Premiere*.
A SHOWSTOPPING CHRISTMAS: A successful jingle writer is cajoled into returning to her hometown to write a song for the 50th anniversary of the annual Christmas Eve concert. Airs Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) and Thursday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV *Canadian Premiere*.
THE HOLIDAY FIX UP:  When Sam, an interior designer, returns home during the holidays to help renovate the Bell Harbor Inn, she gets paired with Coop as her contractor. The only problem – he’s the guy who broke her heart and she’s the one who got away. Airs Monday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV *Canadian Premiere*.
THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE: Global acts and stars of the West End are brought together for one night only to showcase the best of entertainment on one single stage. Airs Monday, Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. (4:30 NT) on CBC TV *Canadian Premiere*.
NEW HOLIDAY THEMED EPISODES:
CALL THE MIDWIFE:  Christmas Episode, Season 3.  Nonnatus House and the surrounding area is evacuated when an unexploded bomb is found nearby. Meanwhile, Shelagh has doubts about her wedding to Patrick, and Jenny and Trixie help a man who is suffering from shell shock. Airs Friday, Dec. 10 and Monday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. (4:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem.
THE GREAT CANADIAN HOLIDAY BAKING SHOW: Season 5.
Four bakers from seasons past return to The Great Canadian Baking Show Tent for the chance to become the Holiday Star Baker. Airs Sunday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m (8:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
JAMIE OLIVER’S QUICK AND EASY CHRISTMAS:  If you loved Jamie Oliver’s 15-Minute Meals, then you’re likely to fall in love with this one-off Christmas cooking segment. In this one-hour episode, Jamie shows us how to create the ultimate Christmas dinner spread with the minimum of fuss, as the dad-of-five applies his quick and easy principles to cooking at Christmas. Airs Monday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m (5:30 NT) on CBC TV.
CORONATION STREET ICONS: LIZ MACDONALD  The story of one of the Street’s most iconic landladies, Liz McDonald, revisiting her most memorable moments and finding out just what Beverley Callard thinks of her character’s style icon status. Airs Sunday, Dec. 26 at 6:30 p.m. (7 NT) on CBC TV.
CORONATION STREET: SOAPY SLIP UPS:  A collection of bloopers from Coronation Street (1960), with reflections from members of the cast. Airs Sunday, Dec. 26 at 10:30 a.m. (11 NT) and Friday, Dec. 31 at 1 a.m. (1:30 NT) on CBC TV.
VICTORIA, Christmas Special: Season 2  Albert seeks the Christmastime joy of his youth; Victoria is threatened by a relative; romantic tension surrounds the palace. Airs Monday, Dec. 27 at 8:00 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem.
THE GREAT NEW YEAR’S BAKING SHOW:  Season 11  The Great New Year’s Baking Show sees Noel, Matt, Prue and Paul reunited after Christmas and back in the tent. Joining them are Helena and Henry from 2019, Nancy from 2014, and 2018 winner Rahul, all hoping to impress the judges with their skills and creativity and take home the coveted Festive Star Baker title. Together they’ll see in the New Year with a cosy sing-song round the piano. Airs Friday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m (5:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem.
NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECIAL:
CANADA’S NEW YEAR’S EVE: COUNTDOWN TO 2022:  Join host and Canadian comedy icon Rick Mercer for a truly Canadian New Year’s Eve countdown featuring musical performances and fireworks displays from celebrations all across Canada. Airs Friday, Dec. 31 at 11 p.m. on CBC TV and CBC Gem.
A CHRISTMAS MOVIE CHRISTMAS. Photo Courtesy of CBC
HOLIDAY MOVIES & SPECIALS:
A VERY ROYAL CHRISTMAS: SANDRINGHAM SECRETS (2019, documentary) . Thursday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. (7:30 NT) on CBC TV *Canadian premiere*
THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS (2018, comedy/romance) – Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV or stream now on CBC Gem
A CHRISTMAS MOVIE CHRISTMAS (2019, comedy/romance) – Wednesday, Dec. 1 and Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV or stream now on CBC Gem
SEASON’S GREETINGS (2016, romance) – Wednesday, Dec. 1 on CBC Gem
ROCK N’ ROLL CHRISTMAS (2019, comedy) – Friday, Dec. 3 and Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV
JINGLE ALL THE WAY (1996, comedy) – Sunday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. (4:30 NT) on CBC TV
THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939, adventure/fantasy) – Monday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER (2019, romance) – Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) and Sunday, Dec. 26 at 3 p.m. (3:30 NT) on CBC TV or stream now on CBC Gem
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947, family drama) – Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV
THE DOG DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (2020, romance) – Wednesday, Dec. 8 and Thursday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV
JINGLE BELLE (2018, drama/romance) – Thursday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) and Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. (7:30 NT) on CBC TV
THE CHRISTMAS CONTRACT (2018, romance/comedy) – Friday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV or stream now on CBC Gem
A CHRISTMAS WINTER SONG (2019 drama) – Monday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV
STARS ON ICE (2018) – Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC TV
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS ALBUM (2018, drama/romance) – Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV or stream now on CBC Gem
CHRISTMAS STARS (2019, comedy/drama) – Friday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV or stream now on CBC Gem
ANNE MURRAY: FULL CIRCLE (2021, music documentary) – Friday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
HOME ALONE (1990, comedy) – Sunday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. (4:30 NT) and Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000, comedy) – Sunday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989, comedy) – Monday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV
A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983, comedy) – Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV
A CHRISTMAS FURY (2017, comedy) – Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 12:30 a.m. (1 NT) on CBC TV
SCROOGE (1951, drama) – Thursday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) and Friday, Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. (4:30 NT) on CBC TV
THE FAMILY STONE (2005, comedy/drama) – Thursday, Dec. 23 at 12:30 a.m. (1 NT) on CBC TV
WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954, musical) – Friday, Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (8 NT) and Saturday, Dec. 25 at 12:30 a.m. (1 NT) on CBC TV
GET SANTA (2014, comedy) – Sunday, Dec. 26 at 1 p.m. (1:30 NT) on CBC TV or stream now on CBC Gem
PRINCE PHILIP: FOR QUEEN AND COUNTRY (2021) – Monday, Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. (1:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
A VERY ROYAL WEDDING (2017) – Monday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. (1:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
SECRETS OF THE ROYAL BABIES (2019) – Monday, Dec. 27 at 3 p.m. (1:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
LAST HOLIDAY (2006, romance/comedy) – Friday, Dec. 31 at 1 p.m. (1:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol – Photo Courtesy of CBC
ANIMATED HOLIDAY CLASSICS:
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN (1969) – Sunday, Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. (6:30 pm NT) on CBC TV
FROSTY RETURNS (1992) – Sunday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. (7 NT) on CBC TV
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (2011) – Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV or stream now on CBC Gem
MR. MAGOO’S CHRISTMAS CAROL (1962) – Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) on CBC TV
THE FORGOTTEN TOYS (1995) – Sunday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m. (5 NT) on CBC TV
ELF: BUDDY’S MUSICAL CHRISTMAS (2014) – Sunday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. (5:30 NT) on CBC TV
KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY (2010) – Sunday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. (6:30 NT) on CBC TV
SHREK THE HALLS (2007) – Sunday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. (7 NT) on CBC TV
THE FIRST SNOW OF WINTER (1998) – Sunday, Dec. 12 at 4:00 p.m. (4:30 pm NT) on CBC TV
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2009) – Monday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964) – Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV
DR. SEUSS’: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! (1966) – Sunday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. (7 NT) on CBC TV
True and the Rainbow Kingdom. Image courtesy of CBC
CBC KIDS HOLIDAY SPECIALS:
THE ADVENTURES OF PADDINGTON: HOLIDAY SPECIAL:
Paddington has accidentally sent Jonathan’s Santa letter to Peru by mistake. He tries to find out what Jonathan’s wish list is. He sends Pigeonton to The North Pole with a new list but now he’s missing. A storm causes a power cut in Windsor gardens which means Christmas will be ruined for everyone. Mr. Curry ever the Eagle Ranger is always prepared so comes to the rescue and its turkey for all at the town hall. But what was Jonathan’s Christmas wish?
Airs Saturday, Dec. 18, Friday, Dec. 24, and Saturday, Dec. 25 at 8:35 a.m. (9:05 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
MIGHTY EXPRESS: A MIGHTY CHRISTMAS: Â Mandy must deliver a load of late Christmas letters to the North Pole, then all the trains join in to help Santa deliver the presents during a big storm.
Saturday, Dec. 18 and 25 at 9:20 a.m. (9:50 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
TRUE AND THE RAINBOW KINGDOM: WINTER WISHES (Double Episode Special) Â Everyone in Rainbow Kingdom is gathered to celebrate Winter Wishfest, but when Forever Frost escapes the Ice Kingdom, the day might be ruined. Can True and the Wishes set everything right?
Saturday, Dec. 18 and 25 at 7:50 a.m. (8:20 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem
SUPER AGENT JON LE BON!: RESCUING THE NORTH POLE:
In order to seize Santa Claus’ mysterious technologies, Tiberius tries to take over the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Airs Saturday, Dec. 18 and 25 at 10:33 a.m. (11:03 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem.
RUSTY RIVETS: RUSTY SAVES CHRISTMAS (Special) Â When the conveyor belt Santa uses to load gifts from his workshop into his gigantic toy bag breaks, Rusty, Ruby, and Liam head to the North Pole to fix it. Frankie stows away to find the present he really wants for Christmas.
Friday, Dec. 24 at 8:17 a.m. (8:47 NT) on CBC TV
AND MORE!…full details on the CBC.ca/life/holiday for the complete list including music specials.