Cartoon Christmas Specials
Here's a list of my favorite Cartoon Christmas Specials. When I say Christmas Specials - I don't mean the classic stopmotions or Charlie Brown - I'm talking about single episode holiday specials of some of my favorite cartoon series. Here are just 8 of some of the best Christmas specials from cartoon shows you probably know and love.
The Powerpuff Girls: 'Twas the Fight Before Christmas
Let's start with one of the most iconic cartoon shows of my generation. Rather than go for a special spin on a regular episode, Powrpuff Girls gave a whole hour long mini movie special. The movie saw Princess Morbucks switch the Naughty-Nice-List equilibrium via a heist to the North Pole to ensure that she receives presents from Santa while the rest of the world gets nothing but coal. In Powerpuff Girls fashion, our favorite trio sets off on a mission set things right on Christmas night. It was exactly what you'd expect would happen during a Powerpuff Christmas special.
Codename: Kids Next Door - Operation: N.A.U.G.H.T.Y.
The fifth episode of season 5 saw another tale of the main villains trying to be the only ones to receive presents while the rest of the world got coal. I don't know what I expected from this episode, but a full on X-Men referencing arc was not it. Definitely the best approach to a CNKND Christmas special.
Billy and Mandy Save Christmas
It's the Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy. Of course Santa gets turned into a vampire. Filled with usual humor & horror influence from the regular series mixed with a Christmas vampire adventure, this is yet another satisfactory Christmas special of one of the greatest cartoon shows of the 2000s.
Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends - A Lost Claus
From the fact that this is one of my favorite shows of all time, to the simple piano cover of the main theme, the snow & Christmas decorations, and Mac blowing his breath in the cold air and walking past snowman versions of his friends, just the first 60 seconds fills my heart with joy. Complete with a quick Christmas Carol spoof, this was a very charming episodes of Foster's, and another great tale of believing in Christmas magic.
Regular Show - The Christmas Special
Yet another series in my top 5 shows of all time, Regular Show had a few Christmas episodes to watch. However, the 11th episode of season 4 is my top pick. This was yet another Regular Show action adventure that included moments like Santa getting shot, Pops wrestling a talking polar bear, and a climax battle supported by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Carol of the Bells.
We Bare Bears - Christmas Parties
A newer show on my list, We Bare Bears was already wholesome enough as it is. Seeing the trio visit all the show's side characters for Christmas in this season 2 special was a treat, even if they rushed through. In the end they played Santa and the Christmas magic of the episode came full circle.
Lilo & Stitch: the Series - Topper
I'm just going to throw Stitch in here for no reason because why not. As every episode of the show focuses on a different pokemon I mean experiment, Topper is an experiment that was meant to be physical light beacon of some sort and ended up to the to star on top of the Pleakley Christmas tree. While Topper was only in the last few minutes, half of the episode was about another Gantu encounter while the other half was about Lilo teaching Stitch about Christmas. A cute little episode if you're in the mood.
Family Guy - Road to the North Pole
This last one is from a little adult cartoon show that goes by the name of Family Guy. This episode from season 9 isn't just a Christmas special, but it's also a Brian & Stewie adventure, which are amongst my favorite episodes anyway. So this is a Christmas special I enjoy quite a bit. Filled with festive musical numbers, crude humor, and a dash of Christmas spirit and social reflection, this is my ideal version of a Family Guy Christmas adventure.
