As the crisp air of late December 2025 settles across the nation, families eagerly anticipate the warmth and wonder of the holiday season. For millions, a significant part of this annual ritual involves gathering around the television, and once again, CBS is poised to deliver a comprehensive and heartwarming Christmas programming slate. Building upon its storied legacy of classic holiday specials while embracing contemporary storytelling and digital integration, Christmas 2025 on CBS promises a festive blend of nostalgia, fresh entertainment, and essential news coverage, ensuring there’s something to enchant every member of the household.

CBS has long been synonymous with the holidays, particularly through its cherished animated classics that have become generational touchstones. For Christmas 2025, the network proudly continues this tradition, anchoring its festive schedule with the timeless tales that evoke pure, unadulterated holiday spirit. Leading the charge, as always, will be the beloved Rankin/Bass productions. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, with its enduring message of acceptance and the power of being different, will undoubtedly air multiple times, bringing its vibrant stop-motion magic to new and returning viewers alike. Similarly, Frosty the Snowman, the whimsical story of a magical snowman who comes to life, will once again fill screens with joy and a gentle reminder of childhood innocence. These specials are more than just cartoons; they are cultural touchstones, passed down from parent to child, fostering a sense of shared memory and collective anticipation. Their simple yet profound narratives, coupled with iconic songs, resonate deeply, providing a comforting sense of continuity in an ever-changing world. CBS understands the profound importance of these classics, often pairing them with behind-the-scenes features or special introductions that highlight their enduring legacy, making the viewing experience even richer.

Beyond the animated treasures, Christmas 2025 on CBS will also showcase a strong commitment to original holiday programming, reflecting the network’s dedication to evolving with its audience. Anticipated to be a major highlight is "The Yuletide Promise," a new CBS Original Movie. This heartwarming drama, starring a mix of established network talent and fresh faces, tells the story of a fractured family who must come together in their ancestral, snow-covered Vermont home for Christmas after a long-lost family heirloom resurfaces, promising to unlock secrets and heal old wounds. With its themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the magic of the season, "The Yuletide Promise" is designed to be a quintessential CBS holiday film: emotionally resonant, family-friendly, and brimming with hope.

In addition to a tentpole movie, popular CBS series are expected to deliver special holiday-themed episodes. Imagine the quirky residents of Ghosts navigating a Christmas Eve haunting, or the agents of NCIS solving a holiday-themed mystery that ultimately reinforces the importance of family, chosen or otherwise. The Neighborhood could offer a hilarious and touching look at how different cultures celebrate the holidays, bringing together the Butler and Johnson families in a festive, comedic blend. These special episodes not only provide a seasonal twist to beloved characters but also offer viewers a sense of continuity and familiarity, integrating the holiday spirit into their regular viewing habits. Furthermore, CBS is planning "A Grand Holiday Gala," a star-studded musical special featuring contemporary artists performing classic Christmas carols and modern holiday hits, filmed in a grand, festive setting. This special will offer a sophisticated yet accessible musical experience, appealing to a broad audience eager for festive melodies.

The holiday season, while joyful, is also a time for reflection and staying informed. CBS News will play a crucial role in the Christmas 2025 programming, offering both essential coverage and heartwarming segments. CBS Mornings will feature daily "Holiday Spirit" segments, showcasing inspiring community stories, unique festive traditions from across the country, and last-minute gift guides for the procrastinators. CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of national and international events, ensuring viewers are well-informed even amidst the holiday cheer, while also weaving in uplifting stories of generosity and resilience. CBS Sunday Morning is renowned for its thoughtful and beautifully produced segments, and its Christmas Day edition is expected to be a highlight, offering a serene and insightful look at the arts, culture, and diverse ways people celebrate the season, often featuring profiles of artisans, musicians, and unique holiday traditions.

For sports enthusiasts, Christmas Day 2025 on CBS might also feature the high-octane excitement of an NFL game. The league has increasingly scheduled marquee matchups on the holiday, and if CBS is part of the rotation, viewers can expect top-tier analysis from The NFL Today crew, providing a thrilling counterpoint to the more traditional holiday fare. This blend of live sports action with classic holiday entertainment underscores CBS’s commitment to catering to the diverse interests of its audience, ensuring that no family member feels left out of the festive viewing experience.

Beyond the primary broadcast, CBS’s streaming platform, Paramount+, will significantly enhance the Christmas 2025 experience. Subscribers will have on-demand access to all the broadcast specials, allowing for flexible viewing schedules. Paramount+ will also offer an expanded library of holiday movies, including exclusive originals. For instance, "Mistletoe & Metrics," a Paramount+ original film, might tell the story of a data analyst who finds love during a corporate Christmas party, blending modern romance with holiday charm. The platform will also feature deeper dives and behind-the-scenes content for the broadcast specials, offering fans a more immersive experience. This seamless integration between linear broadcast and streaming ensures that viewers can access their favorite holiday content whenever and wherever they choose, reflecting the evolving media consumption habits of today’s audience.

Ultimately, Christmas 2025 on CBS is designed to be more than just a collection of shows; it’s an invitation to connect. In an increasingly fragmented world, the shared experience of watching beloved holiday specials or discovering new festive stories together remains a powerful force for family bonding. CBS understands that the holidays are a time for comfort, joy, and togetherness, and its programming slate is meticulously curated to foster these feelings. From the timeless charm of Rudolph to the contemporary narratives of new original movies, and from the essential news updates to the thrilling sports action, CBS aims to be the soundtrack and visual backdrop to countless cherished memories.

As the final days of 2025 approach, the promise of Christmas on CBS is a comforting thought. It’s a promise of laughter, tears, wonder, and warmth, delivered directly into living rooms across the nation. It’s a celebration of the enduring spirit of the season, presented with the quality and care that viewers have come to expect from the Eye Network. So, as the carols begin to play and the lights twinkle, families can settle in, knowing that Christmas 2025 on CBS will once again deliver a holiday experience that is both deeply traditional and refreshingly new, truly embodying the spirit of comfort and joy for all.