As the crisp autumn air gives way to the first whispers of winter, families across America begin to anticipate the most wonderful time of the year. And for many, the soundtrack and visual backdrop to this cherished season are provided by the familiar glow of their television sets, tuned to networks like CBS. For Christmas 2025, CBS is once again poised to deliver a holiday schedule that perfectly blends timeless traditions with fresh, heartwarming new programming, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the youngest viewers eagerly awaiting Santa to adults seeking a moment of peace and reflection.

The Christmas 2025 on CBS schedule promises to be a robust offering, meticulously curated to capture the spirit of togetherness, joy, and goodwill that defines the holiday season. From beloved animated classics that have charmed generations to star-studded musical extravaganzas, compelling new made-for-television movies, and special holiday-themed episodes of your favorite dramas and comedies, CBS is set to be your home for the holidays. With Christmas Day falling on a Thursday in 2025, the network has strategically planned its programming to maximize viewership during the prime holiday window, including a significant sports presence and a dazzling prime-time lineup.

The Lead-Up to Christmas: Building the Holiday Spirit (Early December – December 23rd)

The festive cheer on CBS won’t wait until Christmas Eve. Starting in early December, the network will gradually roll out its holiday programming, weaving it into the fabric of its regular schedule. Viewers can look forward to the return of perennial favorites that evoke nostalgia and wonder:

• "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (Airing Early December): No holiday season on CBS is complete without the stop-motion magic of Rudolph. This enduring classic, with its timeless message of acceptance and courage, will once again guide sleighs and hearts, reminding us that what makes us different often makes us special. Its initial airing will be a highlight, with repeat showings closer to Christmas.
• "Frosty the Snowman" & "Frosty Returns" (Airing Mid-December): Following Rudolph, the whimsical tale of Frosty coming to life through a magical hat will charm audiences. Paired with its equally delightful sequel, these specials bring a lighthearted, snowy joy that perfectly captures the innocent wonder of childhood Christmases.
• Holiday-Themed Episodes of CBS Primetime Hits: Throughout December, expect your favorite CBS shows to embrace the holiday spirit.
  • "Young Sheldon": The Cooper family will undoubtedly navigate a hilarious and heartwarming Christmas, perhaps with Missy and Sheldon debating the scientific probability of Santa, or Mary trying to instill religious traditions amidst the family’s eccentricities.
  • "Ghosts": The spectral residents of Woodstone Mansion will likely find themselves entangled in a festive predicament, perhaps trying to help Sam and Jay host a Christmas party, or reliving their own past holiday memories with comical and poignant results. A special extended holiday episode is rumored to be in the works, allowing for deeper dives into the ghosts’ festive backstories.
  • "Tracker": Even Colter Shaw might find himself tracking down a missing heirloom or a runaway Santa in a special holiday-themed case that blends mystery with seasonal goodwill.
  • "NCIS" and "FBI" Franchises: While often serious, these procedural dramas frequently incorporate holiday themes into their episodes, offering a touch of humanity and reflection amidst the high-stakes investigations. Expect an episode where the team must solve a case with a holiday backdrop, perhaps involving a charity event gone awry or a festive community gathering.
• New CBS Original Holiday Movies: Building on the success of recent years, CBS will premiere at least two new made-for-television holiday movies. These films typically feature beloved CBS stars or familiar faces, offering heartwarming narratives centered on themes of love, family, second chances, and the magic of Christmas.
  • "The Mistletoe Mix-Up" (Working Title): A charming romantic comedy about a high-powered city architect who, after a mishap at a bustling Christmas market, accidentally swaps her designer briefcase for a humble baker’s basket of holiday treats. Forced to work together to recover their belongings, they discover unexpected connections amidst the festive chaos. Starring a popular lead from a CBS drama and a comedic actress from a CBS sitcom.
  • "A Christmas Carol: A New Melody" (Working Title): A contemporary reimagining of the classic Dickens tale, where a cynical, work-obsessed music producer is visited by the spirits of Christmas, forcing her to confront her past and embrace the joy of the season through the power of music. This film is expected to feature original holiday songs and a star-studded cast.

Christmas Eve 2025: A Night of Reflection and Warmth (Wednesday, December 24th)

Christmas Eve on CBS will offer a serene and family-focused lineup, perfect for quiet anticipation and gathering with loved ones.

• "A Christmas Prayer" (7:00 PM ET/PT): A new one-hour special featuring renowned musical artists performing traditional carols and contemporary holiday songs from an iconic cathedral. This special aims to provide a reflective and spiritual start to the holiday, focusing on themes of peace, hope, and community.
• "It’s a Wonderful Life" (8:00 PM ET/PT): While often airing earlier in the month, CBS has occasionally brought this beloved Frank Capra classic to Christmas Eve, and 2025 might see its return to this prime slot. Its timeless message of appreciation and the profound impact one life can have resonates deeply on this special night. If not this, then another classic holiday film will take its place, perhaps "A Christmas Story" or a similar family favorite.
• Midnight Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral (11:30 PM ET/PT): As is tradition, CBS will provide live coverage of the solemn and beautiful Midnight Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, offering a moment of spiritual reflection for millions of viewers.

Christmas Day 2025: A Full Day of Festive Entertainment (Thursday, December 25th)

Christmas Day 2025, falling on a Thursday, presents a unique opportunity for CBS to deliver a diverse and engaging schedule that caters to all tastes, from morning until late night.

Morning & Afternoon:

• "CBS Mornings" (7:00 AM ET/PT): A special holiday edition of "CBS Mornings" will kick off the day, featuring heartwarming segments, live reports from festive locations, interviews with holiday heroes, and perhaps a look at Christmas traditions around the world. Expect plenty of festive cheer from Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Nate Burleson.
• "The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS" (Replay, 9:00 AM ET/PT): For those who missed it or want to relive the spectacle, a replay of the Thanksgiving Day Parade will provide a vibrant and entertaining start to Christmas Day, featuring dazzling floats, marching bands, and celebrity performances.
• "Holiday Movie Marathon" (Starting 12:00 PM ET/PT): The afternoon will be dedicated to a mini-marathon of beloved holiday films, potentially including replays of the new CBS Original Holiday Movies or other family-friendly classics. This provides perfect background entertainment for gift unwrapping, holiday meals, and family gatherings.
• NFL on CBS – Special Christmas Day Game (4:30 PM ET/PT, subject to NFL schedule release): Given Christmas Day 2025 is a Thursday, CBS is highly likely to feature a special prime-time NFL game. The NFL has increasingly scheduled games on Christmas, and as a primary NFL broadcaster, CBS would be a prime candidate to host a marquee matchup. This game would be a major draw, offering thrilling sports action for fans during the holiday. The game would likely be a significant divisional rivalry or a matchup between two high-profile teams, ensuring maximum viewership.

Prime Time:

• "A Star-Spangled Christmas Concert" (8:00 PM ET/PT): Following the NFL game (or as the lead-in if the game is earlier), CBS will premiere a grand musical special. Filmed at a historic venue, this concert will feature an array of contemporary music stars and beloved artists performing classic holiday carols and popular Christmas songs, backed by a full orchestra and choir. The special will likely include segments highlighting charitable initiatives and the spirit of giving, perhaps with a focus on military families or children’s hospitals.
• "The Greatest Christmas Stories Ever Told" (9:30 PM ET/PT): A new variety special hosted by a beloved CBS personality, featuring heartwarming true stories of Christmas kindness, celebrity readings of classic holiday literature, and comedic sketches that capture the lighter side of the season. This special aims to be a feel-good, family-friendly program that celebrates the diverse ways people experience and share the holiday spirit.
• "A CBS News Special: Christmas Around the World" (10:30 PM ET/PT): A one-hour documentary special from CBS News, exploring unique Christmas traditions and celebrations from various cultures and countries. This program will offer a fascinating and educational look at the global tapestry of holiday festivities, providing a thoughtful conclusion to Christmas Day programming.

Beyond Christmas Day: Continuing the Festivities

The holiday spirit won’t immediately fade after December 25th. CBS will continue to offer festive programming leading up to New Year’s Eve, including replays of popular holiday specials and movies, as well as new episodes of its regular series that might still carry a festive hangover. This ensures that the joy and warmth of the season extend well into the final days of 2025, providing a comforting bridge to the new year.

Streaming on Paramount+:

For viewers who prefer to watch on their own schedule, much of CBS’s Christmas 2025 programming will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. This includes the new original holiday movies, classic animated specials, and the musical and variety specials, offering unparalleled flexibility for families to enjoy their favorite holiday content whenever and wherever they choose. Subscribers will also have access to an even wider library of holiday-themed content, including exclusive movies and series.

In conclusion, the Christmas 2025 on CBS schedule is shaping up to be a truly comprehensive and delightful offering. By balancing the cherished traditions that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort with exciting new productions that reflect contemporary tastes, CBS is poised to deliver a holiday experience that resonates with all generations. From the magic of Rudolph to the thrill of NFL action, and the heartwarming narratives of new movies, CBS invites you to make its schedule a central part of your family’s holiday celebrations, creating new memories while cherishing the old. Tune in, gather your loved ones, and let CBS help you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.