Here’s every single time ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ airs on TV in 2025
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- NBC schedules the first broadcast of Rudolph on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m., plus Dec. 11.
- Freeform runs multiple Rudolph repeats across December, including Dec. 24 and 25.
- Rudolph remains TV’s longest-running holiday special and drives annual viewership.
One might argue that the secular star of Christmas, in a close race with Santa Claus himself, is Rudolph.
The Rankin/Bass television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” which premiered on NBC in 1964, has become perhaps the most cherished of holiday viewing traditions (as well as the longest-running holiday special in TV history). Children are charmed by the catchy music and the underdog story, and adults who grew up watching in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s can’t resist the nostalgic pull.
While we also love “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and the Boris Karloff-narrated “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” specials, Rudolph holds a special place in our hearts. In fact, it doesn’t really feel like Christmas until that red nose lights up the sky.
So, with that in mind, here’s a guide to all of the “Rudolph” airings to make sure you don’t miss it this year.
When you can watch Rudolph on TV this Christmas
The first broadcast television airing of “Rudolph” happens Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. on NBC. You can catch a second NBC viewing on Thursday, Dec. 11. at 8 p.m.
You can also watch “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” several times this December on Freeform. This is the only cable channel where you’ll find repeats.
- Dec. 6, 9:10 p.m.
- Dec. 7, 3:30 p.m.
- Dec. 18, 8:15 p.m.
- Dec. 19, 4:10 p.m.
- Dec. 21, 5:45 p.m.
- Dec. 22, 1:35 p.m.
- Dec 24, 8:15 p.m.
- Dec. 25, 5 p.m.
This story was originally published December 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Here’s every single time ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ airs on TV in 2025."
