On View : The Christmas List

The TV holiday season begins in earnest this week. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be back for their annual appearance, but there are several new specials on tap. Andy Williams, Harry Connick Jr., Neil Diamond, Vince Gill and Bob Hope are among the big names spreading Christmas cheer. NBC also has a lavish two-hour animated musical version of Charles Dickens’ beloved “David Copperfield.”

Below are highlights of network and cable holiday programming. Stars denote new specials. For local holiday programming, please check each day’s Best Bets and TV listings.

KIDS

CBS classics: The network will repeat such venerable animated fare as Frosty the Snowman, Monday at 8 p.m.; A Charlie Brown Christmas, Dec. 22 at 8 p.m.; A Garfield Christmas, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m..; ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Dec. 23 at 8:30 p.m.

The Small One: In this Disney animated short, a boy finds new owners for his donkey--a couple going to Bethlehem. Sunday at 11:30 a.m.; Dec. 12 at noon; Dec. 18 at 8:35 p.m.; Dec. 23 at 1 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 9 a.m. Disney.

The Tailor of Gloucester: Beatrix Potter’s beloved story of mice who deliver the perfect Christmas gift: charity. Sunday at 6 p.m.; Dec. 12 at 10:30 and 6:30 p.m. Family Channel.

It’s a Wonderful Tiny Toons Christmas Special: The characters from “Steven Spielberg Presents Tiny Toon Adventures” offer a variation of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Sunday at 7 p.m. Fox.)

EEK! The Cat Christmas Special: For the holidays, Eek sets aside his personal feelings about his enemy, Sharkey the Sharkdog, to help Sharkey search for his missing relatives. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Fox.

Hanukkah Under the Umbrella Tree: A magician tells the story of Hanukkah to a store full of magical puppets. Monday at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday at 8:30 a.m.; Dec. 16 at 4:30 p.m. Disney.

The Little Troll Prince: The Crown Prince of Troll learns about Christmas from a rustic family. Monday at 5 p.m; Dec. 12 at 7:45 a.m.; Dec. 19 at 3:30 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. TNT.

Casper’s First Christmas: Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo spend Christmas Eve with Casper and Hairy Scary. Tuesday at 8 p.m.; Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.; Dec. 16 at noon; Dec. 25 at 5 p.m. Disney.

A Chipmunk Christmas: Alvin, Simon and Theodore learn the true meaning of Christmas. Wednesday at 7 p.m.; Dec. 19 at 6 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 7:30 p.m. USA.

Cabbage Patch Kids First Christmas: The Kids learn--guess what?--the true meaning of Christmas. Wednesday at 5 p.m.; Dec. 19 at 4:30 p.m. TNT.

Country Mouse/City Mouse: A Christmas Tale: Animated holiday musical. Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 3:30 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.; Dec. 24 at 12:30 p.m.; and Dec. 28 at 7:30 a.m. HBO.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The classic animated tale features the voice of the late Boris Karloff. Thursday at 5 p.m.; Dec. 15 at 5 p.m.; Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. TNT; Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 5:05 p.m. TBS.

Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield: The new musical version of Charles Dickens’ story features the voices of Julian Lennon, Kelly Le Brock, Andrea Martin, Sheena Easton and Joseph Marcell. Award-winner Al Kasha supplies the original music. Friday at 8 p.m. NBC.

A Muppet Family Christmas: The Muppets celebrate the holidays at Fozzie Bear’s mother’s house. Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. Nickelodeon.

Son of Stimpy: Ren and Stimpy find the Christmas spirit in a new friend. Saturday at 9 p.m.; Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.; Dec. 25 at 9:30 p.m Nickelodeon.

On Christmas Eve: A fairy saves Christmas for a little girl after Santa gets lost on his way to her house. Dec. 12 at 7 a.m.; Dec. 18 at 7 a.m.; Dec. 24 at 6:30 a.m. Showtime.

A Disney Channel Christmas: Special features a variety of classic animated Disney shorts. Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 16 at 1 a.m.; Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. Disney.

Adventures in Wonderland: Christmas in Wonderland: The Queen wants a white Christmas in Wonderland. Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m. Disney.

Doug’s Christmas Story: Doug must clear Porkchop’s name. Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 19 at 10 a.m.; Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. Nickelodeon.

A Flintstone Christmas: After Santa sprains his ankle, Fred and Barney deliver presents. Saturday at 5 p.m.; Dec. 13 at 5 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. TNT.

Smurfs Christmas Special: The little blue guys discover Christmas. Dec. 12 at 6:45 a.m.; Dec. 19 at 3 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. TNT.

A Nicktoons Christmas: Three holiday episodes of the popular Nick toons “Doug,” “Rugrats” and “The Ren and Stimpy Show.” Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. Nickelodeon.

For Better or For Worse: A Christmas Angel: A young girl learns the true meaning of the holidays. Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 25 at 1:30 p.m. Disney.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol: Mickey stars as Bob Crachit and Scrooge McDuck plays Scrooge in Disney’s version of Dickens’ tale. Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 23 at 2:35 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Disney.

Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Day Parade: Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin host the annual holiday parade from Walt Disney World. 10 a.m. ABC.

The Christmas Toy: Kermit the Frog visits an enchanted playroom filled with toys. Dec. 25 at 7 p.m. Nickelodeon.

NICK Christmas: Back-to-back holiday episodes of “Doug,” “Rugrats,” “Roundhouse” and “The Ren and Stimpy Show.” Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. Nickelodeon.

MUSIC AND DANCE

A Bing Crosby Christmas: Like the Ones We Used to Know: Clips of the late Crosbys’ Christmas specials from 1962 to 1977. Sunday at 1:30 a.m.; Dec. 19 at 10:05 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 10 p.m. Disney.

The Andy William Christmas Show: Williams headlines a holiday special, taped at his Moon River Theater in Branson, Mo. Guests include Lorrie Morgan and the Osmond Brothers. Monday at 5 p.m. on KVCR; Tuesday at 8:05 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 8:05 p.m. on KOCE; Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. KCET and 6 p.m. on KPBS.

Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Shirley Verrett: The opera diva joins the choir for such Christmas tunes as “Joy to the World.” Tuesday at 10 p.m. on KVCR; Dec. 12 at 10:45 p.m. KCET.

A Branson Country Christmas: Wayne Newton, Glen Campbell, Lee Greenwood, Ray Stevens, Louise Mandrell, Ronnie Milap, Charlie Pride, John Anderson and Mark Chesnutt headline the festivities taped in Branson, Mo. Wednesday at 9 p.m.; Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; and Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. Family Channel.

Peter, Paul and Mary Holiday Concert: The folk music trio celebrates the holidays. Thursday at 8 p.m. on KPBS; Dec. 12 at 8:45 p.m. KCET.

David Foster Christmas Special: The award-winning writer-producer produced this special of Christmas ballads featuring performances by Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Tom Jones and Celine Dion. Friday at 10 p.m. NBC.

Kiri at Christmas: A Concert Special: Highlights of opera star Kiri Te Kanawa’s two recent concerts. Saturday at 4 and 11 p.m.; Dec. 23 at 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 1:30 a.m.; Dec. 29 at 4 and 11 p.m. Bravo.

Neil Diamond Christmas Special: The pop star puts his spin on Yuletide favorites. Saturday at 10 p.m. ABC.

A Christmas Special With Luciano Pavarotti: The famed tenor performs Christmas carols. Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. KCET and 10 p.m. KPBS.

Christmas Candlelight Ceremony: More than 1,000 singers at Disneyland join in a candlelight procession from the castle to the town square, where the traditional Christmas story is told in words and music. Dec. 13 at 10:35 p.m.; Dec. 25 at midnight. Disney.

A Riders in the Sky Christmas: Reba McEntire helps the Riders celebrate a zany Christmas. Dec. 15 at 5 and 9 p.m. TNN.

Bob Hope Christmas Special: The vulnerable 90-year-old comic returns for his annual holiday special. Guests include wife Dolores, the Judds, Joey Lawrence and Loni Anderson. Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. NBC.

Christmas in Washington: President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton are among the guests of the annual Christmas special taped at the nation’s capital. Dec. 15 at 10 p.m. NBC.

The Statler Bros. Christmas: The Lennon Sisters and actor David Huddleston join the Statlers for the holidays. Dec. 18 at 6 and 9 p.m. TNN.

Holiday at Pops!: Taped lived at Boston’s Symphony Hall, this concert features holiday favorites and a visit from Santa. Dec. 19 at 5 and 9 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 5 and 9 p.m. A&E.;

Christmas With Vince Gill: The hot country star sings his Yuletide favorites. Dec. 22 at 4:30 and 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 6 and 10 p.m. TNN.

The Twelve Videos of Christmas ‘93: The best holiday videos are featured. Dec. 24 at 5 and 9 p.m. TNN.

The 34th Annual Los Angeles County Holiday Program: Live broadcast from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the county’s holiday music program. Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. KCET.

Harry Connick Jr. Christmas Special: The popular singer headlines a holiday music special. Carol Burnett and Aaron Neville also perform. Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. CBS.

Breakfast With the Arts: The Bolshoi Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” the equestrian ballet “Symphony in White” and the St. Paul’s Cathedral Boys’ Choir in concert. Dec. 25 beginning at 6:30 a.m. A&E.;

Christmas in Vienna: Taped live in Vienna, this concert features Placido Domingo, Dionne Warwick and Ruggero Raimondi performing a newly arranged repertoire of classic and original Christmas songs. Dec. 30 at 6 and 10 p.m. A&E.;

MOVIES

Christmas in Connecticut: Arnold Schwarzenegger directed this 1992 holiday comedy about an undomesticated woman pressed into publicly entertaining a hero for Christmas. Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. TNT; Dec. 20 at 9:35 p.m. TBS.

Christmas in Connecticut: The superior 1945 original with Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan. Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. TNT.

The Comic Book Christmas Caper: Jeremy Radick and Ned Beatty star in a drama about a boy who spends most of his time living in a fantasy world and dreaming of being his favorite radio hero, the Mystic. Friday at 5 p.m.; Saturday at 2:30 a.m.; Dec. 19 at 10 a.m.; Dec. 20 at 4:30 a.m.; Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. Disney.

A Christmas Carol: Reginald Owen plays Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1938 version of Charles Dickens’ classic. Saturday at 9:05 a.m. TBS; Dec. 12 at 8:45 a.m.; Dec. 24 at 7 and 10:45 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 4 a.m. TNT.

It’s a Wonderful Life: It’s back! James Stewart and Donna Reed star in Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday favorite. Dec. 12 at 10:15 a.m.; Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. TNT; Dec. 22 at 2:30 a.m. USA.

The Day My Parents Ran Away: Blair Brown, Matt Frewer and Martin Mull star in a holiday comedy about two parents who run away from home before Christmas when their teen-age son becomes too much to handle. Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.m. Fox.

Christmas on Division Street: Fred Savage and Hume Cronyn star in the acclaimed 1991 Christmas story. Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. CBS.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians: This 1964 camp classic, which stars a young Pia Zadora, is considered one of the worst films ever made. Dec. 24 at 9:30 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 2:15 a.m. TNT.

Yes, Virginia There Is a Santa Claus: Charles Bronson and Richard Thomas star in a 1991 holiday tale. Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ABC.

MISCELLANEOUS

Home Matters Christmas Special: Learn how to pick a Christmas tree, make traditional Christmas ornaments and fight holiday depression. Monday at 10 a.m.; Thursday at 5:30 p.m.; Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m; Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m. Discovery.

Dream On: Silent Night, Holy Cow: Judith (Wendie Malick) gives birth in Bethlehem, Pa. Dec. 18 at 10 p.m.; Dec. 20, 22 and 26. HBO.

American Playhouse: Hallelujah: James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad and Dennis Haybert star in a holiday tale of magic and miracles. Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. KCET.

Charlton Heston Presents the Bible: The Oscar-winning actor performs excerpts from the Bible. Dec. 25 at 5 and 9 p.m. A&E.;

RETRO

Very, Very Bob Newhart: Bob, Emily and his therapy group celebrate the holidays in four special episodes of “The Bob Newhart Show.” Saturday at 10 p.m. Nickelodeon.

Father Knows Best: Home for Christmas: Robert Young and Jane Wyatt reunite the entire Anderson clan for the holidays. Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. USA.

TBS Reruns: Christmas week--Dec. 20-24--TBS will air holiday-themed episodes of “Little House on the Prairie,” “The Flintstones,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Saved by the Bell,” “Growing Pains” and “Head of the Class.” (Check listings for times).

Nick at Nite Christmas Eve Special: Ten straight hours of holiday-themed episodes from Nick at Nite’s favorite shows. Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. Nickelodeon.

Christmas Countdown on TNT: Holiday-themed episodes of “CHiPs” (Dec. 24 at 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 5:30 a.m.); “My Favorite Martian” (Dec. 24 at 11:15 p.m.); “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” (Dec. 25 at 1:15 a.m.)

Very Very Christmas: Four more holiday episodes of Nick at Nite shows. Dec. 25 at 10 p.m. Nickelodeon.