More than 50 years after it first aired, A Charlie Brown Christmas remains one of the finest holiday specials ever conceived. Who knew that a cartoon based on a newspaper strip about a depressed, bald child could impart such poignant lessons about Christmas that still resonate to this day. Reject consumerism, embrace your loved ones. It’s not about the size of your tree, it’s about the size of your heart.
Every generation deserves a chance to see A Charlie Brown Christmas for themselves, if only to hear the absolutely unbelievable Vince Guaraldi Trio jazz score (which is available via many streaming music services). Fortunately, through the convenience of video-streaming services, you can invite this holiday spirit into your home on your own schedule.
The easiest way to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas is to stream it on Apple TV+. Apple scooped up the rights to Peanuts in order to bring these beloved specials to its video-streaming service, as well as produce new specials like the recent Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne. Apple TV+ costs $4.99 per month and includes a seven-day free trial (three months if you buy a new Apple device).
If you don’t want to sign up for an entire service just to watch one special, though, you do have other options. Apple graciously allowed public broadcast channel PBS to air A Charlie Brown Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. EST on live television ad-free. This is worth making an appointment for this holiday season. If you go this route, streaming services can still help you out. PBS Video offers a streaming app that connects you with local channels, and our top picks for live TV streaming apps come in handy for cord cutters.However you choose to stream it, we hope that A Charlie Brown Christmas deepens your appreciation for the magic of the holidays.
