NBC Sets 2021 Holiday Special Lineup

NBC has announced the next wave of its holiday schedule, from the annual SNL Thanksgiving special, the Rockefeller Center tree lighting and the Thanksgiving Day parade, plus musical specials headlined by Kelly Clarkson and Michael Bublé. (The comedy shows will also be putting out special Christmas-themed episodes.)

Here’s the lineup, so far…

A SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE THANKSGIVING 
When: Wednesday, Nov. 24, 9-11 p.m. 
What: The iconic late-night program will highlight memorable Thanksgiving-themed sketches from its 47 seasons. 

95^TH MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE 
When: Thursday, Nov. 25, 9-12 p.m. (repeat at 2 p.m.)    
What: The world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will once again delight New York City spectators and a national television audience with its signature mix of giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, marching bands, performance groups, celebrities, clowns and the one-and-only Santa Claus. 

NATIONAL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA   
When: Thursday, Nov. 25, 12-2 p.m. (repeat Nov. 27 at 8 p.m.)     
What: One of the most important events of the dog world, the show is hosted by John O’Hurley, former “Seinfeld” star and winner of “Dancing with the Stars.” David Frei, “the dean of dog show commentators,” will also be behind the mic. 

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS 
When: Friday, Nov. 26, 8-8:30 p.m. (repeat Dec. 25 at 8 p.m.) 
What: The classic 1966 cartoon features the voice of Boris Karloff as the Grinch. 

5 MORE SLEEPS ’TIL CHRISTMAS   
When: Friday, Nov. 26, 8:30-9 p.m. 
What: “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon is turning his bestselling children’s book into a primetime animated special.  

TROLLS HOLIDAY IN HARMONY 
When: Friday, Nov. 26, 9-9:30 p.m. 
What: When Queen Poppy plans the first annual Trolls Kingdom Secret Holiday Gift Swap, things take an unexpected turn when she and Branch draw each other’s name. 

89^th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER 
When: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 8-10 p.m.  
What: NBC once again heralds the arrival of the holidays with a dazzling display of musical talents, star-studded surprises and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree. 

KELLY CLARKSON PRESENTS WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES AROUND 
When: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 10-11 p.m. (repeat Dec. 15 at 10 p.m.) 
What: “The Voice” coach and Emmy and Grammy Award-winning talk show host Kelly Clarkson hosts a holiday special featuring music performances, exciting duets and special guests while she shares her traditions and gives back to those in need. 

ANNIE LIVE! 
When: Thursday, Dec. 2, 8-11 p.m. (repeat Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.) 
What: From the production team that produced NBC’s award-winning musicals “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Hairspray Live!,” this musical event will revisit the beloved story of Annie. Live from New York, this fresh take will feature a star-studded cast, including Harry Connick Jr., Nicole Scherzinger, Tituss Burgess, featuring Jane Krakowski, with, Celina Smith as Annie and Taraji P. Henson. 

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 
When: Saturday, Dec. 4, 8-11 p.m. (repeat Dec. 24 at 8 p.m.) 
What: In this Frank Capra classic starring Jimmy Stewart, an angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

MICHAEL BUBLÉ’S CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY 
When: Monday, Dec. 6, 10-11 p.m. (repeat Dec. 22 at 10 p.m.) 
What: Multi-Grammy Award-winning Michael Bublé returns to NBC to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his chart-topping album, “Christmas,” with a new holiday special. “Michael Bublé’s Christmas in the City” presents a mix of comedy, music and, of course, the spirit of Christmas, all from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center. 
 
A VERY CHRISLEY CHRISTMAS 
When: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 9:30 p.m.-10 pm 
What: Nanny Faye is feeling nostalgic this year and offers to have Christmas morning at her house. After Todd reluctantly agrees to the new holiday plans, he goes head-to-head with Nanny on decorations in a battle of “couture vs. kitsch.” When Chloe finds out about the change of plans, she is concerned that Santa won’t be able to find her at Nanny’s house. Savannah helps her craft a letter to the North Pole but Todd forgets to send it off. After a series of blunders and holiday hijinks, the Chrisley family needs a Christmas miracle to save the big day.   

L’ORÉAL PARIS WOMEN OF WORTH  
When: Thursday, Dec. 16, 8-9 p.m. 
What: The L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth televised special returns for a second year to NBC showcasing the inspiring stories of 10 women whose tenacity and courage are leading to meaningful change in addressing society’s most pressing issues. 
 
SING 
When: Friday, Dec. 17, 8-10 p.m. 
What: In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario’s attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists find that their lives will never be the same. The animated musical comedy film stars Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Seth MacFarlane.  

ILLUMINATION PRESENTS: DR. SEUSS’ THE GRINCH 
When: Wednesday, Dec. 22, 8-10 p.m. 
What: A grumpy Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville. 
 
CHRISTMAS EVE MASS       
When: Friday, Dec. 24, 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. 
What: Viewers will be able to watch the Pope Francis-led mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. 

THE ROSE PARADE’S NEW YEAR CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY HONDA  
When: Saturday, Jan. 1, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ET / 8:30-10 a.m. PT 
What: The streets of Pasadena, Calif., are lined with thousands of parade fans as gorgeous rose-covered floats and marching bands partake in their annual New Year’s Day festivities. 

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