It's the most wonderful time of the TV year if you love holiday programming. The networks and cable channels will load up their schedules for the next few weeks with holiday film favorites like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Story," along with animated programs like "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
Mixed in with old are some new holiday programs. Joining this year's slate is "American Idol" alumnus Carrie Underwood, whose "Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special" airs at 8 p.m. Dec. 7 on KMPH (Channel 26.1). She will perform new music from her upcoming album plus a few holiday classics. Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, David Cook and Kristin Chenoweth are her special guests.
Underwood has not had time to put together her own Christmas album.
"I was lucky to record a few Christmas songs last year, but I didn't have time to record a full album. I love classic Christmas songs that have been around forever. I like doing things very traditional," Underwood said. "O Holy Night" is her favorite holiday tune.
Her holiday TV special is a throwback to the holiday variety shows hosted by everyone from Andy Williams to the Mandrell Sisters. Underwood found taping the special so much fun that she hopes the format makes a comeback.
Underwood's special is just one of the multitude of TV programs for the holidays.
Here are some of the others to air between now and the end of the year:
* "Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure," 7 p.m. Tuesday, ABC Family: Special is based on the book and webisodes about Holly and Hal Moose.
* "83rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," 9 a.m. Thursday, KSEE (Channel 24.1): Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer and Al Roker will host.
* "Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus," 3 p.m. Saturday, Lifetime: Santa wants his son Nick to find a wife.
* "Sandra Lee Celebrates: Holiday Homecoming," 8 p.m. Saturday, HGTV: Sandra Lee works with a family to create a celebration to honor a returning soldier.
* "Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh," 8 p.m. Nov. 29, Nickelodeon: The guys plan a holiday party.
* "The Dog Who Saved Christmas," 8 p.m. Nov. 29, ABC Family: A new dog creates chaos.
* "A Dog Named Christmas," 9 p.m. Nov. 29, KGPE (Channel 47.1): A father gets insight into his son through a new family dog.
* "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," 8 p.m. Nov. 30, KFSN (Channel 30.1): Animated version of the Dr. Seuss book.
* "Shrek the Halls," 8:30 p.m. Nov. 30 KFSN (Channel 30.1): The ogre celebrates the holidays.
* "A Charlie Brown Christmas," 8 p.m. Dec. 1, KFSN (Channel 30): Animated classic from Charles M. Schulz.
* "Christmas in Rockefeller Center," 8 p.m. Dec. 2, KSEE (Channel 24.1): Michael Bublé, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, The Roots, Shakira and The Radio City Rockettes will perform.
* "The Polar Express," 6 p.m. Dec. 3, ABC Family: Adventure based on the children's book by Chris Van Allsburg.
* "Frosty's Winter Wonderland," 7 p.m. Dec. 4, ABC Family: Animated tale narrated by Andy Griffith.
* "Imagination Movers," 10 a.m. Dec. 5, Disney Channel: It's Christmas Eve and Santa has lost his ho-ho-ho.
* "Jungle Junction," 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5, Disney Channel: Miss Jolly shares a classic holiday tale.
* "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas," 7 p.m. Dec. 5, ABC Family: Collection of three Christmas tales.
* "Sandra Lee Celebrates: Magical Merry Christmas," 8 p.m. Dec. 5, HGTV: Sandra teaches a family who helps others how to create the perfect food, decorations and tree trimmings.
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