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NBC Is Airing a Special Looking at the Biggest Pop Culture Moments of 2023
Here's what to know about E! News Presents NBC’s Hot 10 of 2023.
Let's face it: When the holidays roll around, TV is arguably one of the most delightful parts of the season. Whether it's a musical performance delivered from a Thanksgiving Day Parade float or the dazzling display of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting up for the first time, there are so many reasons to tune in to NBC during the holidays. And in 2023, you can expect several exciting new additions alongside the classic favorites.
NBC's 2023 holiday programming includes cherished holiday films and energizing musical performances, as well as delightful comfort watches like The National Dog Show. Plus, the holiday episodes of NBC series like One Chicago and Law & Order are always a special treat, as fan-favorite characters celebrate the reason for the season.
It's nearly time to grab your favorite mug, pour some hot cocoa, and revel in all of the festivities.
RELATED: All The Office Christmas Episodes, In Order
Below, find out when your favorite NBC holiday specials are coming this year—and get ready for brand-new specials you won't want to miss! Check back here for more updates on holiday programming.
Countdown to Macy's Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade
When: Wednesday, November 22, 8-9 p.m. on NBC
Amber Ruffin, Late Night with Seth Meyers writer and host of Peacock's The Amber Ruffin Show hosts this sneak peek at the massive planning that goes into pulling off the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in this one-hour special the night before.
Coming to you from the starting line, you'll hear the stories behind the balloons, floats, bands, and everything else you'll see on the parade route.
A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving Special
When: Wednesday, November 22, 9-11 p.m. on NBC, next day on Peacock
Unwind with the funniest moments from Saturday Night Live's long history of sketches about the holiday.
The 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
When: Thursday, November 23, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on NBC and simulcast live on Peacock; encore at 2 p.m.
For the first time in 97 years, the telecast will kick off a half hour earlier to pack in even more fun.
This year's parade performers include Jon Batiste, Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, Ashley Park with the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, and Pentatonix.
The National Dog Show Presented by Purina
When: Thursday, November 23, 12-2 p.m. on NBC and simulcast on Peacock; encore on Nov. 25 at 8 p.m.
RELATED: Everything to Know About the 2023 National Dog Show
That's My Jam
When: Monday, November 27, 9-10 p.m. on NBC, next day on Peacock
Don't miss Jimmy Fallon's holiday-themed special episode of That's My Jam, his Emmy-nominated game show.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center
When: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 8-10 p.m. on NBC and simulcast on Peacock
In 2023, Kelly Clarkson is set to host the live iconic tree lighting telecast, after moving The Kelly Clarkson Show to New York City for Season 5.
Among the performers who'll bring light and music to the festivities: Cher, Keke Palmer, Chloe Bailey, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Darlene Love, Seth MacFarlane, and Barry Manilow.
RELATED: Everything to Know About Christmas in Rockefeller Center
Christmas at Graceland
When: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 10-11 p.m. on NBC and simulcast on Peacock; encore on Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. Watch on NBC.com and Peacock after the premiere.
NBC is bringing together the legacy of Elvis Presley and the spirit of the holiday season in a new live music special. Christmas at Graceland will feature music’s biggest stars celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, his music and his favorite time of year live from his iconic home, Graceland.
John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lana Del Rey, Post Malone, Alanis Morissette, Lainey Wilson, and The War And Treaty will deliver performances live from Presley's Tennessee estate.
RELATED: Elvis's Granddaughter Is Executive-Producing a Christmas at Graceland Special
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
When: The 1966 cartoon versions airs Thursday, November 30, 8-8:30 p.m. with an encore on December 25 at 8 p.m. and currently available on Peacock. Jim Carrey's 2000 version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas airs Monday, December 25 at 8:30/7:30c on NBC. It's also available on Peacock between December 20 and December 31.
The classic tale of the curmudgeonly Grinch who’s hoping to remove the joy from Christmas but, ultimately, has a change of heart.
Shrek the Halls
When: Thursday, November 30, 8:30-9 p.m. on NBC; encore on Dec. 9 at 9 p.m.
This half-hour animated special debuted in 2007 and features a Christmas twist on the original Shrek characters.
Blake Shelton's Holiday Bartacular Featuring Ice T
When: Monday, December 4, 10-11 p.m. on NBC, next day on Peacock. Watch on Peacock after the premiere.
In this holiday special from Blake Shelton and Carson Daly's Barmageddon series on USA, Law and Order: SVU's Ice T visits Shelton's winter wonderland to play seasonal bar games such as "Merry Axe-Mas" and "Doodle All the Way."
RELATED: Everything to Know About Barmageddon's Holiday Special
Christmas at the Opry
When: Thursday, December 7, 8-10 p.m. on NBC and next day on Peacock; encore on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. Watch on NBC.com and Peacock after the premiere.
Featuring the best and brightest voices in country music, the festive two-hour special will treat viewers to an array of Christmas favorites, holiday classics and today’s biggest hits. Wynonna Judd will host the highly anticipated musical event featuring performances from the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
RELATED: Chrissy Metz and Kelly Clarkson Are Both Performing on NBC's Christmas at the Opry
Trolls: Holiday in Harmony
When: Saturday, December 9, 8:30-9 p.m. on NBC
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.
Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas
When: Monday, December 11, 10-11 p.m. on NBC and next day on Peacock ; encore Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. Watch on NBC.com and Peacock after the premiere.
With a Vegas size backdrop and Barry’s renowned 24 piece band, the evening will feature the best of Manilow’s greatest hits, including “Copacabana,” “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs” and “"Looks Like We Made It" along with several holiday favorites.
RELATED: Everything to Know About Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas
That Clip Show: Holiday Edition
When: December 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
NBC will air That Clip Show: Holiday Edition, a primetime special hosted by American Ninja Warrior frontmen Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila, on December 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. It will air next day on Peacock.
The fast-paced and lighthearted special features Iseman and Gbajabiamila putting their trademark color commentary to use in a new arena – the world of viral holiday videos. The program blends in-studio banter with real-life moments captured on video, covering everything from winter sports bloopers to holiday surprises and gift-giving mishaps. In the second half of the program, comedians Gina Brillon, Jay Jurden and Alex Kumin will join for some clip-related gameplay.
A Saturday Night Live Christmas Special
When: Thursday, December 14, 8-10 p.m. on NBC and next day on Peacock;encore on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 9 p.m.
Catch memorable Christmas-themed sketches from SNL's past 48 seasons.
Dolly Parton's A Coat of Many Colors
When: Friday, December 15, 8-10 p.m. on NBC
Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors is based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton's remarkable upbringing. This movie special takes place inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Parton who she is today. Starring Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, Gerald McRaney and Alyvia Alyn Lind.
Password Holiday Special
When: Monday, December 18, 10-11 p.m. on NBC
Password, featuring Emmy Award-nominated host Keke Palmer and starring Jimmy Fallon, returns with a special holiday-themed edition of the iconic celebrity word game ahead of the season 2 premiere.
Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas
When: Thursday, December 21, 9-11 p.m. on NBC
Join Dolly Parton and friends as she draws on holidays past, guided by her personal Three Wise Mountain Men, to find the unique “mountain magic” of Christmas. Musical performances by Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus and more.
Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love
When: Friday, December 22, 8-10 p.m. on NBC
Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love" is the next chapter in the life of young Dolly Parton. The film delivers Christmas joy and peril as an unexpected blizzard threatens the Parton family, while at the same time Dolly's father (and his kids) make sacrifices to raise enough money to finally buy his loving wife the wedding ring he could never afford to give her. Meanwhile, an important person in little Dolly's life begins to see that her amazing voice and musical gift might just be made for something bigger than rural Tennessee.
Night Court holiday episode
When: Saturday, December 23 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT
It's a Wonderful Life
When: Sunday, December 24, 8-11 p.m. on NBC
NBC presents the Frank Capra classic once more. An angel sent from heaven tries to help a desperately frustrated businessman (Jimmy Stewart), showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.
Christmas Eve Mass
When: Sunday, December 24, 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. on NBC
Viewers will be able to watch the Pope Francis-led mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
E! News Presents NBC’s Hot 10 of 2023
When: Wednesday, December 27
E! News Presents NBC’s Hot 10 of 2023 is an end-of-year retrospective that will be hosted by E! News’ Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight along with Carolina Bermudez and Courtney Lopez.
The special will take an in-depth look at the year’s most memorable pop culture moments as well as the best in music, fashion, movies, entertainment, and more along with a look ahead at what to expect in 2024. Special appearances by Karamo Brown, Kelly Clarkson, Dylan Dryer, Willie Geist, Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Hoda Kotb, Mario Lopez, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker, who will recount their favorite entertainment moments of the year.
135 Rose Parade Presented by Honda
When: Monday, January 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET / 8-10 a.m. PT on NBC
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 holiday festivities. The event is hosted by TODAY anchors Hoda Kotb and Al Roker.
