Cartoons are a staple of holiday TV, and many classic series have created memorable Christmas episodes filled with humor, heart, and sometimes a bit of action. Here’s a list of must-watch holiday specials from classic cartoons that are perfect for a nostalgic, geeky Christmas binge.

Batman: The Animated Series – “Christmas with the Joker” (1992)

In this holiday special, the Joker escapes from Arkham Asylum and hijacks Gotham’s airwaves, forcing Batman and Robin to play along with his holiday-themed mischief. This episode is a great mix of action, humor, and holiday spirit, capturing everything fans love about the series.

X-Men: The Animated Series – “Have Yourself a Morlock Little Christmas” (1995)

This episode takes the X-Men to the sewers of New York City to spend Christmas with the Morlocks, a group of outcast mutants. When Leech, a young Morlock, falls ill, Wolverine and the X-Men band together to bring some holiday cheer to their mutant friends. A touching story about compassion and community.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – “The Christmas Aliens” (2003)

In this holiday-themed episode, Michelangelo tries to bring some Christmas joy to a young boy by giving him a toy. But things take a turn when he has to battle Purple Dragons to make it happen. It’s a fun, action-packed story that brings together holiday spirit and turtle power.

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Hey Arnold! – “Arnold’s Christmas” (1996)

In this heartfelt episode, Arnold tries to reunite Mr. Hyunh with his long-lost daughter as a Christmas present. It’s a beautiful story about giving, sacrifice, and the importance of family, making it one of the most memorable episodes of the series.

The Simpsons – “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” (1989)

The first-ever episode of The Simpsons, this holiday classic follows Homer as he secretly takes a job as a mall Santa to afford Christmas gifts for his family. Filled with humor and heart, it’s an iconic holiday episode that helped launch the beloved series.

Rugrats – “A Rugrats Chanukah” (1996)

Although not strictly Christmas, this Chanukah episode is an important addition to holiday viewing. The babies learn about the story of Chanukah, and the episode celebrates family, faith, and community. It’s a unique holiday special that brings a different perspective to the season.

DuckTales – “A Christmas Carol” (1987)

Uncle Scrooge gets his very own Christmas Carol experience in this DuckTales holiday special. With Donald and his nephews playing along, it’s a lighthearted and funny retelling of the classic Charles Dickens tale, adapted for the beloved Disney characters.

Animaniacs – “A Christmas Plotz” (1993)

In this hilarious and slightly chaotic episode, the Warner siblings take on A Christmas Carol in their own wild way. With typical Animaniacs humor, this special pokes fun at holiday traditions while still delivering laughs and festive cheer.

Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This classic Peanuts special remains a timeless story of the holiday spirit. As Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas, it’s a heartwarming reminder of what really matters during the season. The music, visuals, and simple yet poignant message make it a must-watch every year.

The Powerpuff Girls – “’Twas the Fight Before Christmas” (2003)

The Powerpuff Girls battle the naughty Princess Morbucks, who tries to put herself on Santa’s “nice” list and ruin Christmas for everyone else. This action-packed episode is filled with holiday magic, humor, and plenty of girl power, making it a fun addition to any holiday watch list.

Justice League – “Comfort and Joy” (2003)

This Justice League episode follows different members of the team as they celebrate the holidays in their own way. From Superman spending time with his family to Flash granting a young orphan’s wish, it’s a beautiful, character-driven episode that brings warmth and introspection to the superhero world.

Pink Panther – “A Pink Christmas” (1978)

In this special, the Pink Panther wanders the city in search of food on Christmas Eve. The episode is a mostly silent, visually driven adventure that showcases the character’s signature style and humor, all wrapped up in holiday nostalgia.

These holiday specials from classic cartoons bring both humor and heart, each capturing a unique take on the holiday season. Whether you’re revisiting them for nostalgia or watching them for the first time, these episodes make for a perfect holiday binge that’s fun for the whole family. So settle in, grab some cocoa, and enjoy a festive cartoon marathon!