11 Muppet Christmas movies & specials and where to stream them
Learn where to stream Muppet Christmas movies and specials for the 2024 holiday season, from “The Muppet Christmas Carol” to “Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas” and everything in between.
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As Kermit the Frog sings (as Bob Cratchit), “‘Tis the season to be jolly and joyous!” It “feels like Christmas” with all of the Muppet movies and specials streaming for 2024 listed below. Rewatch a classic, discover a new favorite, or unearth a hidden gem you’ve never heard of!
Muppet Christmas movies and specials streaming
‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’
Streaming on Disney+
Description: “The Muppets present their own touching rendition on Charles Dickens’ classic tale.”
- runtime: 85 minutes
- release year: 1992
- director: Brian Henson
Bonus: Select “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on Disney+, then access the “Extras” tab to view a deleted song, “When Love is Gone.” From this same tab, you can also watch an extended version of the film with the song included.
‘It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie’
Streaming on Peacock and Prime Video
Description: “When the local theater faces closure on account of financial hardships, Kermit and his group of friends must stop a banker from demolishing it.”
- runtime: 88 minutes
- release year: 2002
- director: Kirk Thatcher
Fun fact: This made-for-TV movie originally aired on NBC. In one scene, Kermit sits on a bench and begrudgingly remarks, “Corporate synergy. It’s out of control.” The NBC logo then promptly appears on the bottom of his foot as the network’s signature three notes chime.
‘A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa’
Streaming on Disney+
Description: “When Gonzo forgets to mail three letters to Santa, he convinces Kermit and the gang to help him deliver the notes to the North Pole.”
- runtime: 46 minutes
- release year: 2008
- director: Kirk Thatcher
Fun fact: The songs in “A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa” were written by Paul Williams, the same musician who wrote “Rainbow Connection” and the other tunes for 1979’s “The Muppet Movie” and 1992’s “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Williams appears onscreen in “Letters to Santa” as an elf.
‘The Muppets’ S1E10: ‘Single All the Way’
Streaming on Disney+
Summary: Mindy Kaling guest-stars on Miss Piggy’s in-universe late-night talk show as Piggy and Kermit reflect on their break-up.
- runtime: 22 minutes
- release year: 2015
- director: Matt Sohn
Analysis: This episode was the “winter finale” of the first (and only) season of ABC’s primetime sitcom “The Muppets.” After this episode aired, Disney attempted to shift the show’s tone to be more joyful, hiring new leadership and tweaking the show’s focus, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As such, the subsequent episodes after “Single All the Way” feel somewhat like a new season altogether. The changes weren’t enough to save the show; it was canceled in spring 2016.
The Jim Henson Company Christmas specials streaming
‘Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas’
Streaming on Prime Video
Description: “This classic Christmas story is about Ma and Emmet Otter — a family that has little more than each other. When a talent show is held in town, a $50 prize gives them each hope of buying the other a real present this year, but they face stiff competition from a fierce animal rock group.”
- runtime: 53 minutes
- release year: 1977
- director: Jim Henson
Hidden at Disney World: Pa Otter’s funeral was apparently held at PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests who look closely on a sign inside the restaurant can find the funeral listed as a prior event at the venue, as documented by WDW Radio.
‘The Christmas Toy’
Streaming on Prime Video
Description: “It’s Christmas Eve and the playroom is alive with excitement for the new toys that will arrive the next day. Balthazar, the old and wise bear, explains to the other toys that they must welcome the newcomers, even though each of them may be replaced as one of the children’s new favorite toys.”
- runtime: 50 minutes
- release year: 1986
- director: Eric Till
Fun fact: “The Christmas Toy” debuted in 1986, nine years before Pixar’s “Toy Story.”
‘Sesame Street’ Christmas specials streaming
‘Christmas Eve on Sesame Street’
Streaming on Max
Description: “A Christmas special featuring the Muppets, the cast of ‘Sesame Street,’ and skaters from Holiday on Ice.”
- runtime: 52 minutes
- release year: 1978
- director: Jon Stone
‘A Sesame Street Christmas Carol’
Streaming on Max
Description: “Oscar the Grouch is visited by three ghosts that teach him how to appreciate Christmas and keep the holiday spirit in his grouchy heart all year long.”
- runtime: 47 minutes
- release year: 2006
- directors: Victor DiNapoli, Ken Diego
‘Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas’
Streaming on Max
Description: “Go back in time to see how ‘the most unfriendly street in town’ was turned into the bright, kind, music-filled place it is today.”
- runtime: 51 minutes
- release year: 2016
- director: Matt Vogel
Fun fact: This special’s director, Matt Vogel, is a longtime “Sesame Street” puppeteer who currently performs Big Bird and Count von Count. Over with The Muppets, Vogel originated the role of Constantine in “Muppets Most Wanted” and currently performs Kermit the Frog, Uncle Deadly, and Floyd Pepper (in the Electric Mayhem band), among other characters.
‘Fraggle Rock’ holiday episodes streaming
‘Fraggle Rock’ S1E22: ‘The Bells of Fraggle Rock’
Streaming on Apple TV+
Description: “Gobo finds Fraggle Rock’s Christmas tradition of reawakening the Great Bell unbelievable.”
- runtime: 25 minutes
- release year: 1984
- director: Doug Williams
‘Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock’ S1E14: ‘Night of the Lights
Streaming on Apple TV+
Description: “Fraggle Rock is all aglow as a festive celebration with friends kicks off. Uncle Matt explores the holiday traditions of Silly Creatures.”
- runtime: 27 minutes
- release year: 2022
- director: Jon Rosenbaum
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Hi.
These are all great, but what about the best Muppet Christmas movie ever? The one that featured the Muppets, the characters from Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock?
The Muppets Family Christmas! It was amazing! Recorded in 1987, with a cameo by Jim Henson himself! We found it on YouTube, but I hope it is streaming somewhere else too, because it is awesome!!