Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer returns to its home of NBC for the second year in a row.
The classic stop-motion Christmas special has captivated television audiences of all ages since its debut on NBC in 1964. It continued to air on the network every holiday season until 1972 before moving to another network.
The film returned to NBC in 2025 after more than 50 years, and will return again this year to bring even more holiday cheer.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer tells the touching story of a shy reindeer who becomes the leader of Santa's sleigh thanks to the very thing—his glowing red nose—that once made him an outcast.
Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer this year.
How to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on TV in 2025
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” airs on NBC on December 5th at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
If you missed this special or just want to enjoy it again, watch the encore presentation on December 11th at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
What's happened 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' ABOUT?
The timeless holiday special tells the story of a doe-eyed, red-nosed reindeer who learns to love the unique feature that separated him from his reindeer peers after it allows him to lead Santa's flock of reindeer through inclement weather on Christmas Eve.
One of the most iconic lines from the stop-motion film is when Santa turns to Rudolph and says, “Rudolph, you have such a bright nose, would you like to drive my sleigh tonight?”
Rudolf's story is based on a story created by Robert L. May in the 1930s and gained great popularity when Johnny Marks wrote a song about it in the 1940s.
In 1964, NBC produced a television special that featured more characters and a more detailed storyline.
An influence that lasted over 60 years
As Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, NBC's Joe Fryer spoke with one of the film's voice actors about how the film still resonates with fans.
“We had no idea we'd see this 60 years later,” said Corinne Conley, who voices Rudolph's mother.
Conley added, “It’s nice to be a part of something that touches people so warmly.”
Rudolph and Santa Claus in Rudolph the Red Reindeer. NBCRudolph and girlfriend talk in a scene from the movie Rudolph the Red Reindeer, which premiered on NBC in 1964. NBC
