For so many of us, the Christmas season is all about watching every one of the Rankin/ Bass animated holiday specials — including 1970’s Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, which featured Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle himself and Fred Astaire as the narrator (and mailman!) who unspools the tale, as well as frequent Rankin/ Bass collaborator Paul Frees, and many others. But there’s only one chance to catch this musical special on network this holiday season — it will air on ABC, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 10pm EST. Luckily for those with cable, it will air several times throughout December on the Freeform channel.

What is Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town about?

Following previously released Rankin/Bass Christmas hits like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) and Frosty the Snowman (1969), Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town explores the origin of Santa Claus, who begins his life as an orphan dropped off in the appropriately named village of Sombertown. Young Santa is raised by a family of elves, who school him in the family profession: toy-making. But once he grows up and attempts to distribute toys to the children of Sombertown, where all toys have been banned — bringing him into conflict with the villainous Burgermeister Meisterburger.

Where can you watch Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town?

In addition to the Sunday, November 30, 2025, airing on ABC at 10pm EST, viewers can check the special out on the Freeform channel throughout the holiday season:

Saturday, December 6: 12:55 am

Sunday, December 7: 1:50 pm

Thursday, December 18: 9:55 pm

Friday, December 19: 2:30 pm

Sunday, December 21: 4:05 pm

Monday, December 22: 12:30 pm

Wednesday, December 24: 9:55 pm

Thursday, December 25: 11:00 am

And if none of these times work for you and your family, you can stream it any time on Hulu with a subscription.