The charm of the Disney Channel, especially in December, comes from its original shows tackling the holidays. Something refreshing is that the network doesn't solely focus on the Christmas season, giving attention to holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanza. A lot of nostalgia for audiences comes from gathering around the TV to watch these specials back in their childhoods, leading to some pretty fond memories.
With the introduction of Disney+, all the best Disney Channel holiday episodes are now available to stream whenever anyone wants. The good thing is, during the holiday months, Disney+ has created a special tab to find all the holiday episodes from classics like Even Stevens to new favorites like Girl Meets World to watch. With so many, it can be hard to pick which one to watch first.
Updated On December 19th, 2022 by Danielle Bruncati: While Disney Channel is in the midst of their Fa-La-La-ildays 2022 line-up, not everyone is able to watch these brand-new episodes. Thankfully, there are still plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit with Disney Channel's favorite shows, thanks to Disney+. Several new Disney Channel shows have been added to the streaming platform this year, including new seasons of Amphibia and Raven's Home. But the best part about the holiday episodes streaming on Disney Channel is that they're not all geared toward Christmas. Families can gather around and watch Disney Channel characters celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanza this year all from the comfort of their homes whenever they're ready.
Amphibia: "Froggy Little Christmas" (Season 3, Episode 9)
Christmas is in the air and yet the Plantars have no idea what Christmas is or why Mrs. Boonchuy is decorating the house with so many decorations. While the Plantars learn about Christmas and try to keep hidden from King Andrias, Anne decides to surprise her mom by building a giant float that will participate in the Christmas-Palooza Parade. Of course, not everything is all holly and jolly though, because King Andrias finds Anne in the parade and uses his giant Santa robot to try and get the Plantars back.
Froggy Little Christmas" is one of Amphibia's highest-rated episodes and one that is certain to help families ring in the Christmas spirit. It's got something for everyone including Christmas spirit and a suspenseful, action-packed climax with Anne facing off against Santa Andrias.
Elena Of Avalor: "Festival Of Lights" (Season 3, Episode 17)
After rescuing a ship in trouble, Elena and her family welcome the Royal Family of Galonia into their home. Though grateful to be saved, they are very upset about being stranded in Avalor during Haunakkak, especially when Princess Rebecca's Bubbie realizes she left the menorah on the ship. With the help of her family, Elena and Princess Rebecca throw an impromptu Hanukkah celebration that even includes creating a new menorah.
"Festival of Lights" is one of the best Hanukkah episodes of all time, and perhaps the best from a children's show. The episode really takes the time to explain the Jewish holiday in a way that kids will understand without sounding too educational.
Lizzie McGuire: "Xtreme Xmas" (Season 2, Episode 20)
It's Christmastime and Lizzie is trying to get into the holiday spirit by g up for the Christmas parade. She and Gordo set out to build the best Christmas float so she can finally beat Kate at something. However, Lizzie faces several obstacles, many of which are the fault of Nobby Frostybumb, a volunteer mall Elf who believes he really is one of Santa's elves.
"Xtreme Xmas" is one of the more wacky Lizzie McGuire episodes, but that's what makes it so much fun. It nails the Christmas spirit and even includes a heartwarming lesson when Lizzie realizes helping Nobby is more important than beating Kate at a silly parade competition.
Raven's Home: "Bah Humbug" (Season 3, Episode 16)
That's So Raven always had some of the best holiday episodes, and Raven's Home is continuing the tradition. In this season 3 episode, Booker has a vision that his parents are going to get back together over the holiday season. Determined to make it come true, Booker goes overboard in the festivity department, trying desperately to get his family to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza.
There aren't many tv shows that offer Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza episodes, and Raven's Home managed to celebrate all three in one episode. Not only is the episode packed full of winter holiday spirit, but it also has a heartwarming story as Booker learns that his parents are better off separated than they are together.
Sonny With A Chance: "A So Random Holiday Special" (Season 2, Episode 22)
While Sonny with a Chance was all about the fictional sketch show "So Random," episodes rarely showed the characters appearing on the show. However, that changed with the "A So Random Holiday Special," which was 30 minutes of hilarious sketches intercut with Chad hosting the show. It's still one the best Sonny With A Chance episodes and not just because it features a guest appearance by Joe Jonas.
This episode is so much fun because it really taps into the holiday fun spirit. From a sketch about the people who have the unfortunate job of cleaning Santa's beard to an entire family thinking Joe Jonas is merely a toy when he is found in a box under the Christmas tree, the episode is full of laughs.
Big City Greens: "Green Christmas" (Season 2, Episode 4)
It's Christmas Eve and the Greens are ready to pull out all the stops with their holiday celebrations. However, Tilly puts a damper on Cricket's mood when she reveals that Cricket might be on Santa's naughty list this year. Panicked, Tilly convinces Cricket to help him reverse his naughty list status by performing good deeds all day long. Elsewhere, Gramma and Nancy are desperately searching for the perfect gift for Bill.
"Green Christmas" is an episode the whole family can watch because it has a kid-friendly and more adult-friendly plot. The kids will relate to the naughty list struggle, while adults can laugh at a stressed our Gramma and Nancy.
Even Stevens: "Heck Of A Hanukkah" (Season 1, Episode 15)
When it comes to holiday specials, Christmas usually dominated but that's not the case in this Even Stevens episode. The episode follows Louis after he has accidentally destroyed all of the family's Hanukkah gifts to each other. He falls asleep after being sent to his room and is visited by the ghost of a relative.
"Heck Of A Hannukah" is one of the best Hanukkah episodes on TV. It really goes out of its way to showcase different traditions of the holiday like lighting the menorah, cooking, and playing dreidel.
Girl Meets World: "Girl Meets Home For The Holidays" (Season 1, Episode 16)
Girl Meets World wasted no time getting into the holiday spirit. In "Girl Meets Home For The Holidays" the Matthews are hosting a family holiday dinner which sees all their friends and family together. While celebrating, Shawn forms a special bond with Riley and Maya because they remind him of his and Cory's teenage years.
Not only is this a great Girl Meets World holiday episode, but it's also memorable because it served as a mini Boy Meets World reunion with Shawn, Eric, their parents, and even younger brother Joshua visiting the Matthews house. Notably missing were Cory's sister and Angela, which disappointed fans who felt they should have appeared in the episode.
Kim Possible: "A Very Possible Christmas" (Season 2, Episode 16)
Fighting crime doesn't stop for the holidays, which is a lesson Kim Possible learns in "A Very Possible Christmas." However, Ron does try to give Kim a break when he steps in to fight Drakken on his own as a Christmas present to Kim. Of course, things don't go as planned and Drakken and Ron both end up stranded without their much brighter other halves.
"A Very Possible Christmas" is a perfect holiday special because it mixes together all the best holiday traditions with an action-packed "save the world" plot that became expected with the series.
Lilo & Stitch: The Series: "Topper" (Season 1, Episode 22)
After the success of Lilo & Stitch, the Disney classic got its very own television show on Disney Channel which also lead to an original holiday special. "Topper" takes place on Stitch's first-ever Christmas with Lilo trying to teach the alien about their traditions. However, when one of Jumba's experiments gets sent as a Christmas present, Stitch becomes obsessed with tracking it down and finding it a proper home.
"Topper" teaches audiences a very valuable lesson that Christmas is all about giving and sharing, not just receiving presents.
