Even after all these years, the Rankin/Bass holiday specials are still beloved traditions, and some really deserve more recognition. Rankin/Bass was a pioneer in animation, particularly with its use of stop-motion, but it doesn’t always get the same praise as other famous studios. This might be because many of their best-known films center around Christmas and its stories. However, these specials are genuinely important and deserve to be celebrated.
7). The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Rankin/Bass’s The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is notable as the last of their holiday specials made using stop-motion animation, a technique they called “Animagic.” However, it’s often overlooked when people discuss the best Rankin/Bass productions. This is because it differs significantly from their other specials – it’s based on a novel from the early 1900s and doesn’t include the familiar Santa Claus characters or storylines established in their previous work. A key feature of many Rankin/Bass specials was that they all took place in the same shared universe, but this one feels separate and disconnected from everything else.
6). Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
Following up on the original story, Frosty’s Winter Wonderland continues directly after Frosty the Snowman. This special introduces Jack Frost, who is envious of all the attention Frosty receives, even though Jack is the one who creates the snow. The story also shows how lonely Frosty feels when the children go home each day, leading them to build him a wife. It’s reminiscent of Bride of Frankenstein, but much sweeter, as Frosty and his wife become a charming couple who reappear in later specials.
5). Jack Frost
I always found the Jack Frost in his own special to be quite different from the one in Frosty’s Winter Wonderland. It felt more like his backstory, told through a funny talking groundhog who just wanted a longer winter nap. The story centers around Jack falling for a human girl, but like a lot of the classic Rankin/Bass specials, there’s a touch of sadness to it. Their romance doesn’t really work out, and Jack ends up back to being the winter spirit he started as. It’s a rather bittersweet ending, and I think that’s probably why it hasn’t stuck with people as much over the years – it just doesn’t deliver the happy Christmas resolution many of us expect.
4). Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
It wasn’t long before Rankin/Bass created a follow-up to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but the direction they took was unexpected. This sequel sends Rudolph on a much bigger adventure – traveling through time and space to meet friends from different eras, all while searching for the New Year’s Baby. He has to fix a problem with time itself and save the timeline, creating a surprisingly suspenseful race against the clock. The design of the baby is also incredibly cute and charming to watch. However, the film is often overlooked, likely because it feels more suited for New Year’s Day celebrations than Christmas.
3). The Little Drummer Boy
Whether people love it or not, The Little Drummer Boy is a standout Christmas special. While it has a lesser-known sequel with some good songs, the original is different from more popular choices like Rudolph or Frosty. It focuses more on the religious meaning of Christmas and avoids silly humor. The special tells the story of the carol directly, and it even tackles difficult themes like anger, hate, and death. Ultimately, the birth of the baby brings resolution, but it’s not usually the first Christmas special people choose to watch during the holidays.
2). Nestor, the Long Eared Christmas Donkey
If you’re looking for a Christmas special with a biblical story and quirky characters, Nestor, the Long Eared Christmas Donkey is a great choice. It reimagines the journey of Mary and Joseph with a unique donkey named Nestor. The special has a slightly sad tone, as Nestor’s mother passes away – a common theme in classic animated films like Bambi and The Land Before Time. Plus, it features a fantastic, often overlooked song by Gene Autry, who actually inspired the special. You should definitely give this one a watch!
1). ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Despite all the popular Rankin/Bass specials, Twas the Night Before Christmas is a hidden gem that deserves more attention. Instead of retelling the traditional poem, it tells a charming story about a family of mice living with a clockmaker, who unexpectedly help save Christmas. It’s a shorter special and doesn’t have the same visual style or connected universe as some of the more famous ones, which is probably why it’s often overlooked. But it’s truly a wonderful special and worth seeking out!
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2025-12-12 21:13