Greetings fellow movie goers from across the globe. Today’s editorial is my personal “Top 12 Cartoon Network Christmas Specials.” Why Top 12? Because I refuse to go one number up or else, I’ll get bad luck. Keep in mind, this article is condensed. I have a lot on my plate regarding nominees at The Golden Globes 2022. So, bear with me. Don’t forget to check out my Top 12 Disney Christmas Specials.
12. The Looney Tunes Show – A Christmas Carol
Final Verdict: B, FOR BOLD!
Say what you will about “The Looney Tunes Show,” I thought both seasons were average. This episode focuses on Lola Bunny reinterpreting “A Christmas Carol” on stage. Second plot involves Daffy Duck & Foghorn Leghorn embark on a quest to get to The North Pole. Although I can’t stand Lola as an obnoxious nutcase, I liked the other plot with Daffy & Foghorn. I was this close to getting this episode a C if it weren’t for the aforementioned pair.
11. Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends – A Lost Claus
Final Verdict: A-
When I was a kid, I used to watch “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.” Mac feels depressed after learning Santa doesn’t exist. Meanwhile, Bloo pulls a few pranks in the vein of A Christmas Carol. The moral of this episode is never give up the holiday spirit when it comes to spending time with your friend and family. Another moral for kids is never mistreat others or else you’ll nothing but coal on your stocking.
10. Billy and Mandy Save Christmas
Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Another show I used to watch as a kid is “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.” After Santa (voiced by the late Gilbert Gottfried) becomes a vampire. Billy, Mandy & Grim take over Santa’s chores. The latter two hunt down the vampire who bit Kris Kringle while the former stays at The North Pole. A Plot Twist reveals the target’s identity. I liked the surreal humor, visual gags a fart sound effect, Billy’s stupidity & Mandy’s snarky one liners.
9. Codename: Kids Next Door – Operation: N.A.U.G.H.T.Y.
Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Yet another show I watched during my childhood. Framed by their foes The Delightful Children from Down the Lane (who speak in unison) frame the KND in an attempt to obtain every single present for themselves. The KND and Santa Elves join forces to prevent the baddies from achieving victory. Santa’s Elves pays tribute to the “X-Men.” One of them resembles Wolverine (my all-time favorite Marvel character) who has candy canes for claws. As a lifelong fan of Marvel, I strongly approve.
8. The Powerpuff Girls – Twas the Fight Before Christmas
Final Verdict: A-
A non-stop entertaining Christmas special, the titular trio discover their enemy Princess Morbucks alters Santa’s nice and naughty list making every nice kid naughty and herself solely on the nice list. Kinda like KND’s Christmas special with the bad guys who want presents. The Stakes are drastically high now that Princess wished she has powers. If it weren’t for an animation error with Princess’ lips not moving, this would’ve been a flawless episode. An A- is up there.
7. A Johnny Bravo Christmas
Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
On Christmas Eve Johnny forgets to mail letters to Santa a month ago. With time running out, he and his next-door-neighbor Suzy travel to North Pole so they can deliver the letters to Santa in person. Donny Osmond guest stars as himself. As usual, Johnny acts like a moron hitting on women, always gets himself into trouble. Despite this, he finally overcomes an obstacle with good results.
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003) – The Christmas Aliens
Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
The 2003 version of TMNT is my personal favorite which used to air on Cartoon Network’s former block, Miguzi. During the holiday, Michelangelo or Mikey for short, spots thieves stealing a truck full of toys that are intended to go to an orphanage. With a heavy heart, Mikey goes on a solo mission to stop the thieves. Meanwhile, his brothers, Splinter, April, Casey and the other characters wait patiently for him. A decent third season premiere, The Christmas Aliens is a breath of fresh air without all four turtles in battle.
5. Justice League – Comfort and Joy
Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
A breather episode, Superman invites Martian Manhunter to spend time with Jonathan & Marta Kent. Green Lantern/John Stewart & Hawkgirl go on a date. The Flash entertains a group of orphans, his goal is to deliver toys to them. Despite Batman & Wonder Woman are absent, it’s a solid non-stakes episode allowing our heroes to have a holiday break. Think of it as a side quest. It’s heartwarming Martian Manhunter learns the true meaning of Christmas.
4. Courage the Cowardly Dog – The Nutcracker
Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Courage, Muriel & Eustace dumpster dive through a junkyard. The former finds a nutcracker toy. Suddenly, two rats capture Muriel & Eustace leaving Courage to rescue them. I really enjoyed this episode seeing Courage and the rats duke it out while Nutcracker’s music synchronizes the mood. If you have a good memory, there’s a Robot Randy toy.
3. Regular Show – The Christmas Special
Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Santa recruits Mordecai & Rigby to destroy a magical present made by a dark elf. Basically, the plot from “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.” The duo’s accompanied by Benson, Skips, Hi Five Ghost, Pops & Muscle Man fighting their way through henchman as well as overcoming obstacles. This episode pays tribute to action movies set during Christmas including “Die Hard” & “Lethal Weapon.” Let’s face it, Regular Show has surreal moments in any episode. At least the plot of The Christmas Special’s 100 times better than “Eragon.”
2. Adventure Time – Holly Jolly Secrets
Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
In this two-parter, Finn & Jake invite their friends over to their home upon discovering Ice King’s recorded diaries. In a shocking twist, we learn about Ice King’s origins prior to his transformation. He was once a human named, Simon. Ice King’s tragic past is further explored in another episode, “Simon & Marcy.” Even though Ice King’s their foe, Finn & Jake invites him over.
Honorable Mentions
- Johnny Bravo – Twas the Night
- Ben 10 – Merry Christmas
- Regular Show – Merry Christmas Mordecai
Dishonorable Mentions
- Any Teen Titans Go Holiday Special
- Dexter’s Laboratory – Dexter VS. Santa Claws
1. Ed, Edd n Eddy’s Jingle Jingle Jangle
Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
My number one Cartoon Network Christmas Special is from one of my favorite shows growing up, “Ed, Edd n Eddy.” Set during Christmas season, The Eds celebrate the holidays. Eddy’s latest scheme is to snatch presents from their neighbors while Ed and Double D try to teach him a valuable lesson about Christmas. I laughed so hard whenever Ed acts stupid over his excitement for Santa. You can’t forget visual gags, absurd sound effects, slapstick and The Kanker Sisters. Near the end, The Eds have a heartwarming scene involving the true meaning of Christmas. The Ending is played for laughs. If you’ve seen it, you probably know why.
That’s my Top 12 Cartoon Network Christmas Specials. What are your favorites? Please leave a comment and I’ll respond back.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 
Me too. Cartoon Network during my elementary school days up to June 2004, when I finished grade school, was the best for me. I call it the golden days of Cartoon Network.
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I loved the Christmas special of “The Powerpuff Girls.” I also found the concept to be similar to that of “Kids Next Door” interesting.
The idea of a “Looney Tunes” Christmas Carol of Lola trying to prevent a stage performance of it was very unexpected.
Great list!
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Thanks. I miss Cartoon Network’s good ol’ days before Teen Titans Go.
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