For those of us who go around wishing that every show would pull a Buffy or a Grey's Anatomy and give us a musical episode, the holidays can be an added treat. What are your favorite Christmas musical moments on television? Whether it's everyone putting aside their differences for a quick carol, a poignant parody that pokes fun at an outdated tradition, or big production number, there are so many to choose from!
Music is such an important part of Christmas, from traditional songs to putting a new spin on The Nutcracker and watching all of your favorite celebrities don winter apparel and try to win us over with a hit. It brings us together. A lot of us associate memories and warm feelings of holidays with particular tunes. I like to think that's the same way with television — a lot of my favorite Christmas songs on TV bring back equally pleasant memories. Without further ado, here are some musical moments from various Christmas episodes that are sure to put a spring in your step this holiday season — and not only that, I'll tell you how to find the episode so you can relive all those musical memories with you and yours!
"Little Drummer Boy," The West Wing
This is one where two scenes, first where the President listens to a children's choir and second Toby attends a military funeral that he arranged for a homeless veteran, fit together perfectly and I get chills. The episode in question is "In Excelcis Deo" and you can watch it on Netflix.
"O Holy Night," Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip
OK, this wasn't the most popular Aaron Sorkin show — it was canceled after one season. However, West Wing fans know that he gets Christmas episodes right, and this moment is proof. The plot revolved around a California-based Late Night show's house band intentionally subbing out so that their post-Katrina musician friends from Louisiana could get some extra work. The horn player is Trombone Shorty, and the show isn't on any streaming service, but this "Holy Night" from Studio 60 is one of the best.
"Baby It's Cold Outside," Glee
Obviously, Glee has more than a few classics, but I'm gonna toss this one to the Klaine fans. It takes a lot for me to not be skeeved out by this song's lyrics, but Kurt and Blaine manage to make it cute. You can watch all the Christmas Glee episodes on Netflix!
"Teach Me How To Understand Christmas," Community
There are a ton of amazing musical moments between the Season 2 and Season 3 episodes "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas" and "Regional Holiday Music," (both of which you can watch in full on Hulu Plus) but this song that makes fun of "Santa Baby" is my absolute favorite. "Baby Boomer Santa" and "Christmas Infiltration" with Troy and Abed are also perfect.
"Phoebe's Christmas Song," Friends
Duh. There are plenty of Friends holiday episodes on Netflix, but who can resist a Phoebe song?
"Christmas Time For The Jews," Saturday Night Live
For those who don't celebrate Christmas, Dec. 25 can be a holiday for other reasons, which Saturday Night Live proved in this musical short. Of course, if "D*ck in a Box" or "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" is more your jam, I completely understand. Full Christmas episodes can be found on Hulu and Netflix, but you're often better off searching for clips.
"Barney's Heather Carols," How I Met Your Mother
It's Barney and it's gross on one level, but it's annoying Ted on a much more important level. This is from Season 4, Episode 11 "Little Minnesota" and you can watch it on Netflix!
"I Saw The Light," Orange Is The New Black
Can you imagine that we didn't even know the true power and potential of Norma back when this aired on Netflix?
"O Holy Night," It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
There's also a musical animated segment in the episode "A Very Sunny Christmas," (which you can watch on Netflix), but I like this moment too.
"The 12 Days Of Christmas," Scrubs
Shout out to those who have to work, especially in the hospital, during the holidays. All seasons of Scrubs are on Netflix too!
"The Angel's Song" My So-Called Life
Not to be a total hipster, but "My So-Called Angels" is one of my favorite Christmas episodes of all time. This musical performance by a homeless teenager, which captivates Angela Chase, is one of the episode's many magical moments. You can watch this show on Hulu Plus, what are you waiting for?
"The Christmas Song," Empire (Sort Of)
Empire hasn't done a Christmas episode yet, but clips like this from Taraji and Terrence's White Hot Holidays prove they need to like yesterday!
"All I Want For Christmas Is You," Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
Best ever! Check out NBC or Hulu to watch more clips like these. Are you in the holiday spirit yet? Music like this is the best way to get you there!
Image: NBC
