From Rudolph to Frosty: The Rankin/Bass Specials That Made the Holidays

For many families, the holiday season doesn’t begin until the stop-motion magic of Rankin/Bass fills our TV’s. For my family, these specials have been a yearly tradition since I was a kid. Whether it was Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, or another holiday, their specials always brought some entertainment and fun to the season.

These were stories about “misfits,” kindness, legend, and finding where you belong, and that’s part of why they’ve lasted for generations. The following is my personal list of Rankin/Bass Christmas specials.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

This is my favorite Christmas special of all time. Rudolph’s journey from bullied misfit to hero is powerful. I’ve always loved the adventure he takes alongside Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius (who I may resemble just a little). Together, they search for a place where they belong while staying one step ahead of the Bumble. It’s a story about friendship, courage, and accepting who you are, all wrapped up in one unforgettable holiday classic.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)

You might think you know Santa’s story, but this special tells it in a way that feels fresh and heartfelt. From humble beginnings as an orphan to becoming the jolly gift-giver we all know, this is Santa’s full origin story. It’s warm, funny, and surprisingly emotional, reminding us that kindness and generosity can change the world — one toy at a time.

The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus (1985)

This one has always stood out to me as the most mysterious and underrated of the Rankin/Bass specials. Told through a council of strange and sometimes unsettling forest beings, the story explores why Santa deserves immortality. As a kid, I was fascinated by the darker tone and eerie characters — especially the one evil presence trying to sabotage Santa’s fate. For years, I thought I had imagined this special because no one else remembered it. Rediscovering it as an adult and finally sharing it with friends felt like uncovering a lost holiday treasure.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

A true classic, Frosty the Snowman blends holiday fun with real tension and heart. Frosty’s race against time and a greedy magician who wants his magic hat makes for a surprisingly emotional story. And of course, the theme song remains one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. It’s impossible not to smile when Frosty comes to life.

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

This special comes closest to capturing the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus. It’s not flashy, but it’s powerful and a reminder of hope, humility, during the holiday season.

Jack Frost (1979)

Jack Frost is a weird and bittersweet story. Jack gives up his magic to become human for a woman he falls in love with and learns what it’s like to be human along the way. While it’s often presented as a happy ending, I’ve always found the story more tragic than joyful, as not only does the woman go on to marry another man, but Jack is forced to return to his spirit form to save the day. It’s a thoughtful reminder that love alone isn’t always enough, and that some gifts, like Jack’s magic, are needed by the world more than we realize.