The Ultimate ’90s & 2000s Cartoon Christmas Special Guide

Here you will find a curated list of Christmas specials from ’90s and early-2000s cartoons.
Proceed with joy… and at your own risk too.

Whether you’re a grown-up craving that warm, fuzzy rush of childhood Christmas episodes, a parent hoping to show your kids the chaos of the shows you grew up with, or simply someone scrolling in a festive (or slightly Grinchy) mood—this list is for you.

Here you will find a curated list of Christmas specials from ’90s and early-2000s cartoons. Proceed with joy… and at your own risk too—hey, it’s the 90’s after all.

Note: Availability may vary by region, so feel free to watch whatever you can access on the platforms you already have. And if you’re spoiler-phobic or prefer going in blind, let yourself be guided by the “best for” vibes rather than the episode summaries.

 1. Hey Arnold! (1996–2022)

Best for: Sentimental vibes, heartfelt stories
Recommended for: Ages 6+
Where to watch: Paramount +

Series Snapshot:

“Hey Arnold!” follows fourth-grader Arnold as he navigates life in Hillwood’s multicultural boarding house, surrounded by quirky neighbors and even quirkier friends.

S1.E11: Arnold’s Christmas

IMDb Rating: ★ 9.4/10

We begin strong with the emotional heavyweight of Christmas specials. Arnold wants to make Secret Santa truly meaningful by helping Mr. Hyunh reunite with the daughter he was separated from years ago. Meanwhile, Helga sacrifices her own wishes for the perfect gift for Arnold.

Tender, touching, unforgettable—this one hits deep.

2. Recess – Disney+ (1997–2001)

Best for: Lighthearted fun, playground drama
Recommended for: Ages 6+

Series Snapshot:

A group of six friends navigate the highs and lows of elementary school, complete with playground hierarchies, kid logic.

S2.E17: Yes, Mikey, Santa Does Shave – Part 1 & Part 2

IMDb Rating: ★ 7.3/10

Recess has always hit the mark with children’s politics, and its Christmas specials are no exception, featuring a surprisingly heartwarming story arc about Mikey. In the first part, Mikey is shown still believing in Santa Claus and wanting to prove his existence. This is a wholesome “coming-of-age” story that I highly recommend watching. The second part deals with the return of the Christmas charity drive, and while Mikey genuinely wants to help, the rest of the gang is determined to defeat the Ashleys. Classic Recess chaos.

3. Dexter’s Laboratory (1996–2003)

Best for: Sibling rivalry, quick laughs
Recommended for: Ages 6+
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play

Series Snapshot:

Dexter is a boy genius with a secret lab… and a sister determined to sabotage everything he builds.

S2.E9: Snowdown / Figure Not Included / Mock 5

IMDb Rating: ★ 7.8/10

If you grew up in the 2000s, you know that Dexter’s biggest beyond-any-holiday enemy was Dee Dee, his sister. The winter segment “Snowdown” delivers a pure snowball war. Dee Dee unleashes chaos. Dexter panics. The usual. And if you think this 5 minutes long episode was too short, I have a bonus for you: Watch Dexter’s Laboratory Season 2 Episode Dexter vs. Santa’s Claws.

4. The Weekenders (2000–2004)

Best for: Cozy weekend vibes, irreverent humor
Recommended for: Ages 7+
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube

Series Snapshot:

Four best friends—Tino, Lor, Carver, and Tish—take on life’s triumphs and disasters from Friday to Sunday.

S3.E25: The Worst Holiday Ever

IMDb Rating: ★ 7.0/10

This show is for the weekend and its special is perfect if your holidays have ever gone off the rails. The gang shares stories about their most disastrous holidays. Spoiler: everyone’s holiday trauma is very entertaining and there’s a lot of “of-its-time” humor. Beware.

5. Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends (2004–2009)

Best for: Whimsy, silliness, heartfelt moments
Recommended for: Ages 6+
Where to watch: HBO Max

Series Snapshot:

Mac and the imaginary friend he loves are welcomed into a shelter for forgotten imaginary companions, a place where they wait to be chosen by new children

S3.E10: A Lost Claus

IMDb Rating: ★ 7.5/10

This special has everything: imaginary Santas, existential doubt, and Bloo being naughty (obviously). When multiple imaginary Santas show up at Foster’s, Mac begins doubting the existence of the real one. This is  a classic Christmas tale, with a bit of a twist and the edgy style of Cartoon Network. I don’t know about you, but rewatching Foster’s Home hits differently when you’re an adult, and this episode was no exception. Bittersweet.

6. The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (2003–2007)

Best for: Dark humor, bizarre holiday chaos
Recommended for: Ages 8+
Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV; clips on Cartoon Network YouTube

Series Snapshot:

The Grim Reaper becomes the companion of two children. Two lives ahead and death become friends, there’s nothing else you should know.

S4.E7: Billy and Mandy Save Christmas

IMDb Rating: ★ 8.1/10

Only this show could make Christmas both chilly and warm. In this episode, Santa Claus has turned into a vampire. Billy and Mandy, along with some quirky friends, must reverse the transformation and save Christmas. It’s weird, creepy, grotesque (as you’d expect), and controversial. Pure 2000s fun.

7. Rugrats (1991–2003)

Best for: Family themes, gentle humor
Recommended for: Ages 4+
Where to watch: Paramount+

Series Snapshot:

Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Phil and Lil are a group of toddlers who navigate life through imagination, adventures and challenges while living within the constraints of being cute little babies.

S2.E14: The Santa Experience

IMDb Rating: ★ 8.2/10

A sweet and chaotic look at Christmas through the eyes of small children. Follow Angelica and her Christmas ambitions, while Tommy and Chuckie discover how they feel about Santa. Meanwhile, the families head to a mountain cabin for the perfect Christmas.

I hope this list helps make your quiet holidays a little more exciting, or your hectic ones a bit calmer and cozier. Take whatever you need from it and enjoy with an open heart. Happy holidays, everyone!