Christmas TV 2011: Buble, 'Modern Family,' a Drunken 'Office' Boss and an Evil Snow Globe

Christmas TV 2011: Buble, 'Modern Family,' a Drunken 'Office' Boss and an Evil Snow Globe

Published: December 06, 2011 @ 3:09 pm
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By Kimberly Potts

There's nothing like a little channel surfing to get you in the holiday mood, and our holiday TV guide includes festive primetime viewing options -- and a few non-holiday specials -- for every night from now through Dec. 25.

Dec. 6
"A Michael Buble Christmas," 8/7c, NBC
The Canadian crooner goes retro with this groovy holiday variety show special, including a comedy sketch (complete with ugly Christmas sweaters) with "The Office" star Ed Helms and, of course, holiday music performances with guests Justin Bieber and Kellie Pickler.

"Eureka," "Warehouse 13" and "Haven," 8/7c, Syfy
Syfy's signature dramas get the holiday treatment, including an animated "Eureka" that includes guest stars Chris Parnell, Edward James Olmos and Jim Parsons (as the voice of a Jeep).

Also read: 'Jersey Shore' Christmas Ornaments: Who's Dreaming of an Orange Christmas?

"Chopped," 10/9c, Food Network
The holiday-themed challenge is called "Can't Catch Me, I'm the Gingerbread Lobster!" which should scare contestants about what's in those mystery baskets.

Dec. 7
"The Middle," 8/7c, ABC
It's a Christmas miracle! Okay, not so much a miracle, but a really fun episode when the hilarious Paul Hipp returns as singing preacher Rev. TimTom, who Sue recruits to explain the holidays to Brick.

"Up All Night," 8/7c, NBC
Blythe Danner guest stars as Reagan's mom, who comes to the rescue when Reagan wants to whip up a special first Christmas for Amy.

"Modern Family," 9/8c, ABC
The Pritchett fam's plan to celebrate the holidays early leads to some strange pairings: Gloria and Luke are in charge of ornaments, Phil and Manny go shopping for groceries and Jay and Cam are on official gift-wrapping duty.

"Happy Endings," 9:30/8:30c, ABC
A skint (broke) Max agrees to play Santa for cash in the episode titled "Grinches Be Crazy."

Dec. 8
"Community," 8/7c, NBC
The study group becomes Greendale's choir in this "Glee"-ful holiday episode, which, yes, of course, finds Dean Pelton in a Christmas sweater.

"Wipeout: Winter Wipeout," 8/7c, ABC
Newbie co-host Vanessa Lachey joins the fun as contestants take on the Nutcracker Sweet, Santa's Workshop and the Jingle Balls.

Also read: Johnny Depp Sparks Pre-Christmas Outrage With 'Appalling' Jesus Song

"Parks and Recreation," 8:30/7:30c, NBC
Which staffer will be the one to come up with the perfect Christmas for Leslie?

"America's Funniest Home Videos: Christmas Spectacular," 9/8c, ABC
Embarrassing holiday-related family videos. Everyone's got 'em, but these families were willing to share theirs.

"The Office," 9/8c, NBC
"The Office" Christmas episodes have been among the show's best, but it may be tough to celebrate the season when boss Robert California just wants to drown his sorrows.

"Whitney," 9:30/8:30c, NBC
Introducing Whitney's 'rents -- played by Jane Kaczmarek and Peter Gallagher -- who mess up her plans to hang with friends for the holidays.

Tags: Charlie Brown, Christmas, Christmas TV, Holiday TV, Holidays, Television
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