Since its 1965 debut, A Charlie Brown Christmas has entertained generations during the holiday season. No one foresaw that an animated special based on a newspaper comic strip would make millions of people laugh, hum along to its jazzy score, and absorb poignant lessons about Christmas and self-worth—for decades. Unfortunately, A Charlie Brown Christmas is no longer available to watch on traditional TV, but you can stream it for free. You simply need the right video streaming service. So, grab your ugly sweater, find a comfy seat, gather loved ones, and stream A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Where to Stream “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
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Is ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ on Netflix?
No, A Charlie Brown Christmas isn’t on Netflix. You see, Apple scooped up the Peanuts rights to bring beloved specials to its video streaming service, including classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. The company also produced new holiday-themed specials, such as Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne and Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love. So, there’s only one place to watch the Charlie Brown specials, including A Charlie Brown Christmas: Apple TV. At least for now! Sony purchased a majority stake in Peanuts Holding, so it may be a matter of time before Charlie Brown and friends jump ship to a new platform.
Can You Stream a ‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ for Free On Apple TV?
Yes, but with a caveat. Apple TV starts at $12.99 per month, but you don’t need to shell out money to stream A Charlie Brown Christmas: just sign up for the seven-day free trial. Even better, you can extend that trial to a lengthy three months if you’ve purchased an iPad or iPhone. You must provide credit or debit card information to sign up for the trial, so remember to cancel if you don’t wish to continue with the service.
Will ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Air on Regular TV?
Nope. Unlike a few years ago, Apple will not let PBS broadcast the special live on TV. As with It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and other Peanuts programming, it’s Apple TV or bust. This will likely be the case again next year. Still, keep an eye on PBS Video or another live TV streaming service just in case A Charlie Brown Christmas pops up elsewhere in the future.
Can You Watch ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ With a VPN?
Browsing the internet with a VPN is one of the smartest ways to keep yourself safe online. However, many video streaming services don’t work with VPNs because spoofing your geographic location interferes with regional licensing deals. During our tests, we’ve been able to enjoy Apple TV without issue, even when connected to a VPN. That can always change in the future, but for now, a VPN won’t get in the way of your Charlie Brown streaming plans.
Where Can You Stream the ‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ Soundtrack?
The music featured in the Peanuts specials is arguably just as iconic as the characters. If you want to enjoy amazing jazz tunes by the talented Vince Guaraldi Trio, such as “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Linus and Lucy,” or “Skating,” fire up a streaming music service. Top platforms, such as Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music, let you enjoy Guaraldi’s classic compositions with just a few clicks.
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Jeffrey L. Wilson
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Since 2004, I’ve written about consumer tech for many publications, including 1UP, Laptop, Parenting, Sync, Wise Bread, and WWE. I now apply that knowledge and skill set as the managing editor of PCMag’s apps and gaming team.
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Jordan Minor
Senior Writer, Software
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My PCMag career began in 2013 as an intern. Now, I’m a senior writer, using the skills I acquired at Northwestern University to write about dating apps, meal kits, programming software, website builders, video streaming services, and video games. I was previously a senior editor at Geek.com and have written for The A.V. Club, Kotaku, and Paste Magazine. I’m the author of the gaming history book Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977, and the reason everything you know about Street Sharks is a lie.
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