Top 10 Best Nickelodeon Christmas Specials

“iCarly” (2007-12)


Unsatisfied with Spencer’s homemade electromagnetic Christmas tree, a frustrated Carly wishes that he was born normal. Her guardian angel, Mitch, grants her wish, and it completely turns Carly’s life upside down in the worst possible ways – normal Spencer is a bore, Carly is dating her worst enemy, Sam and Freddy never became her best friends, and worst of all… “iCarly” never existed. This parody of “It’s a Wonderful Life” shows that even if your siblings are abnormal, you should at least appreciate their creative quirks –especially during the holidays-because they leave a bigger mark on who you are as a person than you realize.

“My Life as a Teenage Robot” (2003-09)


On the day after Christmas, Jenny volunteers to be a lonely little boy’s present… until it turns out that the kid’s a spoiled brat out to destroy everyone’s holiday cheer. He knocks her out and has her unconsciously destroy every major holiday all year – and Christmas is next on the chopping block. Poor Jenny tries to clear her name, only to go toe-to-toe with Santa Claus himself – and it is definitely the brawl of the season. Sadly, not even good deeds on Christmas go unpunished and instead lead to a surprisingly dark, action-packed scenario – sprinkled with hilarious yuletide shout outs. Fortunately, there is a happy ending – for both Jenny, AND the lonely brat.

“The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17)


Having it be Christmas everyday sounds like a dream come true – so that’s exactly what Timmy wishes for. At first, it feels like paradise… until the backlash emerges – the fairies are practically powerless, the adults have had their fill, and the other holiday icons are hunting down the overworked Santa for stealing their spotlight. With Cosmo and Wanda out of magic, it’s up to Timmy and every kid in the world to save Santa and finally put an end to the never-ending Christmas. If this hilarious adventure taught us anything, it’s to appreciate ALL the holidays, but it’s for the best that they only come once a year.

“Danny Phantom” (2004-07)


After too many traumatic childhood experiences thanks to his parents, Danny downright hates the holidays. Unfortunately, his frustration ends up crossing the Ghostwriter, who writes Danny into a living, rhyming yuletide story as punishment. After inadvertently ruining everyone’s holiday, Danny teams up with his surprisingly festive ghostly enemies to stop the Ghostwriter and make amends to everyone in Amity Park. This cleverly written, poetic episode shows how everyone celebrates the holidays in their own way, and even if you’re having a blue Christmas, be careful who you lash out at. You could hurt your loved ones or end up in a greeting card-esque nightmare.

“The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” (2002-06)


We’ve all got that one Santa skeptic in class, so who else but our own boy genius, Jimmy Neutron? Determined to prove that there’s no Santa, Jimmy takes Carl and Sheen to the North Pole… only to discover the toy factory and accidentally halt production. The trio takes up the task of delivering the presents… but end up way over their heads and need to be rescued by none other than Santa himself – voiced by Mel Brooks. Some things can’t really be explained with science, such as the magic of the season; and honestly, basking in the warmth of Christmas sounds way better than trying to debunk Santa… or creating a holiday like Pule.

“The Loud House” (2016-)


While the Louds are getting pumped for Christmas night, Lincoln tries to retrieve his missing sled from the grinchy Mr. Grouse’s yard… only to learn the sad reason behind his neighbor’s holiday humbug. It turns out Grouse has a large family too… and he doesn’t have the luxury of seeing them on Christmas as the Louds do. So Lincoln brings his family and friends together to lift the old grouch’s spirits. It’s normal to lose yourself in the glitz, glamor, and chaos of the holiday, but never forget to give a little cheer to those who could use it more than ever – after all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

“Drake & Josh” (2004-07)


In the series’ epilogue film, Drake and Josh land in more hot water than they ever have before. After a misunderstanding at a Christmas party, the boys end up getting arrested and in order to avoid going to jail, they have to fulfill a promise Drake made to give a foster family their best Christmas ever. Unfortunately, most of their attempts are in vain thanks to a Scrooge-like parole officer. At first, it seems like the boys are only doing this to avoid prison, and their best attempts usually fall flat, but they genuinely care about keeping their promise to a family that needs the Christmas cheer the most. Plus, it’s a real treat to see the cast reunite for the holidays.

“Rugrats” (1991-2004)


The grown-ups want to make this Christmas extra special for the kids, but little do they know that the babies are facing their own yuletide troubles. Tommy wants to prove to Chuckie that Santa isn’t scary by catching him, while Angelica tries to get back on the nice list after tricking Phil and Lil with a “Gift of the Magi” scenario. This special instantly counts as a classic, not just for being one of the very first Nicktoon Christmas specials, but because of the nostalgic feeling of a typical white Christmas between family and friends from both children and adult perspectives – with a surprising, festive twist at the end

“SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)


In his debut appearance, Patchy the Pirate – SpongeBob’s biggest fan – tells the story of Bikini Bottom’s very first Christmas. After Sandy teaches SpongeBob about the season, the little square dude rallies the whole town – minus a doubtful Squidward – to prepare for Santa Claus' arrival… only to be disappointed when he doesn’t come to town. In a shocking turn of events, Squidward goes out of his way to cheer up the heartbroken sponge and bring everyone’s Christmas spirit back. From SpongeBob’s excitement about spreading joy under the sea, to Squidward showing compassion for his most hated neighbor, this is a hilariously heartwarming story that recaptures the feeling of our very first holiday season.





Before we unveil our jolliest pick, here are a few honorable mentions.



“Big Time Christmas”

“Big Time Rush” (2009-13)





“Merry Christmas, Kenan”

“Kenan & Kel” (1996-2000)


“A Christmas Tori”

“Victorious” (2010-13)

“Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004)


While Helga struggles to find the perfect gift for her beloved football head, Arnold knows exactly what he wants to get Mr. Hyunh for Christmas – he hopes to reunite the lonely boarder with his long-lost daughter. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done, and even the normally optimistic Arnold may have to admit defeat near the end… or will he? Not only is this considered one of the most emotionally heavy episodes of “Hey Arnold!,” but it also perfectly captures the true meaning of Christmas – bringing families together, and putting your own needs aside to make the ones you love happy – even if it seems a little too miraculous.