'90s Christmas TV Episodes Worth Revisiting

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ANIMANIACS

1993's "Twas the Day Before Christmas" (Season 2, Episode 15)

At under 12 minutes, not only is this easy to digest, but it's also the perfect reminder of just how brilliant this "kids' show" really was.

Stream it on Hulu

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BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER

1998's "Amends" (Season 3, Episode 10)

Nothing says "Merry Christmas!" like watching your vampire boyfriend confront the sins of his past. Pass the eggnog!

Stream it on Netflix

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FRIENDS

1996's "The One Where Rachel Quits" (Season 3, Episode 10)

Phoebe is heartbroken when Joey tells her what happens to all the unwanted trees in his lot, so the gang decides to save them all, creating what Chandler refers to as "Night of the Living Dead Christmas Trees."

Stream it on HBO Max

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SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH

1998's "Christmas Amnesia" (Season 3, Episode 11)

In an attempt to get out of Christmas Eve dinner with her aunts, Sabrina accidentally erases the holiday completely. Can she restore Christmas before it's too late?! (Spoiler alert: Yes. Yes, she can.)

Stream it on Hulu

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SAVED BY THE BELL

1991's "Home for Christmas" (Season 4, Episodes 24–25)

In this festive two-parter, Zack falls for a homeless girl who lives at the mall... and is never heard from again after this episode. Dun, dun, dunnnnn!

Stream it on Hulu

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THE SIMPSONS

1997's "Miracle on Evergreen Terrace" (Season 9, Episode 11)

After accidentally burning down the Christmas tree (and all the presents), Bart tells his family they've been robbed, leading to an outpouring of support from the community — and a nasty backlash when the truth is finally revealed.

Stream it on Disney+

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SOUTH PARK

1999's "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics" (Season 3, Episode 15)

With music from Marc Shaiman (Hairspray, Smash, etc.), this collection of twisted holiday tunes — hosted by the show's toilet-born Christmas mascot — is a filthy, wonderful masterpiece.

Stream it on HBO Max

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THE WEST WING

1999's "In Excelsis Deo" (Season 1, Episode 10)

This one may not be the most feel-good episode on our list, but it earned writers Aaron Sorkin and Rick Cleveland an Emmy — and is there any better gift for a TV show?

Stream it on Netflix

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XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS

1996's "A Solstice Carol" (Season 2, Episode 9)

Oh, you didn't think Xena had a holiday episode? Well, it did. In fact, the episode even features an appearance from — wait for it — Mary, Joseph and newborn baby Jesus, who run into Xena and Gabrielle on the road.

Stream it on the NBC app

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