PALEY
SCREENINGS
Daily Screenings from the Paley Archive
Wednesdays – Sundays, 12:00 – 6:00 pm
The Paley Museum, 25 W 52 Street, NYC
Experience the magic of community as you watch compelling programming on our impressive big screens! Our daily screenings foster an intimate atmosphere that brings television to life, expertly curated from our vast collection spanning a century of television and radio, chosen just for you. No matter what is showing, The Paley Museum offers an unforgettable experience for TV enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
When your favorite television shows aren’t showing on the big screen, the Paley Archive grants you unlimited access to our extensive programming catalog. Immerse yourself in television history with just a few clicks and enjoy your favorite shows and iconic moments in our intimate library space.
Current screening schedules for our theaters are listed below.
Notes:
Bennack Theater: On Dec. 5 & 12 there will be no screenings.
Second Floor Theater: On Dec. 5 screenings will begin at 2:45 pm.
Dec. 11, screenings will begin at 1:30 pm.
Dec. 12, no screenings.
Dec. 13 & 19, screenings begin at 3 pm.
Dec. 14, screenings begin at 4 pm.
Paley Members attend screenings for free with a guest, included in Paley Museum admission, plus priority access to ticketed events, once-in-a-lifetime VIP experiences, and more. Become a Member now for this and many other benefits.
Holiday Family Classics
Jolly Holiday Specials
A Very Twisted Christmas
Disney Holiday Specials
Ring in the New Year
Daily Screenings from the Paley Archive
Holiday Family Classics
December 1, 8, 15, 18 – 22, 2024 (Bennack Theater)
Get in the holiday spirit early and enjoy a uniquely curated mix of past and present holiday family specials, beginning with Disney Branded Television’s brand new An Almost Christmas Story from Disney+! Be the first to see a sneak peek of Disney Jr.’s new holiday special Mickey and the Very Many Christmases in our theater beginning on Nov. 29. Watch stop-motion classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and favorite animated specials as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and A Rugrats Chanukah. For even more holiday cheer, check out many more festive treasures among the 160,000 television and radio programs preserved in the Paley Archive.
12:10 pm (for Bennack Theater Screenings only)
An Almost Christmas Story
An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. (2024, Disney+)
12:30 pm
Dora the Explorer: "Dora Saves Three Kings Day"
Dora, Diego, and Boots must stop Swiper from stealing the joy out of Three Kings Day. (2009, Nickelodeon)
12:55 pm
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the stop motion Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass produced special follows the story of Rudolph on the night he saved Christmas. (1964, NBC)
1:45 pm
Frosty the Snowman
Inspired by the holiday tune “Frosty the Snowman,” this classic animated Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass special follows the Snowman after he’s brought to life the day before Christmas. (1969, CBS)
2:10 pm
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Charlie Brown learns the true meaning of Christmas with a little help from the Peanuts gang. (1965, CBS)
2:35 pm
A Rugrats Chanukah
In the first Chanukah special in a children’s series, the characters of Rugrats transport themselves into the story of Judah and the history behind the Jewish holiday. (1996, Nickelodeon)
3:00 pm
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Looney Tunes alum Chuck Jones animates this classic Dr. Seuss story narrated by actor Boris Karloff. (1966, CBS)
3:25 pm (Screening November 23 – 28 only)
Bugs Bunny’s Looney Christmas Tales
Join Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, Wile E. Coyote, Porky Pig, Road Runner, and other Looney Tunes friends as they celebrate Christmas in these three special holiday shorts. (1979, CBS)
3:25 pm (Screening November 29 – December 22)
Special Early Premiere!
Mickey and the Very Many Christmases
Mickey makes a magical wish that every day could be Christmas but winds up having second thoughts when his wish actually comes true. (2024, Disney Jr.)
3:50 pm
A Rugrats Kwanzaa
A misunderstanding leads Susie and the other babies of Rugrats to learn about Kwanzaa. (2001, Nickelodeon)
4:15 pm
A Garfield Christmas Special
In this holiday episode, Jon announces that he, Garfield, and Odie are going to spend the holiday with his family on their farm. Garfield immediately becomes friends with Jon’s cat-loving grandmother, who misses her late husband. The family spends Christmas Eve singing songs and telling stories. Odie secretly makes Garfield a unique gift and Garfield finds the perfect present for Jon’s grandmother. (1987, CBS)
4:40 pm
Mickey Saves Christmas
Mickey Saves Christmas is a stop-motion holiday special that follows Mickey, Minnie, and their pals as they attempt to celebrate the perfect Christmas at their snowy cabin. When Pluto causes Santa to lose all his presents, the friends travel to the North Pole to save Christmas and find the true meaning of the holiday. (2022, Disney+)
5:05 pm
An Almost Christmas Story
An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. (2024, Disney+)
Daily Screenings from the Paley Archive
Jolly Holiday Specials from the Paley Archive
December 26, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (Bennack Theater)
Enjoy more magical holiday-themed programs from the Paley Archive.
12:30 pm Second Floor Theater
12:10 pm Bennack Theater
I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown
In this Peanuts special, Linus and Lucy’s younger brother Rerun wants a dog for Christmas. He asks Charlie Brown if he can play with Snoopy, but Charlie Brown’s companion has things to do and doesn’t have time. Rerun writes a letter to Santa, and Snoopy and Charlie Brown try to help by inviting Snoopy’s desert-dwelling cousin, Spike, to come for a visit. (2003, ABC)
1:30 pm Second Floor Theater
1:10 pm Bennack Theater
Arthur’s Perfect Christmas
Based on the beloved book series by Marc Brown, about Arthur Read, this holiday-themed musical special follows the residents of Elwood City as they prepare for the holidays, and Arthur expresses his excitement for a "Perfect Christmas." D.W. obsesses over her letter to Santa, desperate for a "Tiny Tina, the Talking Tabby" toy. While at school, self-proclaimed "Princess of Christmas" Muffy invites everyone to her holiday soirée, oblivious to Francine's protestations that she cannot attend, as her family will be busy with Hanukkah celebrations. Arthur's classmates describe their own traditions, complete with Binky's terrible homemade treats, as Buster admits that his recently divorced mother keeps mistaking the day of Christmas in her desperation to make the holiday special. (2000, PBS)
2:30 pm Second Floor Theater
2:10 pm Bennack Theater
The Wonderful World of Disney: Eloise at Christmastime
This made-for-television production, based on the eponymous 1958 children's book by Kay Thompson, is about the mischievous six-year-old Eloise (Sofia Vassilieva), who lives in the penthouse of New York City's Plaza Hotel. Follow the spirited little girl and her nanny (Julie Andrews), as they prepare for Christmas and go on a mission to find presents sent by her mother in Paris. Eloise finds herself in a series of situations that are both hilarious and heartwarming, sure to make you smile. (2002, ABC)
4:25 pm Second Floor Theater
4:05 pm Bennack Theater
The Wonderful World of Disney: I’ll Be Home for Christmas
In this special Disney Christmas classic movie, Jake (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) must overcome a series of humorous and perilous obstacles to make home across the country in time for Christmas dinner with his family. While his girlfriend (Jessica Biel) believes his intentions are pure, Jake has one thing on his mind: the 1957 Porsche his father promised him if he can get home on time. (2002, ABC)
Daily Screenings from the Paley Archive
A Very Twisted Christmas: Untraditional Holiday Specials
December 4 – 6, 11 – 13 (Bennack Theater)
In addition to taking in the classic December holiday perennial TV specials, give yourself the gift of watching these proudly untraditional programs, from some of our funniest comic minds. They delightfully poke fun at many of your favorite Christmas shows, providing a different kind of holiday cheer.
12:10 pm, 4:50 pm
Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special
The late Paul Reubens was best known as Pee-wee Herman, the delightfully daffy (and subversive) character he played in three films and Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, the Saturday morning children’s series that ran for five seasons on CBS. Reubens’s prime time Christmas special (which he also directed and cowrote) featured Playhouse regulars like Cowboy Curtis (Laurence Fishburne) and Reba the Mail Lady (S. Epatha Merkerson), as well as cameos from Whoopi Goldberg, Magic Johnson, Cher, Little Richard, Grace Jones (who sings “Little Drummer Boy”), and Oprah Winfrey—among many others. As Esquire said, “Playing out almost like a tinsel-covered Merry Melodies cartoon with a powerful jolt of Andy Warhol, Christmas at Pee-wee’s Playhouse may just be Reubens’s most essential work.” (1988, CBS)
1:00 pm
Late Night With David Letterman: “Christmas With the Lettermans”
Late Night with David Letterman routinely upended TV norms, and this quirky holiday special was no exception. As Vulture noted, the episode was “a one-hour send-up of every single cheesy Christmas special that had ever run on television.” It features actors playing Letterman’s “family” (including his youngest son, Kyle, whom the host dispatches to find a Christmas tree on the streets of New York City) as well as interviews with Pat Boone and comedian Brother Theodore. The special won Late Night its second consecutive Emmy for outstanding writing in a variety or music program. (1984, NBC)
1:40 pm
The Star Wars Holiday Special
The Star Wars Holiday Special was broadcast just once: on November 17, 1978. It has been the stuff of legend ever since, with Star Wars fans trading bootleg copies and scratching their heads over the bizarre combination of Star Wars cast members Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher in a story line featuring Chewbacca and Han Solo’s attempt to visit the Wookiee home planet to celebrate “Life Day,” with the Empire fast on their heels—with variety show performances from Bea Arthur, Diahann Carroll, and Jefferson Starship. The program also features the franchise’s very first appearance of Boba Fett, who appears in an animated segment, "The Faithful Wookiee.” (1978, CBS)
3:40 pm
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All
During his The Colbert Report run, Colbert created this hilarious Comedy Central special in which he finds himself stuck in his “mountain cabin” thanks to a bear lurking outside, which is preventing him from taping his new Christmas special in New York City. The program is packed with original songs from Willie Nelson (“Little Dealer Boy”), Jon Stewart (“Can I Interest You in Hanukkah?”), Feist (“Please Be Patient”), John Legend (“Nutmeg”), Colbert (“Another Christmas Song”), and Elvis Costello (“There Are Much Worse Things to Believe In”). The soundtrack won the 2010 Grammy for Best Comedy Album. (2008, Comedy Central)
4:25 pm
A South Park Christmas: Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo
South Park’s scatological take on A Charlie Brown Christmas finds controversy sweeping the town over the role of religious holidays in public schools. Kyle attempts to restore peace by sharing the story of Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo, who brings presents to children of all faiths. As with the rest of the series, this special (filled with original songs like “A Lonely Jew on Christmas”) is uproarious, and yes, ultimately a heartwarming holiday tale. (1997, Comedy Central)
Daily Screenings from the Paley Archive
Disney Holiday Special Premieres at The Paley Museum
December 4 – 22, 2024
Second Floor Theater
Presented by Disney Branded Television, some of your favorite Disney characters have brand new holiday episodes premiering later this month on Disney Channel and Disney Jr., and The Paley Museum is the place to see them. Plus, a special episode featuring Christmas and Hanukkah-themed stories of Disney Jr.’s SuperKitties will screen Dec. 4 and catch early holiday screenings of Disney Channel’s Big City Greens and ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series on Dec. 6. Add these dates to your calendar and bring your whole family to The Paley Museum. You won’t want to miss these fun and heartwarming premieres!
Disney Holiday Special Premieres at The Paley Museum
December 4 – 5
12:30 pm, 4:05 pm
An Almost Christmas Story
An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. (2024, Disney+)
12:55 pm, 4:10 pm
Red Christmas Music Video Premiere (from Descendants: The Rise of Red)
Kylie Cantrall performs a new holiday song inspired by the hit movie Descendants: The Rise of Red. (2024, Disney+)
1:00 pm, 4:35 pm
Disney Jr.’s Ariel Holiday Episode
“Flounder’s Christmas Letter”: When Flounder forgets to send his Christmas letter to Santa Mer-Claus, Ariel and her friends go on a holiday adventure to deliver the letter to him.
“Holiday Toy Box Trouble”: Sebastian accidentally donates the box of toys that Ariel wants to keep.
(2024, Disney Jr.)
1:25 pm, 5:00 pm
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends Holiday Episode
“A Snow Day For Aunt May”: Team Spidey wants to give Aunt May a snow day for Christmas, but first must help Santa Claus.
“Hanukkah Heist”: The Thing and Spidey help Aunt Petunia rescue her stolen latkes on Hanukkah.
(2024, Disney Jr.)
1:50 pm, 5:25 pm
Red Christmas Music Video Premiere (from Descendants: The Rise of Red)
Kylie Cantrall performs a new holiday song inspired by the hit movie Descendants: The Rise of Red. (2024, Disney+)
1:55 pm, 5:30 pm
SuperKitties Holiday Episodes
“Runaway Sleigh”: When Mr. Puppypaws steals Santa’s sleigh, the SuperKitties have to save Christmas. (2024, Disney Jr.)
“Hanukkah Rescue”: The SuperKitties learn to celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a menorah with loved ones. (2024, Disney Jr.)
2:20 pm
Mickey and the Very Many Christmases
Mickey makes a magical wish that every day could be Christmas but winds up having second thoughts when his wish actually comes true. (2024, Disney Jr.)
2:50 pm
The Wonderful World of Disney: Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
This animated musical short film, continuing the story of 2013's Frozen, focuses on chatty snowman Olaf and his love of the holiday season. (2017, ABC)
3:15 pm
Firebuds: Hanukkah Hullabaloo, The Christmas Car-Sled Race
Bo gets into the holiday spirit in these two episodes of the Disney+ series, Firebuds. (2022, Disney Jr.)
3:40 pm
Mickey Saves Christmas
Mickey Saves Christmas is a stop-motion holiday special that follows Mickey, Minnie and their pals as they attempt to celebrate the perfect Christmas at their snowy cabin. When Pluto causes Santa to lose all his presents, the friends travel to the North Pole to save Christmas and find the true meaning of the holiday. (2022, Disney+)
Disney Holiday Special Premieres at The Paley Museum
December 6
12:30 pm, 4:00 pm
An Almost Christmas Story
An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. (2024, Disney+)
12:55 pm, 4:25 pm
Advance Screening!
Big City Greens Holiday Episode
“Dream Tree”: Bill and Cricket follow clues from Cricket’s dream to search the woods for the perfect Christmas tree.
“Blue Greens”: Tilly catches ennui, so Cricket tries to cheer her up.
(2024, Disney Channel, Disney+)
1:20 pm, 4:30 pm
Red Christmas Music Video Premiere (from Descendants: The Rise of Red)
Kylie Cantrall performs a new holiday song inspired by the hit movie “Descendants: The Rise of Red.” (2024, Disney+)
1:25 pm, 4:55 pm
Advance Screening!
ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series Holiday Episode
Zed sets out to throw his best zombie holiday party yet; Wynter wants to prove that the holiday monster, Santler Claws, is real; Wyatt searches for the perfect gift for Eliza. (2024, Disney Channel, Disney+)
1:50 pm, 5:20 pm
Disney Jr.’s Ariel Holiday Episode
“Flounder’s Christmas Letter”: When Flounder forgets to send his Christmas letter to Santa Mer-Claus, Ariel and her friends go on a holiday adventure to deliver the letter to him.
“Holiday Toy Box Trouble”: Sebastian accidentally donates the box of toys that Ariel wants to keep.
(2024, Disney Jr.)
2:15 pm
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends Holiday Episode
“A Snow Day For Aunt May”: Team Spidey wants to give Aunt May a snow day for Christmas, but first must help Santa Claus.
“Hanukkah Heist”: The Thing and Spidey help Aunt Petunia rescue her stolen latkes on Hanukkah. (2024, Disney Jr.)
2:40 pm
Red Christmas Music Video Premiere (from Descendants: The Rise of Red)
Kylie Cantrall performs a new holiday song inspired by the hit movie Descendants: The Rise of Red. (2024, Disney+)
2:45 pm
SuperKitties Holiday Episode
“Runaway Sleigh”: When Mr. Puppypaws steals Santa’s sleigh, the SuperKitties have to save Christmas.
“Hanukkah Rescue”: The SuperKitties learn to celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a menorah with loved ones.
(2024, Disney Jr.)
3:35 pm
Mickey and the Very Many Christmases
Mickey makes a magical wish that every day could be Christmas but winds up having second thoughts when his wish actually comes true. (2024, Disney Jr.)
Disney Holiday Special Premieres at The Paley Museum
December 7 – 22
12:30 pm, 3:55 pm
An Almost Christmas Story
An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. (2024, Disney+)
12:55 pm, 4:20 pm
Advance Screening!
Big City Greens Holiday Episode
“Dream Tree”: Bill and Cricket follow clues from Cricket’s dream to search the woods for the perfect Christmas tree.
“Blue Greens”: Tilly catches ennui, so Cricket tries to cheer her up.
(2024, Disney Channel, Disney+)
1:20 pm, 4:45 pm
Red Christmas Music Video Premiere (from Descendants: The Rise of Red)
Kylie Cantrall performs a new holiday song inspired by the hit movie “Descendants: The Rise of Red.” (2024, Disney+)
1:25 pm, 4:50 pm
Advance Screening!
ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series Holiday Episode
Zed sets out to throw his best zombie holiday party yet; Wynter wants to prove that the holiday monster, Santler Claws, is real; Wyatt searches for the perfect gift for Eliza. (2024, Disney Channel, Disney+)
1:50 pm, 5:20 pm
Mickey and the Very Many Christmases
Mickey makes a magical wish that every day could be Christmas but winds up having second thoughts when his wish actually comes true. (2024, Disney Jr.)
2:15 pm
Disney Jr.’s Ariel Holiday Episode
“Flounder’s Christmas Letter”: When Flounder forgets to send his Christmas letter to Santa Mer-Claus, Ariel and her friends go on a holiday adventure to deliver the letter to him.
“Holiday Toy Box Trouble”: Sebastian accidentally donates the box of toys that Ariel wants to keep.
(2024, Disney Jr.)
2:40 pm
Red Christmas Music Video Premiere (from Descendants: The Rise of Red)
Kylie Cantrall performs a new holiday song inspired by the hit movie “Descendants: The Rise of Red.” (2024, Disney+)
3:05 pm
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends Holiday Episode
“A Snow Day For Aunt May”: Team Spidey wants to give Aunt May a snow day for Christmas, but first must help Santa Claus.
“Hanukkah Heist”: The Thing and Spidey help Aunt Petunia rescue her stolen latkes on Hanukkah.
(2024, Disney Jr.)
3:30 pm
SuperKitties Holiday Episodes
“Runaway Sleigh”: When Mr. Puppypaws steals Santa’s sleigh, the SuperKitties have to save Christmas. (2024, Disney Jr.)
“Hanukkah Rescue”: The SuperKitties learn to celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a menorah with loved ones. (2024, Disney Jr.)
Daily Screenings from the Paley Archive
Ring in the New Year: Selections from the Paley Archive
December 26, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Second Floor Theater
As you prepare to ring in the New Year, enjoy a special selection of holiday television classics, ranging from Charlie Brown and Dora to Elmo and Frosty the Snowman. For more holiday cheer, check out many more festive treasures among the 160,000 television and radio programs preserved in the Paley Archive.
12:30 pm
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown
When Marcie and Peppermint Patty decide to host a New Year's party, Charlie Brown summons his courage and invites his true love, the little red-haired girl, to be his date. (CBS, 1986)
12:55 pm
Elmo’s World: Happy Holidays
Elmo learns more about the year-end holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. (2002, PBS)
1:50 pm
Dora the Explorer: "Dora Saves Three Kings Day"
Dora, Diego, and Boots must stop Swiper from stealing the joy out of Three Kings Day. (2009, Nickelodeon)
2:15 pm
A Rugrats Kwanzaa
A misunderstanding leads Susie and the other babies of Rugrats to learn about Kwanzaa. (2001, Nickelodeon)
2:40 pm
The Year Without a Santa Claus
In this holiday special, Santa Claus decided he was too tired to make his Christmas rounds. Narrated by Mrs. Claus, the program begins with a sick Santa saying he is unable to do his Christmas duties this year and complaining that no one has the spirit of the season anymore. A concerned Mrs. Claus puts on the Santa outfit herself, determined to make the gift deliveries before finally realizing that she's just not up to the task. Who will save Christmas? (1974, ABC)
3:30 pm
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown
When Marcie and Peppermint Patty decide to host a New Year's party, Charlie Brown summons his courage and invites his true love, the little red-haired girl, to be his date. (1986, CBS)
3:55 pm
Frosty the Snowman
Inspired by the holiday tune “Frosty the Snowman,” this classic animated Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass special follows the Snowman after he’s brought to life. (1969, CBS)
4:25 pm
Full House: "Happy New Year"
Joey (Dave Coulier) is upset when he can’t find a date for New Year’s Eve and volunteers to babysit the girls for the evening. Danny (Bob Saget) and Jesse (John Stamos) secretly tape a video for a dating service for Joey, who is initially unhappy with his friends’ plot. However, his mind is changed when he meets his dream girl. (1990, ABC)
4:55 pm
A Rugrats Kwanzaa
A misunderstanding leads Susie and the other babies of Rugrats to learn about Kwanzaa. (2001, Nickelodeon)
5:20 pm
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown
When Marcie and Peppermint Patty decide to host a New Year's party, Charlie Brown summons his courage and invites his true love, the little red-haired girl, to be his date. (1986, CBS)
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