Holiday movie marathons once felt like a slow, joyful ritual that set the tone for the season. For many families, it was as much a part of December as ornaments or wrapping paper. From early television broadcasts in the 1960s to the rise of streaming in the modern era, these marathons shaped how generations experienced the holidays. Yet as viewing habits shifted, the marathon tradition gradually loosened its grip. What follows is a look at these moments and influences that helped holiday movie marathons rise, flourish, and eventually fade.
#1: The 1960s TV Specials
Looking back at the early days of holiday programming, the 1960s TV specials on networks like NBC, ABC, and CBS helped shape what would eventually become full holiday movie marathons. Viewers did not have dozens of channels or the ability to choose their own schedules, so when these networks devoted entire evenings to seasonal content, families naturally gathered to watch together. The charm of those early programs was not only in the movies or animated specials themselves but in the experience of sitting down at the same time every year.
The 1960s TV specials created something that felt shared, almost like a national invitation to pause and enjoy the season.