The countdown to Christmas is on! Whether you’re braving the mall for last-minute shopping, whipping up some cookies for Santa or Grinching it up in the confines of your apartment, the holidays are in full swing. Get in the spirit with some festive shows and specials this week.
WEDNESDAY DEC. 18
Kathy Griffin: Record Breaker (8 p.m., Bravo) – As the title suggests, the over-the-top ginger comedian breaks the world record for most stand-up specials with this 20th show.
The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2013 (9:30 p.m., ABC) – Barbara Walters weighs in on the movers and shakers of the year in this 21st annual roundup, featuring Pope Francis, royal baby George and the Duck Dynasty cast.
How I Rock It (10 p.m., Esquire) – Director David Lynch talks meditation; music photographer Jonathan Mannion works with Theophilus London; plus more tips and quips from designer Duncan Quinn and mixologist Daniel K. Nelson.
Top Chef (10 p.m., Bravo) – Questlove (Time’s “Coolest Person of the Year,” btw) judges a fitting quickfire challenge based on drumsticks — the edible kind.
Michael Bublé’s 3rd Annual Christmas Special (10 p.m., NBC) – The Canadian crooner is joined by Mary J. Blige, the Cookie Monster and Mariah Carey.
Alternate Route (10:30 p.m., Esquire) – Matt Hranek heads to Chicago to explore one of the world’s largest salvage shops, pig out on hot dogs and get fitted by a famous Italian tailor.
THURSDAY DEC. 19
A Charlie Brown Christmas (8 p.m., ABC) – The 1965 classic, followed by new Peanuts shorts based on the comics.
Project Runway All-Stars (9 p.m., Lifetime) – The designers tap into fashion blogs to predict 2014’s top trends. Guest judges include Nina Garcia, Season Four winner Christian Siriano and designer Francisco Costa.
Pawn Stars: A Very Vegas Christmas (9 p.m., History) – The guys from Gold and Silver Pawn team up with the crew from American Restoration and Counting Cars for a walk down memory lane with their best and worse trash-or-treasure moments.
Saturday Night Live Christmas (9 p.m., NBC) – From Schweddy Balls to “Gumby, dammit” and Adam Sandler’s Chanukah song, SNL sends its holiday tidings.
FRIDAY DEC. 20
Comedy Bang! Bang! (10 p.m., IFC) – Zach Galifianakis channels his inner Santa and learns why not to mess with elves.
SATURDAY DEC. 21
Saturday Night Live (11:30 p.m., NBC) – Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake have proven to be a match made in comedy heaven, from their shared scenes on the SNL stage to their hilarious collaborations (The History of Rap, anyone?) on Late Night. With Fallon as host and JT performing, it’s pretty safe to DVR this one. This February, Fallon will replace Jay Leno on The Tonight Show; Weekend Update host Seth Meyers (sure to collaborate with Fallon in a fun way Saturday) will replace him at the Late Night desk.
SUNDAY DEC. 22
I Am Britney Jean (9 p.m., E!) – If her 2008 doc, For the Record, is any indication, this new look into Brit Brit’s life could bring about a strange sense of pity for the Pop star. Seriously, she’s had a weird life. Proceed with caution.
Ja’mie: Private School Girl (10:30 p.m., HBO) – Ja’mie returns to school feeling like she’s at the top of her game once again, until a topless video of her (singing the school’s anthem) threatens her bid for the Hillford Medal. If only Lilley would show off his chops by also portraying the school counselor, so people would understand why I’m still watching this show.
MONDAY DEC. 23
The Great Christmas Light Flight (Season Finale, 9 p.m., ABC) – In what was apparently an entire series, families compete for the title of the real-life Clark Griswold.
TUESDAY DEC. 24
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8 p.m., ABC) – The animated Dr. Seuss standard, followed by Jim Carrey’s creepy live-action remake.
A Christmas Story (8 p.m., TBS) – Thirty years after its initial release, audiences still anticipate the annual 24-hour Ralphie Parker marathon. Never forget, you’ll shoot your eye out!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (8 p.m., MTV) – Prefer a darker take on the Christmas? Join Jack Skellington in Halloween Town for Tim Burton’s holiday mash-up.
CONTACT JAC KERN : [email protected] or @jackern
