Oh and it’s commercial free!
Catch an original New York broadcast of “A Chipmunk Christmas” circa 1981.
The timeless 80s/90s/2000s animated Christmas television special was based on characters from Alvin and brothers Theodore and Simon. Produced by Bagdasarian Productions in association with Chuck Jones Enterprises.
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It first aired on NBC on December 14, 1981. (Chuck Jones’ involvement gives the special that classic, warm, hand‑drawn charm he was known for across Looney Tunes and beyond.)
🐿️ INYIM Did You Know?
- Chuck Jones’ animation team reused some of their signature Grinch-era techniques, giving the special an unusually cinematic look for early‑80s TV.
- Ross Bagdasarian Jr. voiced all three Chipmunks, continuing the vocal tradition started by his father.
- The story centers on Alvin trying to help a sick boy named Tommy, making it one of the franchise’s more heartfelt holiday arcs.
- The special originally aired during NBC’s prime holiday block alongside seasonal staples like Frosty and Rudolph.
- The 1981 New York broadcast included unique station bumpers and sponsor cards that rarely appear in later home‑video releases.
- “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”—featured in the special—had already won three Grammys, solidifying the Chipmunks as holiday royalty.
Now let’s transport back to a time of incomparable winter wonderland‑esque cartoon. (The special later re-aired throughout the 80s and early 90s, becoming a holiday staple for Saturday‑morning‑era kids.)
What’s your earliest memory of watching this holiday classic? Drop your thoughts below — we love hearing everyone’s take on these throwback gems.
