Do you remember the first time you watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas”? Maybe you caught it on TV during a cozy December night, or perhaps a loved one introduced you to its heartfelt charm. Regardless of how and when you first experienced this timeless holiday classic, one thing is certain: it has earned a special place in the hearts of millions across the globe. And to think, it almost didn’t happen.
The premiere airing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was somewhat of a risk for CBS. At the time there was skepticism as to whether a newspaper comic strip like PEANUTS™ could successfully translate into a television special, or even if a children’s program airing at night would resonate with audiences.
Created by Charles M. Shulz in partnership with producer Lee Mendelson and animator Bill Melendez, the now-iconic TV special debuted on December 9, 1965. More than 15 million households tuned in to that first broadcast, making it an instant hit. It went on to win both an Emmy and a Peabody firmly cementing its place in television history. Today, the special remains a cherished staple of the holiday season.
Now, as we celebrate its 60th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect on why this beloved TV special continues to resonate. From its unforgettable music and charming animation to Charlie Brown’s sincere search for meaning amid the holiday rush, we’ve fallen in love with this perennial classic. The season just wouldn’t be complete without watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at least once (or multiple times). Maybe you even have a favorite character, or scene that always brings a smile to your face. We certainly do!
In fact, here at The Bradford Exchange, we’ve long shared the joy of PEANUTS with our unique PEANUTS collectibles, including PEANUTS jewelry, home decor, apparel and accessories. And to mark this milestone anniversary, we’re highlighting some of our favorites, all officially licensed by Peanuts Worldwide LLC. So, grab a cup of cocoa and enjoy our Top 10 PEANUTS Collectibles and Jewelry Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”!
Table of Contents
PEANUTS™ Christmas Village Collection
While we may not be able to personally visit the festive, colorful world of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, we can get pretty close with this village collection. Handcrafted in fully dimensional, heartwarming detail, it recreates the fond scenes we all remember. Brimming with nostalgia, it’s hand-painted in classic holiday hue. Plus, the windows of the snow-covered buildings, the spotlights of the local tree lot and the town center Christmas tree light up, for a cozy holiday glow. It’s a delightful way to add yuletide joy to your Christmas decorations.
The PEANUTS™ Christmas Pageant Figurine Collection
As Linus so memorably tells Charlie Brown, the true meaning of Christmas is “peace on Earth and good will towards men,” – a message that shines brightly in this limited-edtion figurine collection. Featuring the beloved PEANUTS gang reenacting the Nativity, each set of 2 figurines is handcrafted of Heirloom Porcelain® and hand-painted in true-to-the-original colors with rich, lustrous glazes. It’s a festive celebration of faith, friendship and a holiday classic that never grows old.
PEANUTS™ Christmas Express Train Collection
Is there anything more nostalgic than an old-fashioned Christmas train? How about one driven by Snoopy™ and featuring the whole PEANUTS gang? This HO-scale train collection steamrolls into the holiday season with intricately detailed cars showcasing iconic scenes and festive artwork. And just wait until you see the adorable sculpted, character figures painted by hand and a locomotive with a real working headlight. Plus, included with your collection, at no additional charge, is a 14-piece HO gauge track set with power pack and speed controller – together over a $100 value.
PEANUTS™ Welcoming the Seasons Welcome Sign Collection
What’s the best way to welcome each season? With the PEANUTS gang, of course! Now, they bring their festive spirit to Christmas, Halloween and every special time of the year with this welcome banner collection! Crafted to look like an artist’s canvas, each weather-resistant fabric banner showcases a beloved scene with your favorite characters along with a special seasonal greeting and a color-matching bow. And at the flip of a switch (or with a convenient 24-hour timer) hidden lights activate inside the banners to cast a warm holiday glow. Includes a sturdy metal welcome display.
The PEANUTS™ Proof Collection
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the PEANUTS comic strip, this Proof collection delivers plenty of laughs, friendship and unforgettable moments. Richly plated in 99.9% fine silver to provide lasting heirloom value, each Proof showcases colorful character artwork on the front, while the back boasts the entire PEANUTS gang, official logo, facsimile of creator Charles Schulz’s signature and the year the strip began (1950). Including a crystal-clear capsule for each Proof and a complementary custom display box, it’s a wonderful tribute to a timeless creation.
PEANUTS™ Classic Holiday Memories Tabletop Tree
Charlie Brown’s little tree may have been sparse and unconventional, but it has become a beloved symbol of what Christmas is really about – love, faith and the spirit of giving. Now that cherished holiday tree is lovingly recreated with this first-of-its-kind tabletop sculpture, complete with realistic drooping branches, a shiny red ball ornament and 6 handcrafted, hand-painted vignettes featuring favorite characters. It’s a heartwarming limited-edition centerpiece sure to bring the magic of the season into your home.
The Perfect PEANUTS™ Christmas Tree
Linus hilariously using his beloved blanket as a Shepard’s costume. Schroeder strumming away at his piano. Charlie Brown seeking advice from Lucy at her makeshift psychiatrist’s booth. Those memorable scenes and others from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” are vividly recreated in this fully assembled tabletop tree, pre-lit with built-in bright LEDs. Overflowing with beloved characters, adorned with snowflake-shaped ornaments and decorated with glittery accents and sparkling “snow”, it’s sure to be the shining star of the holiday season.
Merry & Bright Weekender Bag
Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or just need a little extra cheer on-the-go, this PEANUTS™ weekender bag lets you travel in festive style! Featuring artwork inspired by “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, this diamond-quilted, poly twill bag showcases heartwarming holiday artwork of Snoopy™, Charlie Brown and the PEANUTS gang, along with a joyful pattern throughout all 4 sides. With convenient multiple pockets, double shoulder straps, a removable, adjustable crossbody strap and a trolley sleeve, it’s the perfect blend of function, fashion and nostalgia.
PEANUTS™ Christmas Earrings
Wish to add a bit of PEANUTS Christmas love to your look? It’s easy with these holiday hoop earrings. Handcrafted with an elegant gold tone, this perfect pair showcases full-color artwork of Charlie Brown and Linus, from the classic tree decorating scene in “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. 12 crystal accents add a bit of eye-catching sparkle, while snapback closures ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Arrives with a gift box.
Snoopy™ Through the Seasons Perpetual Calendar Collection
Snoopy and his lovable sidekick Woodstock lend their signature charm to every month of the year with this whimsical PEANUTS™ perpetual calendar. There’s a hand-cast, hand-painted figurine of the iconic duo for each month, while Snoopy’s familiar red doghouse sits proudly at the top of the custom-designed, wooden calendar display. Plus, this limited-edition collection includes 63 moveable date, holiday and special occasion tiles, so you can keep track of important events and make every day a Snoopy celebration!
We hope you enjoyed celebrating the 60th anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with us. There’s even more nostalgic fun where that came from! Don’t miss some of our other recent blog posts honoring milestone anniversaries of beloved characters and stories:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 60th Anniversary: Top 5 Collections
Disney The Lion King: Our Top 7 Gifts to Celebrate Its 30th Anniversary
Top 4 Collectibles Celebrating 90 Years of Disney’s Donald Duck
And don’t forget to have a peek at the rest of the awesome things The Bradford Exchange has to offer. Whether you’re shopping for meaningful Christmas gifts or want to add to your own collection of nostalgic movie collectibles, you’ll find unique ways to celebrate so many popular passions and interests. Thanks for reading, have a great time shopping, and we trust this year you’ll enjoy “A Charlie Brown Christmas” even more.
Top 10 PEANUTS™ Collectibles and Jewelry Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by The Bradford Exchange