Bugs Bunny's Looney Christmas Tales

1979 American television special

Bugs Bunny's Looney Christmas TalesWritten byFriz FrelengChuck JonesTony BenedictJohn DunnDirected byFriz FrelengChuck JonesVoices ofMel BlancJune ForayMusic byDoug GoodwinCountry of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishProductionProducersHal GeerFriz FrelengCinematographyJed SpigarnEditorsRichard S. GannonRobert T. GillisRunning time30 minutesProduction companiesDePatie–Freleng EnterprisesChuck Jones EnterprisesWarner Bros. TelevisionOriginal releaseNetworkCBSReleaseNovember 27, 1979 (1979-11-27) Bugs Bunny's Looney Christmas Tales is a 1979 animated Christmas television special featuring Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters in three newly created cartoon shorts with seasonal themes. It premiered on CBS on November 27, 1979.

[edit] Mel Blanc as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Foghorn Leghorn, Tweety Bird, Yosemite Sam, Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, Tasmanian Devil, Speedy Gonzales, Santa Claus, and Airplane Pilots June Foray as Mrs. Claus and Clyde Bunny

[edit] Three new cartoons appeared in the show:

Bugs Bunny's Christmas Carol (Friz Freleng) Freeze Frame (Chuck Jones) The Fright Before Christmas (Friz Freleng)

[edit] Looney Tunes Golden Collection: Volume 5 Bugs Bunny's Bustin' Out All Over Bugs and Daffy's Carnival of the Animals

Even after four decades, the Looney Tunes gang makes a solid Yule fixture because the characters are timelessly recognisable and universally loved. The 1979 special bundles three fresh, holiday‑themed shorts into a tidy half‑hour, giving families a quick, laugh‑filled alternative to longer classic films. Its mixture of slap‑stick chase scenes and gentle festive nods—like Daffy’s misguided gift‑giving—works for both kids and adults who grew up with the cartoons. This cross‑generational appeal means the special slips easily onto modern streaming line‑ups, keeping the tradition alive without feeling dated.

If you want to add Bugs Bunny's Looney Christmas Tales to your holiday rota, start by checking the major UK streaming services for a licensed version—often it appears in seasonal cartoon bundles around December. For collectors, original 1979 VHS copies can be found on specialist resale sites; just verify the tape’s condition and that it includes the original CBS broadcast intro. DVD or Blu‑ray releases are rare, but some compilation discs of Looney Tunes holiday shorts include it as an extra. When streaming, look for versions with the original Doug Goodwin score to preserve the authentic festive feel.

Many assume Bugs Bunny's Looney Christmas Tales is a rehash of older cartoons, but the three segments were created expressly for the 1979 broadcast, featuring brand‑new scripts and animation. Another myth is that the special is limited to the United States; while produced by American studios, the programme has been syndicated worldwide, including repeat airings on UK channels during the 80s and 90s. Finally, the special isn’t just a vehicle for slap‑stick – each short weaves in classic Christmas motifs such as gift‑giving mishaps and seasonal misunderstandings, giving it a genuine holiday narrative beyond mere comedy.