John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together

1979 Christmas television special

John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas TogetherTitle cardGenreTelevision specialCreated byJim HensonWritten by Herbert Baker Bob Finkel Jon Stone Directed byTony CharmoliStarring John Denver Muppet performers: Jim Henson Frank Oz Jerry Nelson Richard Hunt Dave Goelz Steve Whitmire Country of originUnited StatesProductionExecutive producerJerry WeintraubProducerBob FinkelRunning time50 minutesProduction companyHenson AssociatesOriginal releaseNetworkABCReleaseDecember 5, 1979 (1979-12-05) John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together is a 1979 Christmas television special starring Jim Henson's Muppets and singer-songwriter John Denver. The special first aired December 5, 1979, on ABC. It has never been released on any standard home video format but the special is available for viewing at the Paley Center for Media, alongside other Muppet specials.

[edit] The special opens with Denver and the Muppets singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas". To add comedic effect, Fozzie Bear forgets his line ("Seven swans a-swimming.") and Miss Piggy overemphasizes hers ("Five gold rings, ba-dum, bum, bum.") The main plot of the rest of the special is the creation of a Christmas-themed special (featuring Denver and the Muppet cast) and a musical number for Miss Piggy. During the discussion of her number, Miss Piggy confronts Denver in her dressing room about their presumably mutual attraction. Miss Piggy, as a doll named Fifi, sings "I Will Wait for You" to Denver, who plays a wooden soldier trying to stay in step with a line of marching wooden soldiers. The program concludes with Denver reciting the story of Jesus' birth (depicted by Muppet versions of Joseph, Mary, and other characters) and joining the Muppets to sing "Stille Nacht/Silent Night" (first in German, then in English) while the children in the audience join in.

[edit] John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together John Denver as himself Muppet performers[edit] Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog, Rowlf the Dog, Dr. Teeth, The Swedish Chef, Waldorf, and Link Hogthrob Frank Oz as Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Animal Jerry Nelson as Robin the Frog, Floyd Pepper, and Lew Zealand Richard Hunt as Scooter, Janice, Statler, and Beaker Dave Goelz as Gonzo the Great, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, and Zoot

[edit] A Christmas TogetherSoundtrack album by John Denver and The MuppetsReleasedOctober 1979 (1979-10)GenreChristmas musicLength35:25LabelRCA VictorProducerMilton OkunJohn Denver chronology

John Denver(1979)

A Christmas Together(1979)

Autograph(1980)

Professional ratingsReview scoresSourceRatingAllmusic The soundtrack album of the same name has 13 tracks of traditional Christmas carols and original songs. This album, originally released by RCA Records in October 1979, was reissued on compact disc by Denver's own Windstar label in 1990 and again by LaserLight Digital in 1998; LaserLight issued it once again in 2001, this time as an abridged 10-track version; the original full-length CD was subsequently reissued in its entirety in 2006 (the previously missing tracks are "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "When the River Meets the Sea", and "Little Saint Nick"). All releases of the album contain an alternate recording of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" from that featured in the TV special, along with their rendition of "Christmas Is Coming". "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", and "A Baby Just Like You" was released as a red vinyl 45 rpm single (RCA PB-11767), while "The Peace Carol", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", and "Deck the Halls" were issued on a radio-only promo single (RCA PB-9463). A sheet music edition contains most of the songs and the musical scores.

Track listing[edit] 1No.TitleWriter(s)Performer(s)Length1."Twelve Days Of Christmas"TraditionalFrederic AustinMilt Okun[a]John Denver and The Muppets4:232."Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"Hugh MartinRalph BlaneRowlf the Dog and Denver1:503."The Peace Carol"TraditionalBob Beers[a]Denver and Scooter with the Muppets2:474."Christmas Is Coming"TraditionalBeers[a]Miss Piggy with Scooter, The Great Gonzo and Robin the Frog1:135."A Baby Just Like You"John DenverJoe HenryDenver with the Muppets2:546."Deck the Halls"Traditional / Thomas OliphantOkun[a]The Muppets1:377."When the River Meets the Sea"Paul WilliamsRobin the Frog and Denver with the Muppets2:43 2No.TitleWriter(s)Performer(s)Length1."Little Saint Nick"Brian WilsonMike Love[b]Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem2:222."Noel: Christmas Eve, 1913"Robert BridgesLee HoldridgeDenver2:523."The Christmas Wish"Danny WheetmanKermit the Frog with the Muppets3:274."Alfie, the Christmas Tree / Carol for a Christmas Tree / It's in Every One of Us" (medley)Denver / Holdridge / David PomeranzDenver with the Muppets4:345."Silent Night"Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr, John Freeman YoungOkun[a]Denver with the Muppets3:096."We Wish You a Merry Christmas"TraditionalOkun[a]Denver with the Muppets1:05 Notes[edit] ^a signifies arranged by ^b Mike Love was added to the credits for "Little Saint Nick" after a 1994 court case. Personnel[edit] The following credits are sourced from liner notes included with the album release:

The pairing of a gentle folk voice with the irrepressible Muppet crew creates a uniquely warm Christmas vibe that’s hard to replicate. Denver’s laid‑back storytelling about snow‑drifted cabins and candlelit evenings dovetails with the Muppets’ knack for gentle slapstick, giving families a feel‑good hour that feels both nostalgic and universally British‑friendly. The special’s modest 50‑minute length makes it perfect for a pre‑bedtime tradition, keeping the mood light without overstaying its welcome. Its rarity on home video adds a touch of exclusivity, turning each viewing into a small, shared secret among fans.

Since the programme isn’t commercially released, the easiest route is to book a slot at the Paley Center for Media or a similar archive that screens the special. For a home gathering, consider a “Muppet‑style” potluck: serve simple comfort foods like mince pies, hot cocoa, and a side of popcorn. Sync the broadcast with a live‑tweet or chat group so guests can share reactions in real time. If you can’t access the archive, look for authorised clips on streaming platforms to give a taste, then supplement with the full soundtrack album, which is widely available and captures the musical spirit of the original broadcast.

Beyond the carols and comedy, the special subtly weaves John Denver’s love of nature into the festive narrative. Scenes of snow‑capped pine forests and gentle river views aren’t just backdrop; they echo Denver’s advocacy for conservation. When the Muppets and Denver sing about “snow‑covered hills” and “star‑lit skies,” they invite viewers to appreciate the natural world that frames the holiday. Highlighting this layer during a viewing can turn a simple entertainment slot into a conversation about protecting the winter landscape we all cherish during Christmas.