The holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life" airs Saturday night on NBC

Web posted on: Friday, December 18, 1998 6:14:49 PM EST

ATLANTA (CNN) -- If you're tired of running around shopping malls and heading to holiday parties, you might want to get comfortable in front of the TV for a prime time intake of Christmas spirit.

There's a nice mix of classic and not-so-classic Christmas programs to entertain those weary of watching impeachment proceedings and Operation Desert Fox.

The favorite "Miracle on 34th Street" kicks off the weekend, airing on cable station WGN at 8 p.m. ET on Friday. The 1947 tale stars Edmund Gwenn, in his Oscar-winning performance as St. Nick, who pays a visit to world-weary New York City.

Also on Friday: "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" starring Chevy Chase airs on WB at 8 p.m. It might not be a holiday classic, but give it time. No one does Christmas like the Griswolds.

On Saturday night, NBC viewers will be treated to "It's A Wonderful Life." The 1946 Frank Kapra classic starring Jimmy Stewart as a man who discovers how important he is to friends and family still melts hearts and is a holiday tradition for many.

"Santa Claus - The Movie" will go head-to-head with "It's A Wonderful Life" as it airs at 8 p.m. ET Saturday on WGN. The 1985 movie stars Dudley Moore as an elf with sloppy craftsmanship working at Santa's North Pole toy factory.

Also Saturday, the Disney Channel presents "Ernest Saves Christmas" at 8:40 p.m. ET. Cabdriver Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney) helps the retiring Santa Claus (Douglas Seale) find a replacement in time for the big holiday.

Music stars will shine Sunday on TNT for "A Very Special Christmas in Washington D.C." Whoopi Goldberg hosts, and songsters such as Vanessa L. Williams, Sheryl Crow, Run-DMC, and Eric Clapton perform on this benefit honoring the athletes of the Special Olympics.