A timeless soundtrack returns in collectible zoetrope and limited-edition vinyl pressings
Sixty years ago, A Charlie Brown Christmas brought Charles M. Schulz’s beloved Peanuts® characters to life in one of television’s most cherished holiday moments. This season, Craft Recordings honors both the 75th anniversary of Peanuts® and the 60th anniversary of Vince Guaraldi Trio’s classic soundtrack with a series of collectible vinyl reissues — from dazzling holographic sleeves to a first-ever animated zoetrope edition.
Arriving September 12, the zoetrope vinyl features Charlie Brown and the gang caroling in the snow, with each side transforming into a looping, hand-drawn animation as the record spins. Additional limited editions roll out throughout the season, including a holographic foil pressing (August 29), plus festive variants like Red & Gold Tinsel (Walmart), Neon Green (Best Buy), Ultra-Clear Glitter (CraftRecordings.com), and Blizzard Swirl (Urban Outfitters, October 17).
→ ORDER A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
→ STREAM THE CLASSIC SOUNDTRACK
A SOUNDTRACK THAT MADE HOLIDAY HISTORY
When A Charlie Brown Christmas premiered on December 9, 1965, nearly half of America’s TV viewers tuned in — instantly cementing the Peanuts® gang as holiday icons. While the special’s gentle humor and heartfelt message captured imaginations, it was Vince Guaraldi’s music that gave the story its soul.
Guaraldi’s score paired original compositions — including “Linus and Lucy,” “Skating,” and the bossa-nova shuffle of “Christmas Is Coming” — with fresh jazz interpretations of “O Tannenbaum,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” and “What Child Is This.” The result was both sophisticated and deeply human: a sound that resonated far beyond its cartoon origins.
COLLECTIBLE EDITIONS
Beyond the zoetrope edition, Craft’s celebratory lineup offers collectors and first-time fans alike a range of special formats:
• Holographic foil jacket — classic black vinyl edition
• Retail exclusives — Ultra-Clear Glitter (CraftRecordings.com), Red & Gold Tinsel (Walmart), Neon Green (Best Buy), Blizzard Swirl (Urban Outfitters)
• Barnes & Noble Picture Disc — annual 2025 edition, featuring the iconic skating scene
• Target exclusives — Christmas Tree-colored vinyl + anniversary poster, and a 4” Tiny Vinyl collectible featuring “Linus & Lucy” and “Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal)”
LISTENING NOTES: HOLIDAY MAGIC IN EVERY MEASURE
• “Linus and Lucy” – The instantly recognizable Peanuts® theme: playful, syncopated, and impossibly timeless.
• “Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal)” – Guaraldi’s wistful melody, paired with a children’s choir, captures the spirit of wonder that defines the season.
• “Skating” – Effortlessly cool and full of motion, a snapshot of pure winter joy.
• “O Tannenbaum” – A traditional favorite reimagined through Guaraldi’s intimate, expressive piano touch.
SIX DECADES OF HOLIDAY CHEER
Over the years, A Charlie Brown Christmas has earned a 5x Platinum certification, multiple GRAMMY® honors, and a place in both the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry. Today, it stands (alongside Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue) as one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time — and an essential part of the holiday soundtrack for generations.
Follow @CraftRecordings and @VinceGuaraldiMusic for collector spotlights, and festive stories as we celebrate 75 years of Peanuts® and 60 years of A Charlie Brown Christmas.
