The History Channel

Christmas is observed by nearly one-third of the world's population...and probably more if you count the non-Christians who incorporate some of the more secular traditions into their winter season. Every year, revelers go all out with trees, ornaments, lights, window displays and Christmas treats. Technological advancements have made them cheaper, easier and safer. We'll visit Rockefeller Center for a look at their yearly tree preparations and then take a walk to Macy's, Herald Square, where we'll find out what it takes to design, assemble and install their annual holiday windows. How is the 3,300 pound UNICEF crystal snowflake hoisted above Fifth Avenue every year? Then it's off to Yule Tree Farms, one of Oregon's largest Christmas tree farms and we'll visit a bakery in Texas that bakes and ships about 33,000 fruitcakes per day during the holiday season. So plug in the tree, grab some eggnog, sit back and enjoy!

Take another look at ancient texts that were edited out of the Bible. Are they the missing links to Christ's true teachings, or heretical attempts to rewrite history? Explore the kabalistic stories of angels and demons disavowed by orthodox leaders, and the apocalyptic visions and the sexual imagery that were barred from the Old Testament. Why was Peter's account of a "Lord of The Rings"-style battle of wits and magic repressed by Rome? With discoveries being made all across the world--in caves, ruined temples, ancient libraries and monasteries--these tantalizing fragments continue to be found and debated. Are they heresy or hidden truth?

The colossal cornerstones of commerce. Oversized outfitters. Merchandise Moguls. Mega Stores are giant facilities engineered to keep up with America's supersized habits. They are the largest, busiest places in the country. Their greatest challenge: keeping up with demand on a massive scale, and to do it, they have everything from scuba divers to sandblasters. It's not what's on the shelves--it's what happens behind the scenes.

Christmas is observed by nearly one-third of the world's population...and probably more if you count the non-Christians who incorporate some of the more secular traditions into their winter season. Every year, revelers go all out with trees, ornaments, lights, window displays and Christmas treats. Technological advancements have made them cheaper, easier and safer. We'll visit Rockefeller Center for a look at their yearly tree preparations and then take a walk to Macy's, Herald Square, where we'll find out what it takes to design, assemble and install their annual holiday windows. How is the 3,300 pound UNICEF crystal snowflake hoisted above Fifth Avenue every year? Then it's off to Yule Tree Farms, one of Oregon's largest Christmas tree farms and we'll visit a bakery in Texas that bakes and ships about 33,000 fruitcakes per day during the holiday season. So plug in the tree, grab some eggnog, sit back and enjoy!

In a 2-hour special, we scrutinize ancient writings that didn't "make the cut" in the battle to create a Christian Bible in the new religion's first few centuries. Biblical archaeologists and scholars examine why they were left out and if others might yet be found. Beginning with the little-known Life of Adam and Eve, we also peruse the Book of Jubilees, the Book of Enoch, the Gospel of Thomas, the Protevangelium of James, the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Nicodemus, and the Apocalypse of Peter.

For centuries, science and faith have been polarized on some of the most fundamental questions in the universe, sometimes with deadly consequences. But as mankind seeks to answer the ultimate question--whether God exists--religion and science have joined in an unlikely alliance. Can new scientific discoveries and digital age technology reveal tangible proof of God? From the far reaches of the cosmos to the inner working of the human mind, scientists and believers around the world are using science to open new frontiers in this ultimate quest.

Geologist and adventurer Scott Wolter explores a government-restricted site, and makes a startling discovery connecting the ancient Mayans with rural Georgia.

There is evidence that suggests we experienced 20th century alien contact. In 1942, the Battle of Los Angeles involved the US military and Air Defense allegedly fighting a UFO. WWII Allied Air Force planes were buzzed by balls of light that some think could have been extraterrestrial. And the alleged crash of a flying saucer in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947 propelled the world into the age of UFOs. For decades, some people have been searching for the sounds of extraterrestrial intelligence, while others have been sending messages out into deep space. What would happen if aliens answered... or came calling? What protocols exist to determine who would speak on behalf of mankind, and how might we communicate? What happens if they return? Some believe they already have.

For thousands of years, pyramids were the largest structures on Earth. The best known were constructed in Egypt and Central America, but others have been found all around the world, including in China, Africa and Indonesia. But what purpose did the pyramids serve? Researchers explore strange similarities between all pyramids, as well as the geographic, strategic and otherworldly connections between these mysterious monumental structures.

The Tanakh of the Jews is an acronym that identifies the Hebrew Bible, equivalent to the Old Testament to Christians. Within the 24 books of the Tanakh (or Mikra as it was called during the period of its recording) are astounding predictions of the future. Many of the prophets who authored or appeared in the scriptures prophesied about the fate of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. We'll examine the prophecies and chronicle the birth, death, recent resurrection, and possible future of Israel. Supported by archival footage and dramatic recreations, on-camera experts representing the three major religions, and secular perspectives, we explore the most significant of these ancient prophecies. Are the prophecies real? Are they unfolding before our eyes? Who believes, who doesn't, and why?

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

A bird roasted to perfection, a steaming plates of succulent sides, a kaleidoscope of colorful holiday sweets...nothing quite announces the holiday season like food. Join us as we take a festive look at America's most delicious holiday foods. Among American's favorite trimmings are bread stuffing, candied yams and cranberry sauce--first introduced in 1864 when General Ulysses S. Grant ordered it served to the troops during the siege of Petersburg. We'll also take a look back at America's obsession with the sweeter side of the holidays, from gingerbread to candy canes. Learn why the dreaded fruitcake--an invention dating back to Roman times--was once against the law! New trends in holiday feasting are always a hit, from a deep fried turkey born out of the Bayou of Louisiana, to the ever-humorous, and delicious, Turducken: a chicken stuffed inside a duck inside a turkey.

In a 2-hour special, we scrutinize ancient writings that didn't "make the cut" in the battle to create a Christian Bible in the new religion's first few centuries. Biblical archaeologists and scholars examine why they were left out and if others might yet be found. Beginning with the little-known Life of Adam and Eve, we also peruse the Book of Jubilees, the Book of Enoch, the Gospel of Thomas, the Protevangelium of James, the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Nicodemus, and the Apocalypse of Peter.