"THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS," AN ANIMATED HOLIDAY SPECIAL ABOUT A YOUNG REINDEER WITH AMBITIONS OF BECOMING AN EXPERT FLYER LIKE HIS FATHER, TO BE BROADCAST SATURDAY, DEC. 12 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Voices of Emma Roberts and Norm MacDonald Are Featured

THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, an animated holiday special about a young reindeer with ambitions of becoming an expert flyer like his father, will be broadcast Saturday, Dec. 12 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS features the voices of Emma Roberts ("Nancy Drew," "Aquamarine") and comedian Norm MacDonald ("Saturday Night Live").

Niko the reindeer boy yearns to fly just like his Dad whom he believes is a member of Santa's Flying Forces. Following an attack by wolves on his herd's peaceful home, he heads off on a desperate, dangerous mission through icy blizzards and across wild terrain to find his father. He discovers a devious plan to destroy and replace the famous flying squadron by the evil Black Wolf and his gang.

On his heroic journey to find his father and save Christmas, Niko is accompanied by his constant friend and surrogate father Julius, a clumsy squirrel who has nurtured and indulged the boy's dream. Julius knows he has to persuade Niko to return home to the safety of the herd, but much to his annoyance they are then joined by Wilma, a sassy young singing weasel who actually knows the way to Santa's home.

As the brave trio encounters challenges on their hazardous journey, Niko faces the biggest one when he must choose between the life he has dreamed about and a life with his family.

THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is produced by the Weinstein Company; originally broadcast Dec. 12, 2008.

RATING: TVG