Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Sports Illustrated's Night of Champions," 7 p.m., NBC. Special awards go to Dale Earnhardt Sr., who had won seven Winston Cup championships before dying in an auto race, and to basketball's Magic Johnson, who has passed the 10-year mark since he tested positive for HIV.

Of note

"The Story of Santa Claus," 7 p.m., CBS. This annual special, animated and well-made, explains why Santa moved to the North Pole.

"Bill O'Reilly: In Defense of America," 8 p.m., FOX. A tribute to a wide range of heroes, military and otherwise.

"Holiday at Pops," 7 p.m., A&E. Keith Lockhart leads the Boston Pops in its annual concert.