TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Christmas in Washington," 6, 9, midnight, TNT. Each year, this special offers grand music in an elegant setting. This year Carrie Underwood — the "American Idol" star who is suddenly everywhere — will sing George Michael's "Last Christmas." Rascal Flatts, her favorite country band, will do a medley. Ciara will sing the Jackson 5 song "Give Love on Christmas"; Click Five will do "Run Rudolph Run." Jane Monheit, the young jazz singer who has a new Christmas album, sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"; gospel great CeCe Winans sings "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Phil McGraw, of "Dr. Phil" fame, hosts with his wife, Robin.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966), 7 p.m., WB. Here's another chance to catch one of TV's great moments. Back in 1966, this merged the brilliant Dr. Seuss story with the animation of Chuck Jones, one of the geniuses behind the great Road Runner and Bugs Bunny movies. The result ranks alongside "A Charlie Brown Christmas," as a masterpiece for any age.

OF NOTE

"E-Ring," 7 p.m., NBC. In an excellent rerun, JT feels it's crucial to snatch a terrorist in Uzbekistan. He can get his old unit to do it. First, however, he needs the approval of the Pentagon's new lawyer, played by Kelly Rutherford.

"The George Lopez Show," 7 p.m., ABC. George avoids going to his wife's family reunion. The problem is that now he's alone on Christmas.

"A Christmas Carol" (1999), 7 p.m., TNT. Don't expect one of those odd take-offs this time. This is a straight, serious production, with Patrick Stewart brilliant as Ebenezer Scrooge.

"Freddie," 7:30 p.m., ABC. Freddie is violating condo rules by having too many people in his unit. His only hope is to get a waiver from his neighbors.

"Christmas in Boston," 8 p.m., ABC Family. The Christmas connection is minimal here, but it provides a warm backdrop for a story about two likable souls, played by Marla Sokoloff and Patrick Adams. They've been communicating by e-mail but have never met. They sent friends' photos instead of their own. Now we get a pleasant mix of mix-ups, humor and romance.

"Lost," 8 p.m., ABC. In a so-so rerun, Michael seeks Walt while the other "Lost" survivors are ordered to lead their captors back to the camp. Meanwhile, Sun searches for her wedding ring.

"The Apprentice: Martha Stewart," 8 p.m., NBC. After interviews, the field is trimmed to two. One is assigned to run a small circus, the other to run a fashion show.

"Sit Down Comedy," 8 p.m., TV Land. David Steinberg — once a comedian and now a TV director — is the ideal person to interview other comics. This series opens with Jay Mohr, who gets some solid laughs at the host's expense.

"Alias," 9 p.m., ABC. Syd is kidnapped and hypnotized by someone who is intensely interested in her expected baby.

"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. In a rerun, a controversial talk show host has been killed and his widow (Paula Devicq of "Party of Five") is a prime suspect.

TONIGHT ON KHNL NEWS 8

Tonight on KHNL News 8, Walter Makaula profiles "Hawaii's Most Wanted." Will your tip bring another crook to justice? Tune in at 6 and 10. Plus, KHNL News 8's Stephanie Lum takes you out for some "Cheap Eats."