It’s a timeless debate, echoing from living rooms since 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas Special”: among the Peanuts characters joyfully dancing to the iconic “Linus & Lucy” by The Vince Guaraldi Trio, who truly owns the dance floor? As part of a fun exploration into holiday special dance-offs, we dove deep into the animated world of Charlie Brown and his friends to definitively rank their dance moves. Forget technicality; we’re talking pure party potential. Based on head-to-head matchups and voter opinions, here’s the ultimate ranking of who you’d want to boogie with from the Peanuts crew, judged on their festive spirit and overall dance charisma.
11. Sally (30 percent)
Sally Peanuts character dances hesitantly in the Charlie Brown Christmas special
Critics’ Take: Sally’s effort is undeniable, but her moves are a bit…contained. As one judge noted, “Sally is trying.” She’s definitely in her own world, enjoying herself, yet her dance doesn’t quite invite you to join in the fun. There’s a simple one-two step happening, a basic rhythm that keeps her moving. It’s relatable – we’ve all been on the dance floor with those comfortable, if not groundbreaking, moves.
10. The Girl in Green (30 percent)
Girl in green with tentative dance moves at the Peanuts Christmas party
Critics’ Take: Hesitancy defines the girl in green’s dance. However, there’s potential lurking. As observed, “These are pretty hesitant moves, but if she did this with a little more force, she could be rocking a bullfighting/paso doble thing.” Imagine a bit more energy, and suddenly, paso doble Peanuts style could be a thing! Many resonate with her middle school dance vibe – that moment before someone advises you to tone down the arm movements. It’s a familiar dance floor default, perhaps akin to a tentative Twist.
9. Pig-Pen (33 percent)
Pig-Pen joyfully dancing with a cloud of dust in A Charlie Brown Christmas
Critics’ Take: Pig-Pen brings uninhibited joy to his dancing, a true sense of abandon. Plus, as a bassist, he’s got musicality on his side. However, there’s the unavoidable dust cloud. “On the one hand, you get joyful abandon (plus he’s a musician). On the other hand, you get a dirt cloud even worse than when I hang around smoker friends.” His ranking might be impacted by the party-with factor. While his dance is spirited, the accompanying dust storm might not make him everyone’s ideal party partner.
8. Schroeder (41 percent)
Schroeder coolly playing piano oblivious to the dance party in Peanuts
Critics’ Take: Schroeder’s low ranking likely reflects his aloofness. “I mean, it’s clear Schroeder doesn’t want to party with us, so this 41 percent must be the ones who like ‘em coy.” His motto could be, “I’d never join any club that would have me as a member.” He’s in his own world, focused on his piano, the party just happens around him. His dance is incidental, a byproduct of his musical passion, not an invitation to join him.
7. Linus (48 percent)
Linus showing surprising dance moves with his blanket in Charlie Brown Christmas
Critics’ Take: Linus starts to bring some real dance energy. His moves might be described as “exactly how I dance to ‘Get Low.'” The blanket adds an interesting dynamic, opening up possibilities for partner dancing. “Gotta say, I think there are some good opportunities for partner dance with the blanket. I have some swing moves I could adapt.” While unpolished, there’s a genuine effort and engagement that makes Linus an underrated dancer.
6. The Girl with Red Hair (49 percent)
Frieda with curly red hair energetically dancing in Peanuts Christmas Special
Critics’ Take: The girl with red hair, often assumed to be Frieda, brings exuberance to the dance floor. “I am, of course, in favor of Frieda, because like her I have naturally curly hair.” Her dance style is energetic, perhaps a bit unrefined, like “she looks like she’s swinging a person around but forgot to get a person.” It’s a joyful minimalism, showing enthusiasm over perfect technique.
5. The Dude in Green (54 percent)
Boy in green vest confidently showing off dance moves in Peanuts Christmas
Critics’ Take: The dude in green is a confident soloist. “Nice moves, but feels more like a soloist than someone I’m going to dance with.” He’s the type who’d seize the moment when a dance circle forms. “Right, like when a random circle opens up on the dance floor, you know this guy would think ‘my moment has arrived,’ and just slay it in the center.” While his moves are impressive, they lean towards individual performance rather than collaborative party dancing.
4. Snoopy (59 percent)
Snoopy playing air guitar and dancing in aviator goggles in Peanuts
Critics’ Take: Snoopy’s ranking might be inflated by his overall charm. “WAY OVERRATED.” While undeniably cool with aviator goggles, his dance moves are questionable in context. “Leah, listen to the song ‘Linus and Lucy,’ there is not a guitar part.” His air guitar playing, with a two-stringed instrument no less, feels a bit like he’s “phoning it in.” He might be the party guest who dominates the corner, requesting “Wonderwall” and finishing off the refreshments.
2 & 3. The Girls in Pink (64 and 65 percent)
Twin girls in pink dresses dancing in sync at Charlie Brown's Christmas party
Another twin girl in pink dress with similar dance moves in Peanuts Christmas
Critics’ Take: The twin girls in pink showcase synchronized moves that are captivating. “So, twins, I guess.” Whether it’s twin telepathy or animation efficiency, their coordination is remarkable. “They’ve got my favorite moves on the floor, so if anyone was going to be copy-and-pasted.” Their seemingly simple arm waving reveals surprising nuance upon closer inspection. “At first, you just think, ‘Oh, they’re waving their arms around,’ but then you see the footwork.” They were doing “whip my hair back and forth” decades before it was a pop culture phenomenon, setting trends in cartoon dance.
1. The Guy in Orange (75 percent)
Boy in orange shirt with smooth and minimalist dance style in Peanuts
Critics’ Take: The top spot belongs to the guy in orange, a master of minimalist dance. “See, this is the kind of dancer who can pull off minimalist moves.” His understated style is incredibly effective. His party drawback? “The only reason I would not want this guy at my party is he would hook up with everyone.” Greatness can be intimidating! He’s a “force of nature” on the dance floor, showcasing impressive footwork and an overall captivating presence. Despite being a background character, his dance charisma is undeniable, earning him the crown of best dancer in the Peanuts Christmas special.
Happy Christmas!
