WORTH NOTING ON TV

December 12, 1995

* WEDNESDAY

Garth Brooks: Tryin' to Rope the World (NBC, 9-10 p.m.): In his fourth NBC special, the country superstar takes viewers on his latest world tour. The program shows footage of Brooks visiting cities in Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, and there's also plenty of onstage material: In addition to performances of familiar songs such as ''I've Got Friends in Low Places'' and ''The Dance,'' Brooks performs ''She's Every Woman'' from his new album, ''Fresh Horses.''

People Yearbook '95 (CBS, 10-11 p.m.): Hillary Rodham Clinton, Courteney Cox, Nicole Kidman, and Mary Tyler Moore are among those interviewed in this People magazine special. The program, which looks back at the people and events that shaped 1995, also portrays some of those who helped in Oklahoma City after the bombing.

Christmas in Washington (NBC, 10-11 p.m.): Clint Black, Gloria Estefan, and Al Green are scheduled performers for this 14th-annual yuletide gala, hosted by the cast of ''Frasier.'' Held at the historic National Building Museum, the event traditionally ends with honored guests President and Mrs. Clinton joining the performers on stage as the president delivers his Christmas message.

* THURSDAY

Sinatra: 80 Years My Way (ABC, 9-11 p.m.): This taped tribute to Frank Sinatra, held last month at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, is chock-full of celebrity performers. Among the highlights are Bruce Springsteen singing ''Angel Eyes''; Bob Dylan performing an original work, ''Restless Farewell,'' as a personal tribute; Natalie Cole singing ''They Can't Take That Away From Me''; and Ray Charles performing ''Old Man River'' for a standing ovation.

* FRIDAY

Bah! Humbug! (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): This rendition of Charles Dickens's ''A Christmas Carol,'' which made its debut last year, stars James Earl Jones and Martin Sheen. Robert MacNeil hosts.

Please check local listings for these programs.