ABC has announced its holiday programming, which includes a lineup filled with holiday episodes of favorite series, beloved classics, and uplifting new specials.
UPDATED Dec 9, due to a schedule change on December 14. See below for details.
Highlights include Disney’s new stop-motion holiday special, “Mickey Saves Christmas” (more details below), along with the new holiday special “Finding Harmony,” which is an uplifting story featuring EGOT winner John Legend and David Brown, founder of the Columbus-based Harmony Project in Ohio.
Airdates are as follows (all times listed are Central/Eastern for east coast viewing and Pacific/Mountain for west coast viewing):
SUNDAY, NOV. 27
“Mickey Saves Christmas”
Disney’s new stop-motion holiday special, “Mickey Saves Christmas,” follows Mickey, Minnie and their pals as they attempt to celebrate the perfect Christmas at their snowy cabin. However, when Pluto causes Santa to lose all the presents on his sleigh, the friends travel to the North Pole on a quest to save Christmas and find the true meaning of the holiday. A collaboration between Disney and Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, “Mickey Saves Christmas” premieres with a simulcast on ABC, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD. (6pm CT/7pm ET)
“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure”
In “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure,” Olaf teams up with Sven on a merry mission. It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened, and Anna and Elsa host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their own. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save Anna and Elsa’s “first Christmas in forever.” “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” features the original cast of Arendelle characters, including Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad; Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell; Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel; and Kristoff, voiced by Jonathan Groff. (Rebroadcast) (6:30pm CT/7:30pm ET)
The Wonderful World of Disney: “Magical Holiday Celebration”
This ABC holiday season staple returns for its seventh year with a dazzling array of all-new musical performances. The special is executive produced by Disney Parks along with Film 45 Live. (7pm CT/8pm ET)
MONDAY, NOV. 28
“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (Season Premiere)
ABC’s hit decorating competition series, “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” returns for its 10th season with back-to-back episodes across the first three weeks of the Christmas season.
In each merry and bright episode, the Christmas classic takes viewers across the country to the most elaborate and awe-inspiring holiday displays in the nation as viewers will once again see four fantastic families face off in each one-hour episode and compete to win $50,000 and the coveted Light Fight Trophy. (7pm CT/8pm ET)
TUESDAY, NOV. 29
“The Laughter & Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later – A Diane Sawyer/ABC News Special”
ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer will host this primetime special with a really long name to mark the 20th anniversary of the making of the holiday classic “Love Actually.” (7pm CT/8pm ET)
THURSDAY, DEC. 1
The Wonderful World of Disney: “Frozen II”
Why was Elsa born with magical powers? What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? The answers are calling her but also threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll face a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen 2,” she must hope they are enough. (7pm CT/8pm ET)
MONDAY, DEC. 5
“The Great Christmas Light Fight”
The lights don’t go out yet! The week continues to get a whole lot brighter as judges Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak take viewers to the biggest and brightest holiday displays across the country. In the back-to-back episodes, the competition heats up as four festive families show off their dazzling light displays for a chance to win $50,000 and the coveted Light Fight trophy. (7pm CT/8pm ET)
TUESDAY, DEC. 6
“Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” – “Jack Black, Kal Penn and Sasheer Zamata”
This special holiday episode of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” hosted by pop-culture legends Pat Sajak and Vanna White, takes a star-studded spin on America’s Game® by welcoming celebrities to spin the world’s most famous Wheel and solve puzzles for a chance to win more than $1 million. All of the money won by the celebrity contestants will go to a charity of their choice. This episode’s celebrity contestants include Jack Black (playing for 24th Street Theatre), Kal Penn (playing for Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project), and Sasheer Zamata (playing for SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition). (7pm CT/8pm ET)
“Press Your Luck” – “Press Your Luck’s Holiday Extravaganza”
In a special holiday-themed episode, our merry players compete to outwit the WHAMMY and take home some festive holiday prizes on “Press Your Luck.” Host Elizabeth Banks is joined by contestants Angie McPherson (hometown: Newport News, Virginia), Ben York (hometown: Queens Creek, Arizona) and Yvette Rubio (hometown: Redwood Valley, California). (8pm CT/9pm ET)
“The $100,000 Pyramid” – “Jason Alexander vs Bobby Moynihan and Rosie O’Donnell vs Pete Holmes”
In an all-new holiday-themed episode of “The $100,000 Pyramid,” it’s a battle of comedians when Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander goes head-to-head with Bobby Moynihan (“Lightning Wolves”), and later, even more laughs with comedians Rosie O’Donnell vs. Pete Holmes. (9pm CT/10pm ET)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7
“The Goldbergs” – “Worst Grinch Ever”
Sleigh bells are ringing! When Erica buys a festive baby toy, Beverly goes full on Grinch in an attempt to steal Christmas. Meanwhile, Adam discovers some surprising information about Brea, and the JTP host their first holiday party. (7:30pm CT/8:30pm ET)
“Abbott Elementary” – “Holiday Hookah”
On the last day of school before winter break, Janine is convinced by her friend to go to a popular Hookah Club where she runs into unexpected colleagues. Elsewhere, Jacob crashes Barbara and Melissa’s traditional holiday dinner and in the process begins to learn the true meaning of Christmas. (8pm CT/9pm ET)
“Home Economics” – “Santa Suit Rental, $25 Per Day”
The most wonderful time of the year brings some unforeseen financial troubles for one member of the Hayworth family. With the help of the entire brood and some holiday magic, the Hayworths are reminded that there’s nothing better than being home for the holidays. (8:30pm CT/9:30pm ET)
THURSDAY, DEC. 8
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
In the perennial favorite created in 1970 by Rankin-Bass Productions (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman”), Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others. The vocal cast features Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle; Keenan Wynn as Winter; Paul Frees as Burgermeister Meisterburger, Grimsby, the soldiers and the townsmen; Joan Gardner as Tanta Kringle; Robie Lester as Jessica and Andrea Sacino; Dina Lynn, Gary White and Greg Thomas as the children. (Rebroadcast) (7pm CT/8pm ET)
“CMA Country Christmas”
Filmed in Nashville, the special returns for its 13th year on ABC, and features some of country music’s most beloved artists coming together for an intimate night full of holiday classics. Host and performers will be announced at a later date. “CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer; Milton Sneed is the director, and Jon Macks is the writer. (8pm CT/9pm ET)
MONDAY, DEC. 12
“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (Season Finale)
The holiday festivities conclude as Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak head to the most spectacular Christmas displays in America. In the back-to-back episodes, four families face off as they showcase their extravagant displays to compete for the coveted Light Fight trophy and $50,000. (7pm CT/8pm ET)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14
“A Very Backstreet Holiday” (Removed from Schedule)
UPDATED DEC 9: Due to recent rape allegations against band member Nick Carter, ABC has made the decision to pull this holiday special from the schedule. In its place, ABC says it will air reruns of its comedy series, but didn’t specify which ones.
This festive new special will feature GRAMMY® Award-winning boy band sensation The Backstreet Boys singing songs from their brand-new holiday album along with classic hits and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. It will be a joyful night to reminisce, harmonize and celebrate the holiday season together. More details to come and expect some special surprises and performances to keep spirits bright! The holiday special is executive produced by Film 45 Live. (7pm CT/8pm ET)
“Finding Harmony”
For the last 13 years, chorus director David Brown has brought together complete strangers and healed communities by asking them to simply join a chorus. In this inspirational one-hour special, EGOT winner John Legend is calling upon David to bring his magic to his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. Will David be able to transform a fractured community into a powerhouse chorus in just one week? Audiences will see the magic of what happens when you invite complete strangers to sing together in this all-new special. (9pm CT/10pm ET)
SUNDAY, DEC. 18
“The Sound of Music”
Celebrate the Oscar®-winning 1965 classic with it’s annual holiday airing. The film features popular favorites “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “The Lonely Goatherd,” and “The Sound of Music.” (6pm CT/7pm ET)
TUESDAY, DEC. 20
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
If you missed it on Dec. 8, ABC will rebroadcast this 1970 Rankin-Bass holiday classic. (7pm CT/8pm ET)
“Disney Prep & Landing”
Walt Disney Animation Studios brings you a half-hour holiday special tale of an elite unit of elves known as Prep & Landing. After working tirelessly on Prep & Landing for 227 years, an elf named Wayne is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion to be the Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, Magee, the North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center Coordinator (NPCECCC for short), partners Wayne with Lanny, an idealistic rookie who has an undying enthusiasm for Christmas. During their Christmas Eve mission, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits. Will the elves be able to guide Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh through a raging snowstorm to ensure a merry Christmas for all? (Rebroadcast) (8pm CT/9pm ET)
“Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice”
The yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue. With the Big 2-5 fast approaching, Wayne and Lanny must race to recover classified North Pole technology that has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking Naughty Kid! Desperate to prevent Christmas from descending into chaos, Wayne seeks out the foremost Naughty Kid expert to aid in the mission, a bombastic member of the Coal Elf Brigade who also happens to be his estranged brother, Noel. (Rebroadcast) (8:30pm CT/9:30pm ET)
SATURDAY, DEC. 24
The Wonderful World of Disney: “Home Alone”
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister has become the man of the house, overnight! Accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, Kevin gets busy decorating the house for the holidays. But he’s not decking the halls with tinsel and holly. Two bumbling burglars are trying to break in, and Kevin’s rigging a bewildering battery of booby traps to welcome them! (7pm CT/8pm ET)
SUNDAY, DEC. 25
“Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
Disney’s annual Christmas celebration returns Christmas morning with heartwarming stories, dazzling celebrity performances and of course, the Christmas Day Parade! The holiday special is executive produced by Disney Parks along with Film 45 Live. (10am ET/9am CT/8am MT/7am PT)
MONDAY, DEC. 26
“The Year: 2022”
This year-end special is anchored by Robin Roberts and features many of ABC’s top news anchors, including David Muir, Michael Strahan, George Stephanopoulos, Juju Chang, Linsey Davis, Janai Norman and Ginger Zee. For the 12th consecutive year, ABC News retraces the top stories, trends and entertainment obsessions we couldn’t get enough of in 2022. (8pm CT/9pm ET)
SATURDAY, DEC. 31
“Dick Clark New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023”
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest live from Times Square on ABC, the show celebrates the year’s very best in music featuring a night superstar performances. The nation’s most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration, which gives viewers a look at New Year’s celebrations from around the globe, will wrap up the holiday season and kick off Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder celebration at Disneyland. Details around co-hosts, performers in Times Square and additional locations will be announced closer to show night. (8pm-2:13am all time zones)
Which of these ABC holiday shows and specials will you be watching? Let us know in the comments.
Merry Xmas everyone 🌲
It would be nice for you to have a simple list of specials and the dates & times in different time zones.
Hi Jacqueline – All shows are listed in chronological order so it’s easy to add them to your calendar. As for the time zones, as explained above, a special airing at 8pm CT/9pm ET will also air at 8pm PT/9pm MT on the west coast. The only exception is live shows like Dick Clark’s NYE, which starts at a specific time in each time zone, and those are listed as such. Hope that helps!
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