ABC unveils holiday lineup featuring Disney classics and live concerts
The network's December schedule includes broadcast premieres of two major films, a simulcast New Year's Eve special, and returning musical variety shows.
By Nikhil Petrov ·
ABC has finalized its television schedule for the 2026 holiday season, presenting a lineup that pairs long-running festive franchises with the broadcast debuts of two major motion pictures. The network’s programming strategy for the winter months relies heavily on its Disney library, placing familiar family titles alongside new content from the Marvel and Lion King universes.
The schedule spans from late November through New Year’s Eve. It opens on November 25 with the 1983 animated short Mickey's Christmas Carol. The following day brings the 1964 live-action film Mary Poppins. The month concludes with the annual Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest, which will simulcast live on both ABC and Disney+ for the first time in the franchise's history.
Several established variety specials return to the air this year. Dancing with the Holidays airs on December 1, featuring 12 new routines from the Dancing with the Stars cast. That same evening, the 17th annual CMA Country Christmas presents live performances from Nashville. The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2026 is scheduled for December 17, while The Year: 2026 airs on December 30, marking the 16th consecutive year of that news retrospective.
The network will broadcast the world premiere of The Fantastic Four: First Steps on December 13. Three days later, on December 27, Mufasa: The Lion King receives its broadcast premiere. These new films join a rotation of holiday staples, including The Santa Clause on December 23 and Home Alone on December 24. The film Father of the Bride returns on December 20 to mark its 35th anniversary, and Die Hard airs on December 6.
Comedy and game show episodes are also part of the slate. Abbott Elementary concludes its midseason run on December 9 with an episode titled Parents. The series Scrubs airs its season finale the same night. Press Your Luck hosts a holiday extravaganza on December 10, hosted by Elizabeth Banks. Celebrity Family Feud brings together American Idol alumni for a charity competition on December 3, while America's Funniest Home Videos presents a special episode on December 6.
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is recorded live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and airs on December 8. The inductees include Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. The ceremony also honors Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons with Musical Influence Awards.
The schedule includes a broadcast of the AKC National Championship Dog Show on December 27. The event, held in Orlando, Florida, features more than 5,000 dogs competing for the Best in Show title. Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade airs on Christmas morning, offering performances from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
Viewers can tune in to The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular on November 30, which features musical performances from both Disney resorts. The network also airs the 1970 animated classic Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town that same evening, narrated by Fred Astaire. All listed times are in Eastern and Pacific time zones.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles
