ABC has been busy filming multiple holiday television specials at Disneyland in California, and is about to do the same at Walt Disney World in Florida. We’ve been following these productions closely, and now we know when they’ll air, along with a full slate of other holiday programming. See also Hallmark’s first Disney Christmas movie debuting this year.
ABC revealed its network schedule for holiday movies and new Disney theme park specials, including the annual Christmas parade and the return of The Wonderful World of Disney, the classic programming block going back generations. See the lineup below. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including food coming to Disney Jollywood Nights and Disney’s theme park attendance rankings.
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Holiday Specials Filmed at Disneyland and Walt Disney World
Music performances and parade segments filmed at Disneyland and Walt Disney World this month will be packaged into two pre-recorded specials. Both will stream on Disney+ the day after they air on ABC.
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The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular will air on ABC on Monday, November 30, at 8:00 PM. We anticipate this special featuring concert-style performances filmed at night in recognizable Disney theme park locations, such as in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will air on ABC on Friday, December 25, Christmas Day, at 10:00 AM ET and 5:00 AM PT. As a reminder, guests at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World can watch the parade filming on November 10 and 11.
This annual Disney tradition dates back to the 1980s. This year’s hosts and musical guests have not been announced. In 2025, the parade was hosted by Ginnifer Goodwin and Alfonso Ribeiro.
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The Wonderful World of Disney
The Wonderful World of Disney programming block has its origins as far back as 1954, when Walt Disney himself showcased his under-construction Disneyland theme park to millions of television viewers weekly.
Today, ABC occasionally revives The Wonderful World of Disney as a primetime programming slot for Disney movies.
Here’s the lineup for The Wonderful World of Disney this holiday season, along with official program descriptions from ABC.
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) | Wednesday, November 25, at 8:00 PM
Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and all their pals star in an all-time Christmas classic. Ebenezer Scrooge is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is a time for kindness and generosity, but with the guidance of some newfound friends, Scrooge learns to embrace the spirit of the season.
This will mark the first time ABC has broadcast Mickey’s Christmas Carol since 2003. That year, the special aired as part of a celebration for Mickey’s 75th birthday. During commercial breaks of that 2003 broadcast, celebrities shared their favorite memories of Mickey. We’re glad to see this animated classic back on airwaves after a 23-year hiatus.
Our readers might also be interested in Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast, a character dinner at Disneyland Resort featuring Mickey and friends wearing their costumes from the holiday special.
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents Mary Poppins (1964) | Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving), at 8:00 PM
Mary Poppins flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. The spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a “Jolly Holiday” to reconnect the children with their parents.
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents The Sound of Music (1965) | Sunday, November 29, at 7:00 PM
An annual holiday tradition: Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer star in the Oscar-winning film that features fan-favorite songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein, including “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “The Sound of Music.”
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents The Santa Clause (1994) | Wednesday, December 23, at 9:00 PM
On Christmas Eve, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) and his son discover Santa Claus has fallen off their roof. When Scott takes the reins of the magical sleigh, he finds he is now the new Santa and must convince a world of disbelievers, including himself.
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents Home Alone (1990) | Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), at 8:00 PM
Accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister gets busy decorating the house. But he’s not decking the halls with tinsel and holly — he has to defend his home from two bumbling burglars.
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) | Sunday, December 27, at 8:32 PM
Explore the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands.
Avengers: Doomsday Pre-Game
ABC will air a special presentation of The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) on Sunday, December 13, at 8:33 PM, just days before the December 18 release of Avengers: Doomsday in movie theaters.
The Fantastic Four return in Avengers: Doomsday, and their movie directly leads into the new film.
Holiday Movies and Specials
Beyond its Disney-branded programming, ABC will also air favorite non-Disney holiday movies, new holiday episodes of scripted series, and several live productions.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970) | Monday, November 30, at 10:00 PM
In the perennial favorite created in 1970 by Rankin-Bass Productions, Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others.
Dancing with the Holidays | Tuesday, December 1, at 8:00 PM
The ballroom comes alive with holiday magic as Dancing with the Stars celebrates the season with 12 all-new festive-themed routines, dazzling holiday décor, and heartwarming moments with the cast.
CMA Country Christmas | Tuesday, December 1, at 9:00 PM
Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the 17th annual CMA Country Christmas will feature one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from country music’s biggest stars.
Celebrity Family Feud: American Idol Men vs American Idol Women | Thursday, December 3, at 8:00 PM
Hosted by Steve Harvey, this holiday special brings together the best of “American Idol” alumni to compete for their selected charities.
America’s Funniest Home Videos: Festive Flops, Santa’s Knee, and Holiday Hijinks | Sunday, December 6, at 7:00 PM
Stuff your stockings with the laughs in this special AFV holiday episode, featuring Santa mishaps, sledding wipeouts, and gift goofs. Plus, nine of the season’s best compete for the $100,000 grand prize.
Die Hard (1988) | Sunday, December 6, at 8:02 PM
A New York cop trapped in a high-rise during a Christmas Eve heist must fight to save his wife and everyone inside.
2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony | Tuesday, December 8, at 8:00 PM
Recorded live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, this year’s ceremony features rare once-in-a-lifetime performances and moments celebrating the legacy and influence of this year’s Inductees: Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan in the Performer category; Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons for the Musical Influence Award; Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin for the Musical Excellence Award; and Ed Sullivan for the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
Scrubs: My Wonderful Life (Season Finale) | Wednesday, December 9, at 8:00 PM
Over Christmas, J.D. and Dr. Cox work together on a tricky case. Meanwhile, Elliot manages an ER overflowing with patients and a surprising amount of holiday cheer.
Abbott Elementary: Parents (Midseason Finale) | Wednesday, December 9, at 8:31 PM
Jacob’s parents visit for the holidays, while Barbara contends with some of her students falling behind.
Press Your Luck: Holiday Extravaganza IV: Oh My Gracious! | Thursday, December 10, at 8:00 PM
Host Elizabeth Banks is hoping for a little holiday cheer as contestants play for the BIG BUCKS and try to avoid that mean ol’ WHAMMY!
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2026 | Thursday, December 7, at 8:00 PM
The season’s iconic holiday music event, with performances by this year’s top artists and star-studded appearances, returns to ring in the holiday cheer.
Father of the Bride (35th Anniversary) | Sunday, December 20, at 8:33 PM
A father has a hard time letting go of his daughter when she wants to wed.
AKC National Championship Dog Show Special | Sunday, December 27, at 7:00 PM
Held each December in Orlando, Florida, the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin is the largest dog show in North America. More than 5,000 dogs will compete for the coveted title of Best in Show.
The Year: 2026 | Wednesday, December 30, at 9:00 PM
Relive the year’s most unforgettable moments all in one unmissable night. Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts and ABC News’ popular, year-end franchise The Year return in December for the 16th consecutive year. The two-hour annual primetime special The Year: 2026”features ABC News’ award-winning anchors, correspondents, hosts and more and is network television’s most comprehensive and star-studded look back, with the headlines that shaped the world and celebrity and pop-culture moments that had everyone talking — all leaving an indelible mark on 2026.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2027 | Thursday, December 31, at 8:00 PM
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest is the preeminent destination for viewers to ring in the new year. For the first time ever in the history of the iconic franchise, the special will simulcast live on ABC and Disney+, giving audiences an exciting new way to experience America’s biggest, most-watched New Year’s celebration. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest live from Times Square, the show celebrates the year’s very best in music, featuring a night of superstar performances. Rita Ora returns to co-host from New York’s Times Square, Julianne Hough and Rob Gronkowski will return to Las Vegas to lead celebrations from the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” and Druski will join as co-host from Chicago.
Top photo via Disney from Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade 2025 broadcast.
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