ABC holiday schedule 2026: Every Disney special and movie airing

ABC’s 2026 holiday lineup brings Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Mary Poppins, the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, and TV premieres of Fantastic Four: First Steps and Mufasa: The Lion King.

ABC is filling the holidays with Disney magic.

The network’s 2026 holiday lineup starts Wednesday, Nov. 25, with Mickey’s Christmas Carol and runs through New Year’s Eve, according to ABC. It includes classic Disney movies, two big Disney TV premieres and the annual Christmas Day parade.

What Disney shows are on ABC for the holidays?

Here’s every Disney special and movie on the schedule, according to ABC. All times are ET/PT unless noted:

• Wed., Nov. 25, 8 p.m.: Mickey’s Christmas Carol

• Thu., Nov. 26, 8 p.m.: Mary Poppins

• Sun., Nov. 29, 7 p.m.: The Sound of Music

• Mon., Nov. 30, 8 p.m.: The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular

• Sun., Dec. 13, 8:33 p.m.: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

• Wed., Dec. 23, 9 p.m.: The Santa Clause

• Fri., Dec. 25, 10 a.m. ET: Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

• Sun., Dec. 27, 8:32 p.m.: Mufasa: The Lion King

Is Mickey’s Christmas Carol on ABC this year?

Yes. The 1983 Disney featurette airs Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 8 p.m., the night before Thanksgiving. It’s the first time it has aired on ABC since 2003.

Disney’s Hexed also opens in theaters that same day.

When is the Disney Holiday Spectacular on ABC?

Monday, Nov. 30, from 8 to 10 p.m. The two-hour special features new musical performances from Walt Disney World and Disneyland, ABC said. Performers haven’t been announced.

What time is the Disney Christmas Day Parade on ABC?

10 a.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 25, according to ABC. That’s 9 a.m. Central and 5 a.m. Mountain and Pacific, so West Coast viewers may want to record it.

The parade features star-studded performances from Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

When does Fantastic Four: First Steps air on ABC?

Sunday, Dec. 13, at 8:33 p.m. It’s the movie’s broadcast TV premiere. ABC describes Marvel’s First Family defending Earth in a retro-futuristic world.

When is Mufasa: The Lion King on ABC?

Sunday, Dec. 27, at 8:32 p.m. The movie tells the story of how Mufasa rose to become king of the Pride Lands. It’s also a broadcast TV premiere.

What other holiday movies are on ABC?

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town airs Monday, Nov. 30, at 10 p.m., with Fred Astaire narrating. Die Hard airs Sunday, Dec. 6, and Home Alone airs on Christmas Eve at 8 p.m.

Father of the Bride celebrates its 35th anniversary with an airing on Sunday, Dec. 20.

Is Dancing with the Stars doing a holiday special?

Yes. Dancing with the Holidays airs Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m., with 12 new festive routines, ABC said. CMA Country Christmas follows at 9 p.m.

Are any ABC shows having holiday episodes?

Yes. The Scrubs season finale, “My Wonderful Life,” airs Wednesday, Dec. 9, with J.D. and Dr. Cox working a tricky case over Christmas. Abbott Elementary has its midseason finale right after.

What’s on ABC for New Year’s Eve?

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2027 starts at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora host from Times Square, and Julianne Hough and Rob Gronkowski host from Las Vegas, ABC said.

It will also stream live on Disney+.

Can you stream ABC holiday specials?

Many ABC shows and Disney movies are available on Disney+ and Hulu, but streaming dates for these specials haven’t been announced. Check each app for details.

Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.

Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Hat Tips:

• ABC (Oct. 27, 2026), the full holiday schedule, times and descriptions

• Laughing Place, Maxon Faber (Oct. 27, 2026), the holiday lineup

• Wikipedia, the Mickey’s Christmas Carol broadcast history

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