ABC’s holiday TV schedule for 2026 brings Disney park specials, seasonal episodes and movie broadcast premieres to the network. The lineup runs through New Year’s Eve.
“Home Alone” has led network movies among adults 18-49 annually since joining ABC’s holiday programming in 2022. It was also 2025’s most-watched movie by total viewers.
All times are Eastern/Pacific unless noted.
What airs in November?
- Wednesday, November 25
- 8:00-8:30 p.m.: “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” Mickey, Donald, Goofy and their pals star in Scrooge’s Christmas story.
- Thursday, November 26
- 8:00-11:00 p.m.: “Mary Poppins.” A nanny turns chores into games while reconnecting two children with their parents.
- Sunday, November 29
- 7:00-11:00 p.m.: “The Sound of Music,” starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.
- Monday, November 30
- 8:00-10:00 p.m.: “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular.”
New musical performances come from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
- Monday, November 30
- 10:00-11:00 p.m.: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” Fred Astaire narrates the Rankin-Bass story of Kris Kringle.
December holiday TV schedule
- Tuesday, December 1
- 8:00-9:00 p.m.: “Dancing with the Holidays,” featuring 12 all-new festive-themed routines.
- 9:00-10:01 p.m.: “CMA Country Christmas.” The 17th annual special features performances filmed before a live Nashville audience.
- Thursday, December 3
- 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST: “Celebrity Family Feud: ‘American Idol’ Men vs ‘American Idol’ Women.” Alumni compete for their selected charities.
- Sunday, December 6
- 7:00-8:02 p.m. EST: “America’s Funniest Home Videos: Festive Flops, Santa’s Knee, and Holiday Hijinks.” Nine of the season’s best compete for the $100,000 grand prize.
- 8:02-11:00 p.m.: “Die Hard.” A New York cop confronts a Christmas Eve high-rise heist.
- Tuesday, December 8
- 8:00-11:00 p.m.: “2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” recorded at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater.
- Wednesday, December 9
- 8:00-8:31 p.m.: “Scrubs: My Wonderful Life,” the season finale. J.D. and Dr. Cox tackle a tricky Christmas case.
- 8:31-9:02 p.m.: “Abbott Elementary: Parents,” the midseason finale. Jacob’s parents visit for the holidays.
- Thursday, December 10
- 8:00-9:00 p.m.: “Press Your Luck: Holiday Extravaganza IV: Oh My Gracious!” Elizabeth Banks hosts.
- Sunday, December 13
- 8:33-11:00 p.m.: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” makes its broadcast premiere.
- Thursday, December 17
- 8:00-10:00 p.m.: “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2026,” featuring musical performances and celebrity appearances.
- Sunday, December 20
- 8:33-11:00 p.m.: “Father of the Bride,” celebrating its 35th anniversary.
- Wednesday, December 23
- 9:00-11:00 p.m.: “The Santa Clause.” Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin, who becomes Santa after taking the sleigh’s reins.
- Thursday, December 24
- 8:00-10:15 p.m.: “Home Alone.” Kevin McCallister defends his house from two burglars.
- Friday, December 25
- 10:00 a.m. EST / 9:00 a.m. CST / 5:00 a.m. MST / 5:00 a.m. PST: “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade,” featuring performances from both resorts.
- Sunday, December 27
- 7:00-8:00 p.m.: “AKC National Championship Dog Show Special.” More than 5,000 dogs compete for Best in Show.
- 8:32-11:00 p.m.: “Mufasa: The Lion King” makes its broadcast premiere.
- Wednesday, December 30
- 9:00-11:00 p.m.: “The Year: 2026.” Robin Roberts and ABC News revisit the year’s headlines and pop-culture moments.
- Thursday, December 31
- 8:00 p.m.-4:00 a.m.: “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2027.” The special simulcasts live on ABC and Disney+ for the first time.
Source: ABC
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