Disney is getting ready for the holidays, with a lineup of Christmas movies, animated favorites and seasonal specials returning to ABC throughout November and December.
The Walt Disney Company has announced its 2026 holiday programming schedule, bringing familiar titles like Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Mary Poppins, The Santa Clause and Home Alone back to network television. The celebration also includes The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular and the annual Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, giving Disney fans plenty to watch as the holiday season gets underway.
One of the biggest highlights is the return of Mickey’s Christmas Carol, which airs Wednesday, November 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The beloved 1983 animated short, featuring Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge and Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit, is returning to ABC for the first time since 2003.
The half-hour special originally premiered in theaters in 1983 and became a holiday television favorite in the decades that followed. Its return to ABC after 23 years gives longtime Disney fans another opportunity to revisit the animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story.
Disney’s holiday programming continues Thanksgiving night with Mary Poppins, followed by The Sound of Music later that weekend. December brings additional Christmas favorites, including The Santa Clause and Home Alone, both scheduled during Christmas week.
The annual Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular also returns November 30, bringing holiday performances and Disney entertainment to ABC. The celebration continues Christmas morning with the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, featuring the company’s traditional holiday presentation from its theme parks.
For viewers planning their holiday television schedule, here’s the Disney programming confirmed for ABC in 2026.
Wednesday, November 25
8:00–8:30 p.m. | The Wonderful World of Disney Presents: Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and their Disney friends bring Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story to life, with Scrooge McDuck learning the importance of kindness and generosity.
Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving)
8:00–11:00 p.m. | The Wonderful World of Disney Presents: Mary Poppins
Julie Andrews stars as the magical nanny who arrives at the Banks family home in London, bringing music, adventure and a little magic into the lives of two children and their parents.
Sunday, November 29
7:00–11:00 p.m. | The Wonderful World of Disney Presents: The Sound of Music
Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer star in the Academy Award-winning musical featuring beloved songs including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and “The Sound of Music.”
Monday, November 30
8:00–10:00 p.m. | The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
Disney’s annual holiday special returns with new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
10:00–11:00 p.m. | Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
The 1970 Rankin/Bass animated classic returns, with Fred Astaire narrating the story of young Kris Kringle, voiced by Mickey Rooney.
Tuesday, December 1
8:00–9:00 p.m. | Dancing with the Holidays
Dancing with the Stars celebrates Christmas with 12 new holiday-themed dance routines, seasonal decorations and appearances from the show’s cast.
9:00–10:01 p.m. | CMA Country Christmas
The 17th annual holiday music special features country music performers celebrating the season with Christmas classics, filmed before a live audience in Nashville.
Thursday, December 3
8:00–9:00 p.m. ET | Celebrity Family Feud: American Idol Men vs. American Idol Women
Steve Harvey hosts a special holiday competition featuring former American Idol contestants playing to raise money for their chosen charities.
Sunday, December 6
7:00–8:02 p.m. ET | America’s Funniest Home Videos: Festive Flops, Santa’s Knee, and Holiday Hijinks
A holiday-themed collection of home videos featuring Santa mishaps, sledding accidents and gift-giving surprises. Nine finalists also compete for the $100,000 grand prize.
8:02–11:00 p.m. | Die Hard
Bruce Willis stars as New York police officer John McClane, who finds himself trapped in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas Eve hostage situation.
Tuesday, December 8
8:00–11:00 p.m. | 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The annual ceremony celebrates this year’s inductees, including Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan, with special performances and tributes.
Wednesday, December 9
8:00–8:31 p.m. | Scrubs: My Wonderful Life (Season Finale)
J.D. and Dr. Cox work together on a difficult medical case during Christmas, while Elliot handles a busy emergency room filled with patients and holiday surprises.
8:31–9:02 p.m. | Abbott Elementary: Parents (Midseason Finale)
Jacob’s parents arrive for the holidays, while Barbara deals with students who are falling behind in class.
Thursday, December 10
8:00–9:00 p.m. | Press Your Luck: Holiday Extravaganza IV: Oh My Gracious!
Elizabeth Banks hosts a special holiday edition of the game show as contestants compete for cash prizes while trying to avoid the Whammy.
Sunday, December 13
8:33–11:00 p.m. | The Fantastic Four: First Steps (World Premiere)
Marvel’s First Family makes its network television debut in the retro-futuristic superhero adventure.
Thursday, December 17
8:00–10:00 p.m. | iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2026
The annual holiday concert returns with musical performances and appearances from popular recording artists.
Sunday, December 20
8:33–11:00 p.m. | Father of the Bride (35th Anniversary)
Steve Martin stars in the family comedy about a father struggling to accept his daughter’s upcoming wedding.
Wednesday, December 23
9:00–11:00 p.m. | The Wonderful World of Disney Presents: The Santa Clause
Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a father who unexpectedly becomes the new Santa Claus after a Christmas Eve accident.
Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
8:00–10:15 p.m. | The Wonderful World of Disney Presents: Home Alone
Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation. When two burglars target his home, Kevin prepares a few surprises of his own.
Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
10:00 a.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. CT / 5:00 a.m. MT / 5:00 a.m. PT | Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
Disney’s annual Christmas morning celebration returns with musical performances and holiday festivities from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
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 at the annual AKC National Championship in Orlando, Florida.
8:32–11:00 p.m. | The Wonderful World of Disney Presents: Mufasa: The Lion King (World Premiere)
Disney’s The Lion King prequel explores the unlikely rise of Mufasa and his journey toward becoming king of the Pride Lands.
Wednesday, December 30
9:00–11:00 p.m. | The Year: 2026
Robin Roberts and the ABC News team revisit the year’s biggest headlines, entertainment stories and memorable pop culture moments in the annual two-hour special.
Thursday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve)
8:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m. | Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2027
Ryan Seacrest returns to Times Square for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration, joined by Rita Ora in New York, Julianne Hough and Rob Gronkowski in Las Vegas, and Druski in Chicago. The special will also stream live on Disney+ for the first time, alongside its traditional ABC broadcast.
The holiday lineup brings together several generations of Disney entertainment, from the animated characters of Mickey’s Christmas Carol to the live-action musical Mary Poppins and the Christmas comedies that have become annual viewing traditions for many families. The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will once again serve as one of the company’s biggest holiday television events, while The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular provides another opportunity to celebrate the season with Disney music and performances.
Disney’s 2026 holiday programming begins November 25 with Mickey’s Christmas Carol on ABC. Additional broadcast information and programming updates are available through ABC’s official holiday schedule.
