ABC Holiday Schedule Adds Two Film Premieres to Longtime Traditions

Viewers planning their winter television will find a mix of returning annual events and two major film debuts in ABC's 2026 holiday schedule. The network announced its lineup on Monday, featuring broadcast premieres for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and 'Mufasa: The Lion King.' These additions join a slate that includes long-running specials such as 'Dancing with the Holidays,' 'CMA Country Christmas,' and 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.'

The film premieres are scheduled for December. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' will air on Sunday, December 13, from 8:33 to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 'Mufasa: The Lion King' follows on Sunday, December 27, from 8:32 to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Both films will be presented under the 'The Wonderful World of Disney' banner. This slot has traditionally reserved for classic titles like 'The Sound of Music' and 'Mary Poppins,' which return on November 29 and November 26, respectively.

The network also included 'Die Hard' in its holiday offerings, airing on Sunday, December 6, from 8:02 to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The film follows a New York police officer trapped in a high-rise building during a Christmas Eve heist. This selection addresses a frequent cultural debate regarding whether the movie qualifies as a Christmas film. Other film selections include 'The Santa Clause,' 'Home Alone,' and a 35th-anniversary broadcast of 'Father of the Bride.'

Television series will receive holiday-themed episodes throughout the season. 'Abbott Elementary' will air its midseason finale on Wednesday, December 9, at 8:31 p.m. Eastern Time. The same night features the season finale for 'Scrubs' at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 'Press Your Luck' will host 'Holiday Extravaganza IV: Oh My Gracious!' on Thursday, December 10. Host Elizabeth Banks will lead contestants in games designed to avoid penalties while competing for large cash prizes.

Live performances and special events anchor the schedule. The 17th annual 'CMA Country Christmas' will air on Tuesday, December 1, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The special was filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience and features country music stars performing festive classics. 'The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony' will broadcast on Tuesday, December 8, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The event, recorded live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, honors inductees including Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Oasis, and Wu-Tang Clan.

The season concludes with a year-end retrospective and a New Year's Eve broadcast. 'The Year: 2026' will air on Wednesday, December 30, from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This is the 16th consecutive year the franchise has aired, with co-anchor Robin Roberts presenting the special. 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest' will run from 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, to 4:00 a.m. on Friday, January 1. For the first time in the franchise's history, the show will simulcast live on both ABC and Disney+.

Additional programming includes the 'iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2026' on Thursday, December 17, and the 'Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade' on Friday, December 25. The parade broadcast is scheduled for 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The 'AKC National Championship Dog Show Special' will air on Sunday, December 27, featuring more than 5,000 dogs competing in Orlando, Florida. All times listed in the schedule are Eastern Time unless otherwise specified.