Get ready to deck the halls with a dazzling array of holiday programming, because ABC is pulling out all the stops this season! From heartwarming classics to star-studded specials, there’s something for everyone—but here’s where it gets controversial: can too much holiday cheer ever be a bad thing? Let’s dive into the festive lineup that’s sure to spark debate and delight in equal measure.
ABC has unveiled its holiday schedule, and it’s a sleigh ride of entertainment. Kicking things off is a brand-new Dancing With The Stars special, alongside Kevin Costner’s The First Christmas and the CMA Country Christmas extravaganza from Nashville. And let’s not forget the ever-popular New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, which promises to light up your screen as we bid farewell to 2025. But here’s the twist: with so many options, will viewers feel overwhelmed, or will this be the ultimate holiday binge?
From The Wonderful World of Walt Disney, classics like The Sound of Music, The Santa Clause, and Home Alone are making a return. Speaking of Home Alone, since its debut on ABC’s holiday lineup in 2022, it’s been the highest-rated movie among Adults 18-49 and the most co-viewed film of the season. But is it still as magical, or has it lost its sparkle after years of repeats? You decide.
New to the lineup is the broadcast debut of Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol, a Christmas special that’s sure to charm. Plus, holiday-themed episodes of Abbott Elementary, America’s Funniest Home Videos, Celebrity Family Feud, and more will keep the festive spirit alive. And this is the part most people miss: amidst the glitter and glitz, these shows often tackle real-life issues, from family dynamics to financial struggles. Are they doing enough to balance entertainment with depth?
Sports fans, rejoice! ABC will broadcast a full day of NBA action on Christmas Day, including a special edition of Inside the NBA. All five games will also be available on ESPN. But here’s the question: with so much basketball, will it overshadow the traditional holiday programming, or is it the perfect addition for sports enthusiasts?
Now, let’s break down the schedule, because there’s a lot to unpack. From Mary Poppins on Thanksgiving to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on New Year’s Day, every night is a celebration. Highlights include the CMA Country Christmas with performances by Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis, and What Would You Do?: Holiday Edition, which tackles thought-provoking scenarios like a woman shamed for being single during the holidays. Is this the kind of content we need during the holidays, or does it risk dampening the festive mood?
The Great Christmas Light Fight returns for its 13th season, with families competing for a $50,000 grand prize. But is this competition truly about holiday spirit, or has it become too commercialized? Meanwhile, Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas offers a deeper look at the story of Mary and Joseph, inviting viewers to reflect on the true meaning of the season. In a world of flashy specials, does this kind of programming still resonate, or are we too distracted by the sparkle?
As we head into 2026, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve promises to be bigger than ever, but is it still the must-watch event it once was, or have streaming platforms stolen its thunder? And let’s not forget the NBA Christmas Special, featuring matchups like the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the New York Knicks. With so much sports content, are networks risking alienating non-sports fans, or is there room for everyone at the holiday table?
So, what do you think? Is ABC’s holiday lineup the gift that keeps on giving, or is it a case of too much of a good thing? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this festive feast of programming!
