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ABC Locks In Date for Disney Holiday Special, Stars Still a Mystery

ABC has revealed when The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular will air this year. The annual special returns Monday, November 30, 2026.

With Halloween wrapping up in a few days, this gives Disney fans their first big holiday date to look forward to.

Holiday Spectacular Details

  • Date: Monday, November 30, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 to 10:00 PM ET/PT
  • Network: ABC

That’s the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and a performer dancing on stage during a Disney holiday special.
Credit: ABC

What’s Included

According to ABC, the special will feature new musical performances from:

Still not announced:

  • Host
  • Performers
Nicole Scherzinger performing at the Disney Holiday Special.
Credit: Disney

Filming Connection

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is scheduled to run during the daytime at Magic Kingdom on November 10 and 11 for ABC holiday special filming. Guests in the park those days may see some of the production in action.

Last Year’s Special

2025 Holiday Spectacular:

  • Aired: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET/PT
  • Host: Derek Hough
  • Narrator: Ginnifer Goodwin
  • Filmed at: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Aulani

2025 performers:

  • Aloe Blacc
  • Good Charlotte
  • Coco Jones
  • Mariah the Scientist
  • Bebe Rexha
  • Nicole Scherzinger
  • Gwen Stefani
  • Iam Tongi
  • Trisha Yearwood
Gwen Stefani performs in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for the Disney Holiday Special at Disneyland.
Credit: Disney

This year’s listing mentions only Walt Disney World and Disneyland, so it’s unclear whether Aulani will be included again.

2025 vs. 2026 at a Glance

20252026
Air DateMonday, Dec. 1Monday, Nov. 30
Time8:00 PM ET/PT8:00 to 10:00 PM ET/PT
HostDerek HoughNot announced
LocationsWDW, Disneyland, AulaniWDW, Disneyland
Performers9 artistsNot announced

Christmas Day Parade Date

ABC also announced the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.

  • Date: Friday, December 25, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM Eastern, 9:00 AM Central
  • Other time zones: Check local listings

ABC says the parade returns with star-studded performances from Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Your Disney Holiday TV Calendar

SpecialDateTime
Holiday SpectacularMonday, Nov. 308:00 to 10:00 PM ET/PT
Christmas Day ParadeFriday, Dec. 2510:00 AM ET

Why Fans Tune In

These specials bring the Disney parks home for fans who can’t visit during the holidays. They’re also a fun way to relive past trips or build excitement for an upcoming one.

Quick Tips

  • Set a reminder for November 30 at 8:00 PM
  • Plan Christmas morning around the 10:00 AM Eastern parade
  • Watch for announcements about the host and performers
  • Visit Magic Kingdom November 10 or 11 if you want to catch filming
Performers and a singer on stage in front of Spaceship Earth during the Disney Holiday Special at EPCOT.
Credit: Disney

Final Thoughts

Halloween is almost over, and the holidays are coming fast. With the Holiday Spectacular airing November 30 and the Christmas Day Parade on December 25, Disney fans have two dates to save.

Will you be watching?

Erica Lauren

Erica Lauren is a theme park writer and content creator based in Orlando, Florida, chosen for its proximity to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. As a regular park visitor, she offers a ground-level perspective on her experiences. A dedicated runDisney participant, she combines her love for running with her passion for theme parks. When not writing or running, Erica is busy planning her next trip, always on the lookout for new parks to explore. A thrill ride enthusiast, she believes the best spot is in the front row of the fastest coaster.

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