ABC Unveils 2026 Holiday Slate Featuring 'Die Hard' and New Film Premieres
The network's schedule runs from late November through New Year's Eve, blending classic movies with live music events and returning variety specials.
By Lauren Bello ·
ABC has released its holiday programming schedule for 2026, confirming a lineup that pairs long-running fan favorites with new film premieres and live music events.
The network plans to air 'Die Hard' on December 6 at 8:02 p.m. Eastern time, settling a longstanding debate about the film's status as a Christmas movie. That broadcast follows a holiday edition of 'America's Funniest Home Videos' which airs from 7:00 p.m. to 8:02 p.m. The 'AFV' special includes a competition where nine contestants vie for a $100,000 grand prize.
Movie offerings this season include 'The Santa Clause,' 'Home Alone,' and 'Father of the Bride.' The network will also premiere two new films. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' is scheduled for a world premiere on December 13 at 8:33 p.m. 'Mufasa: The Lion King' will have its world premiere on December 27 at 8:32 p.m., immediately following the AKC National Championship Dog Show special.
Returning variety specials include 'Dancing with the Holidays' on December 1 and the 17th annual 'CMA Country Christmas' later that evening. The CMA special will be filmed in Nashville before a live audience. 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest' is slated for December 31. For the first time, that franchise will simulcast live on ABC and Disney+.
The schedule features special episodes of several series. 'Abbott Elementary' will air its midseason finale on December 9. 'Scrubs' will conclude its series run with its finale on the same night. 'Press Your Luck' is scheduled for December 10, while 'Celebrity Family Feud' will air an 'American Idol' themed special on December 3.
Live music events anchor the later part of the season. The 'iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2026' is set for December 17 at 8:00 p.m. The '2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony' will air on December 8. That ceremony was recorded live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and inducts Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, and Joy Division/New Order.
The season opens on November 25 with 'Mickey's Christmas Carol.' It continues with 'Mary Poppins' on November 26 and 'The Sound of Music' on November 29. The 'Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular' is scheduled for November 30, featuring performances from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
