‘Tis The Season For Holiday Specials and Classics on ABC

Get ready for music, animation and holiday magic! Beginning Thanksgiving Day, the alphabet network will be showcasing some of the best in holiday programming and new specials as well.

Some of the highlights will include a special fifth anniversary of the Thanksgiving evening staple “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” a reimagined “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Celebration,” a bright new season of “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” new holiday-themed episodes of ABC comedies and “General Hospital”; and the network broadcast premiere of “The Greatest Showman.”

There will also be familiar faces, as some of your classic holiday favorites return to network television to bring a sprinkling of nostalgia into your homes, like the Academy Award winner for Best Picture for 1965 “The Sound of Music” and the stop-motion animated classic “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” 

Airdates for all shows are as follows (all times listed are Eastern/Pacific):

Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving)

“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” – It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened and Anna and Elsa host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their own. “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” features the original cast of Arendelle characters, including Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad (“Marshall,” “Book of Mormon”); Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell (“Frozen,” “Bad Moms”); Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel (Broadway’s “Wicked,” “Rent” and “If/Then”; Fox’s “Glee”); and Kristoff, voiced by Jonathan Groff (Broadway’s “Hamilton,” Netflix’s “Mindhunter”). (8:00-8:30 p.m.)

“Toy Story That Time Forgot” – Pixar Animation Studios’ special for television features everyone’s favorite characters from the “Toy Story” films. During a post-Christmas play date, the “Toy Story” gang finds themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turn out to be dangerously delusional. The cast includes Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Kristen Schaal as Trixie, Kevin McKidd (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Reptillus Maximus, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Joan Cusack as Jessie. (8:30-9:00 p.m.)

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” – Kicking off the holiday season on ABC for its fifth consecutive year, this Thanksgiving celebration features a look back on spectacular celebrity musical performances among a flurry of Disney holiday entertainment. The holiday special is a collaboration by Disney Parks, ABC and Endeavor Content’s Film 45. (9:00-11:00 p.m.)

Friday, November 27

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” – In the perennial animated favorite from 1970 by Rankin-Bass Productions (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman”), Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle, a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others. The vocal cast features Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle; Keenan Wynn as Winter; Paul Frees as Burgermeister Meisterburger, Grimsby, the soldiers and the townsmen; Joan Gardner as Tanta Kringle; Robie Lester as Jessica and Andrea Sacino; Dina Lynn, Gary White and Greg Thomas as the children. (8:00-9:00 p.m.)

Sunday, November 29

“Disney Prep & Landing” – After working tirelessly on Prep & Landing for 227 years, an elf named Wayne is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion to be the Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, Magee, the North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center Coordinator (NPCECCC for short), partners Wayne with Lanny, an idealistic rookie who has an undying enthusiasm for Christmas. Will the elves be able to guide Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh through a raging snowstorm to ensure a merry Christmas for all? (7:00-7:30 p.m.)

“Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice” – The yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue. With the Big 2-5 fast approaching, Wayne and Lanny must race to recover classified North Pole technology that has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking Naughty Kid! (7:30-8:00 p.m.)

Monday, November 30

“General Hospital” – Chasing tradition and relishing in the fact that she has unusually unfettered access to the Quartermaine kitchen, Olivia strives to create the perfect traditional Thanksgiving feast for the family and their guests. Meanwhile, Sam and Carly’s mutual contempt fades to an unlikely moment of friendship as they discuss the paths their lives have taken supporting those they love. Brando gives Sasha the support she needs, while Ava wonders if her aspirations of having a happy family can be salvaged. Monica reminds everyone just how much they have to be thankful for in the face of the challenges they’ve encountered, and the arrival of an unexpected guest proves to be the pleasant surprise everyone needs to experience the joy of the holiday. (2:00-3:00 p.m., check local listings)

“The Disney Holiday Singalong” – Returning for a third iteration, “The Disney Holiday Singalong” will feature more music and magic just in time for the holidays. The one-hour festive musical event will feature star-studded performances, animated on-screen lyrics, more favorite Disney melodies and classic holiday songs. (8:00-9:00 p.m.) (More on the Singalong HERE)

“CMA Country Christmas” – “CMA Country Christmas” returns for its 11th year. Filmed in Nashville, the special features some of country music’s most beloved artists coming together for an intimate night full of holiday classics. Host and performers will be announced at a later date. Last December’s broadcast of ABC’s “CMA Country Christmas” was the most-watched show in the two-hour time period (5.9 million Total Viewers). “CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association.  (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, December 2

“The Goldbergs” – “Hanukkah On The Seas” – Pop-Pop surprises the family with an ill-advised winter cruise to Canada. Meanwhile, Erica stirs up holiday trouble at home on an all-new Hanukkah-themed episode. (8:00-8:30 p.m.)

“black-ish” – “Compton Around the Christmas Tree” – Dre realizes he’s out of touch with his roots after Junior claims he’s turned into a “valley dad,” so he takes the family to his hometown of Compton. Meanwhile, Bow tries to teach Jack and Diane about the spirit of giving by having them volunteer in Compton for Christmas on “black-ish.” (9:30-10:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, December 9

“The Great Christmas Light Fight” – Season Premiere – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as ABC’s tree-mendously popular decorating competition series, “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” takes over Wednesdays in December as it returns for its eighth season with back-to-back episodes. America’s brightest houses bring joy to the world with the help of celebrity judges – lifestyle expert Carter Oosterhouse and famed interior designer Taniya Nayak. All isn’t always calm, but all is definitely bright as the Christmas classic takes viewers across the country to the most elaborate and awe-inspiring holiday displays in the nation. (8:00-10:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, December 16

“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (8:00-10:00 p.m.)

Friday, December 18

“Shrek the Halls” – DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek the Halls,” a half-hour of entertainment starring America’s favorite ogre and his friends, features the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas. (8:30-9:01 p.m.)

Sunday, December 20

“The Sound of Music” – ABC will air the Rodgers & Hammerstein cinematic treasure “The Sound of Music.” Celebrate the Oscar-winning classic with popular favorites “Edelweiss,” ”My Favorite Things,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “The Lonely Goatherd” and “The Sound of Music.” (7:00-11:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, December 23

“General Hospital” – As holiday celebrations begin in Port Charles, Carly and Jason return to Sonny’s house to find that in her absence Michael and Joss have stepped up and added all the finishing traditional touches for a beautiful multigenerational family Christmas at home. The holidays make various losses felt in new ways, and Maxie looks to honor someone who can’t be with them. Consequences from past decisions are coming to bear – and several residents hope for the best but fear the worst. However, the holidays also provide opportunities for heart-to-heart talks, forgiveness, unexpected connections and long-awaited reunions. (2:00-3:00 p.m., check local listings)

“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (9:00-11:00 p.m.) – Season Finale

Thursday, December 24

“The Greatest Showman”– Network Broadcast Premiere – An original musical inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, starring Hugh Jackman. Barnum was a visionary who rose from nothing to create the “Greatest Show on Earth,” a spectacle and celebration of his larger-than-life imagination that captivated audiences around the globe. (8:00-10:00 p.m.)

Friday, December 25

“Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Celebration” – Disney’s annual Christmas celebration airs Christmas morning on ABC and features heartwarming stories and amazing celebrity performances. The holiday special is a collaboration by Disney Parks, ABC and Endeavor Content’s Film 45. (10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.)