ABC is ready to celebrate the holiday season with the brightest specials, seasonal favorites, and festive slate of new and returning holiday programming. Pour a cup of eggnog, snuggle into the sofa with a cozy blanket, and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of year with the alphabet network!

Disneyland’s Christmas parade returns to television for the first time since 2019 with “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade,” along with “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” for its sixth year. Both specials will feature all-star musical performances, and promised sneak peeks of what’s coming to the Disney theme parks.

, ABC Holiday Schedule 2021 Adds New Cheer to Festive Favorites

The annual competition series, “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” returns for its ninth season with back-to-back episodes across the first week of the Christmas season. “CMA Country Christmas” returns with must-see performances of classic holiday tunes by country music’s biggest stars.

Magician Adam Trent will bring real holiday magic to a new special “The Magic Maker.” Members of your favorite boy bands will join together to celebrate the season with “A Very Boy Band Holiday.” 

Several ABC comedies and dramas will get the holiday treatment, including “The Goldbergs,” “Home Economics,” “The Wonder Years,” “Station 19,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” ABC Daytime will also celebrate the yuletide season when the holidays visit Port Charles in “General Hospital.”

Ryan Seacrest will wrap up the festivities as he hosts of the annual favorite “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” The program will celebrate its 50th anniversary at New York’s Time Square.

Scroll down for the full holiday season slate below (all times listed are Eastern/Pacific).

Wednesday, November 17

 “The Goldbergs” (8:00-8:30 p.m.) – “A Light Thanksgiving Nosh” – When Beverly learns that Linda Schwartz will host Thanksgiving this year, she becomes concerned that her role as family hostess — and more importantly as Erica’s mom — is threatened. Meanwhile, Pop-Pop surprises the family by showing up with a new “lady friend.” 

“Home Economics” (9:31-10:00 p.m.) – “Two Thousand Pounds of Sand, $240” – Tom, Sarah and Connor are determined to prove that they can host a successful Thanksgiving dinner when they switch up their annual holiday tradition to gather at Connor’s place.

Thursday, November 18

“Station 19” (8:00-9:00 p.m.) – “Little Girl Blue” – Station 19 and Station 23 each attempt to celebrate Thanksgiving following the fallout from a neighborhood explosion. The firefighters come together to cook, toast to loved ones they have lost and celebrate the families they have become. 

“Grey’s Anatomy” (9:00-10:01 p.m.) – “Every Day Is a Holiday (With You)” – While Meredith faces travel complications due to the weather, Nick steps in to help in more ways than one. Meanwhile, Richard and Bailey seek emergency surgeries, and Amelia and Link reconnect. 

Wednesday, November 24

“General Hospital” (2:00-3:00 p.m. – check local listings)  While some enjoy the Thanksgiving parade in Port Charles, others hope for the best at their respective family gatherings – knowing that past holidays have sometimes gone awry. Unexpected news and arrivals, awkward encounters and apologies make for an unpredictable holiday.

Thursday, November 25 (Thanksgiving Day)

, ABC Holiday Schedule 2021 Adds New Cheer to Festive Favorites

8:00-9:00 p.m. “The Magic Maker” – Famed magician Adam Trent puts magic in the hands of everyday people to help them with the biggest and most emotional moments of their lives. 

9:00-10:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos” – “America’s Funniest Home Videos” celebrates Thanksgiving with segments including “Things that Rhyme with Thanksgiving” and “Things We’re Thankful For.” Catch a tribute to baseball that includes a little leaguer who moves the T-ball stand to slide into home base, and another who stops short of the base and is dragged to it by his coach.

10:00-11:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos” – What’s better than one hour of funny Thanksgiving videos? How about two hours! The 2nd showing will feature a woman who is grossed out by having to prepare a turkey for dinner and a little boy who is thankful for dinosaurs; plus, selfies gone wrong and people getting scared. 

Friday, November 26

Here come the classics…

, ‘Tis The Season For Holiday Specials and Classics on ABC

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (8:00-9:01 p.m.) – In the perennial favorite created in 1970 by Rankin-Bass Productions (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman”), Fred Astaire narrates a timeless tale of Kris Kringle. The voice cast includes Mickey Rooney, Keenan Wynn, Paul Frees, Joan Gardner, Robie Lester, Dina Lynn, Gary White, and Greg Thomas. 

Sunday, November 28

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” (7:00-9:00 p.m.) – Returning for its sixth year with all-new musical performances, the holiday special will also offer sneak peeks at new adventures to come at Disney Parks. The holiday special is executive produced by Disney Parks along with Endeavor Content’s 45 Live. 

“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (9:00-11:00 p.m.) – Season Premiere – ABC’s hit decorating competition series returns for its ninth season with back-to-back episodes across the first week of the Christmas season. 

Monday, November 29

“General Hospital” (2:00-3:00 p.m., check local listings) – Emotions run high, tempers run hot, and folks in Port Charles try to make sense of recent events at heartfelt gatherings with the ones they love, acknowledging all they have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. 

, ABC Holiday Schedule 2021 Adds New Cheer to Festive Favorites

“CMA Country Christmas” (8:00-9:00 p.m.) – Some of country music’s brightest artists coming together for an intimate musical night full of holiday classics. Hosts and performers will be announced at a later date. 

“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (9:00-11:00 p.m.) – The lights don’t go out yet! The week continues to get a whole lot brighter as judges Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak take viewers to the biggest and brightest holiday displays across the country.

Wednesday, December 1

“The Wonder Years” – “Home for Christmas” (8:30-9:00 p.m.) – Dean can’t wait to spend Christmas with his older brother, Bruce, when he returns home from Vietnam. But adjusting to life back in Montgomery comes with unexpected challenges for Bruce, and the rest of the Williams family rely on their favorite holiday traditions to bring cheer. 

“Home Economics” – “Secret Santa Gift, $25 Limit” (9:31-10:00 p.m.)  As Christmas approaches, Tom finally receives his first advance check from the Sofia Salazar book, leaving him and Marina to decide what to do with the money. 

Thursday, December 2

, ‘Tis The Season For Holiday Specials and Classics on ABC

“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” (8:00-8:30 p.m.) – When the kingdom of Arendelle empties out for the holiday season, Anna and Elsa realize that they have no family traditions of their own. So Olaf sets out on a merry mission to bring home the very best traditions and save Christmas.

“Toy Story That Time Forgot” (8:30-9:00 p.m.) – Pixar Animation Studios’ special features everyone’s favorite characters from the “Toy Story” franchise. The voice cast includes Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Kristen Schaal, Kevin McKidd, Wallace Shawn, Timothy Dalton, Don Rickles, and Joan Cusack. 

“The Great Christmas Light Fight” (9:00-11:00 p.m.) – The holiday festivities conclude in the final episodes of the season as Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak head to the most spectacular Christmas displays in America. 

Sunday, December 5

, ABC Holiday Schedule 2021 Adds New Cheer to Festive Favorites

“Something’s Coming: West Side Story – A  Special Edition of 20/20” (7:00-8:00 p.m.) – ABC News presents a one-hour primetime event that steps inside the upcoming film “West Side Story,” from director Steven Spielberg. The special features interviews with Spielberg, Rita Moreno and other members of the cast and crew; discussions with Puerto Rican actors, artists, and journalists on the role this story has had on their lives and the importance of authenticity and representation in film; and behind-the-scenes footage of the film. 

Monday, December 6

“A Very Boy Band Holiday” (8:00-9:00 p.m.) – An all-star cast featuring members from your favorite boy bands sing their holiday hits and celebrate the season. More details about performances to come and expect some special surprises to keep spirits bright! 

Friday, December 10

, ABC Holiday Schedule 2021 Adds New Cheer to Festive Favorites

“Shark Tank” (8:00-9:01 p.m.) – Holiday cheer heads into the Tank when four entrepreneurs try to make a deal with the Sharks with their slate of seasonally appropriate pitches and products. The Sharks in this episode are Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Daymond John.

Sunday, December 12

“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (7:00-8:00 p.m.) – A special holiday episode featuring kids having funny reactions to gifts, kids who don’t have the “Christmas spirit,” and a child who tries not to tell Dad what Mom got him for Christmas. 

“Supermarket Sweep” (9:00-10:00 p.m.) – Three-time Emmy® nominee and comedienne Leslie Jones celebrates the holidays with shopping, games, and ugly holiday sweaters. 

Thursday, December 16

“Station 19” – “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (8:00-9:00 p.m.) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the firefighters have their hands full responding to a number of crises throughout Seattle. 

“Grey’s Anatomy” – “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” (9:00-10:00 p.m.) – The doctors of Grey Sloan Memorial celebrate the holidays; Hamilton and Meredith prepare for a milestone on their project; Link wants to spend the holiday with Amelia and Scout as a family, and Schmitt is faced with a difficult decision during surgery. 

Sunday, December 19

, ‘Tis The Season For Holiday Specials and Classics on ABC

“The Sound of Music” (7:00-11:00 p.m.) – Based on the real life story of the Von Trapp Family singers, the Oscar-winning motion picture tells the story of one of the world’s best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II. The film stars Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Charmian Carr, and Eleanor Parker.

Tuesday, December 21

“General Hospital” (2:00-3:00 p.m., check local listings) – As Santa Claus and his helpers bring Christmas cheer to General Hospital, the annual tree lighting fills the community with hope and promise. Meanwhile, Port Charles experiences a holiday that will not soon be forgotten when a long-awaited homecoming brings renewed faith to the community. 

Wednesday, December 22

, ‘Tis The Season For Holiday Specials and Classics on ABC

“General Hospital” (2:00-3:00 p.m. – check local listings)  – The Port Charles families come together to both hold each other close as they face tragedy and celebrate joyfully as they look to the future. 

Friday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)

“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” (8:00-8:30 p.m.) – When the kingdom of Arendelle empties out for the holiday season, Anna and Elsa realize that they have no family traditions of their own. So Olaf sets out on a merry mission to bring home the very best traditions and save Christmas.

“Shrek the Halls” (8:30-9:00 p.m.)  – After promising Fiona and the children a Christmas they will remember, Shrek is forced to take a crash course to enjoy the festive season. The DreamWorks Animation special includes the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Conrad Vernon, Cody Cameron, Aron Warner, Christopher Knights, and Marissa Jaret Winokur.

, ‘Tis The Season For Holiday Specials and Classics on ABC

“Disney Prep & Landing” (9:00-9:30 p.m.) – 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.

“Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice” (9:30-10:00 p.m.) – 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!

Saturday, December 25 (Christmas Day)

“Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” (10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.) – The parade is back! Disney’s annual Christmas celebration returns with celebrity performances and the first telecast Christmas day parade since 2019. The holiday special is executive produced by Disney Parks along with Endeavor Content’s 45 Live.

Monday, December 27

, ABC Holiday Schedule 2021 Adds New Cheer to Festive Favorites

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Frozen” (8:00-10:00 p.m.) – When Elsa, the newly crowned Queen of Arendelle, accidentally uses her power to turn her kingdom into an infinite winter, her sister Anna teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer, and a snowman to change the weather condition. The film won two Academy Awards, one Golden Globe, and five Annie Awards.

Thursday, December 30

“General Hospital” (2:00-3:00 p.m. – check local listings) – New Year’s Eve plans shift and change, and although not everyone ends the night with a kiss, love is in the air as Port Charles rings in the new year.

Friday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve)

“Dick Clark New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2022” (8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.) – In his 17th year, Ryan Seacrest will be the master of ceremonies for the annual celebration in New York’s Times Square. This year marks the 50th anniversary of America’s go-to annual New Year’s tradition. Details about co-hosts, performers in Times Square, and additional locations will be announced closer to show night.


A Ghost From Christmas Past

In 1962, The first holiday parade from Disneyland aired on an episode of NBC’s anthology series “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.” Hosted by Walt Disney, “Holiday Time at Disneyland” featured segments from different areas of the park.

The episode also included a Main Street holiday parade showcasing the Babes in Toyland wooden soldiers, Disney characters, local non-profit and youth organizations, and holiday celebrations from around the world. The special culminated with the candlelight processional featuring students from Anaheim’s Western High School. 


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Let’s Hear From You! 

How does ABC’s holiday schedule look to you? What made your naughty and nice lists? And did you watch that Walt Disney Holiday Time at Disneyland special?  How does it compare to the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade that the parks produce today?  

, ABC Holiday Schedule 2021 Adds New Cheer to Festive Favorites

 

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