ABC is counting down to Christmas with holiday-themed episodes of its primetime line-up, as well as several holiday TV movies and special episodes of its reality shows.
Related: Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas
Friday, November 23
- SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN – In the perennial favorite created in 1970 by Rankin-Bass Productions (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman”), Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), 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.)
Monday, November 26
- THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT – Season Premiere – “602” – The most wonderful time of the year has officially begun! Showcasing their incredible holiday displays are the Richardson family and their extensive collection of 300 inflatables that come to life in Southern style in Madison, Mississippi; the Vaughan family and their whimsical wire frame forest, complete with flying birds, leaping deer, jumping fish and shooting stars in Alexandria, Virginia; the Salveson-Sangalli family and their holiday display, including 72 themed Christmas trees filling the inside of their home from floor to ceiling in Port St. Lucie, Florida; and the Hanley family with their larger-than-life ranch display, including Big Red – a 26-foot tall reindeer in Cleveland, Texas. Who will be awarded $50,000 and the coveted Light Fight trophy? Tune in as judge Taniya Nayak makes the decision on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” (8:00-9:00 p.m.)
- THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT – “601” – The festivities continue through the second episode of the night, featuring the Heide family and their Long Island lawn, filled with an unimaginable amount of blow molds and a home interior jam-packed with collectibles and nutcrackers in Merrick, New York; the Strycharz family and their rockin’ light show with thousands of synchronized lights, CO2 bursts and fire cannons in Wethersfield, Connecticut; the Watchorn family and their intricate maze of décor made from used tires, old wire spools and torn inflatables, including 3,000 figurines inside of their display in Ponca, Nebraska; and the Menashe family with their traditional holiday display featuring 65-foot lit trees and antique figurines in Seattle, Washington. Watch as judge Carter Oosterhouse decides who will walk away with $50,000 and the coveted Light Fight trophy on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Thursday, November 29
- OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE – In “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure,” Olaf (voice of Josh Gad) teams up with Sven on a merry mission. It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened and Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) 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. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions, and save Anna and Elsa’s “first Christmas in forever.” “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, “Toy Story That Time Forgot,” features your 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. It’s all up to Trixie the triceratops if the gang hopes to return to Bonnie’s room in this “Toy Story That Time Forgot.” 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 – Join singer, songwriter and “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” host Jordan Fisher and “Modern Family”’s Sarah Hyland as they host the magical two-hour event from the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Joined by Disneyland host Jesse Palmer, Disney Parks and ABC will kick off the holiday season with a star-studded prime-time celebration showcasing incredible musical performances, special appearances and Disney magical moments, including an extraordinary castle lighting spectacular from Disney Parks around the world – traveling the globe from Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and Anaheim, California, to Paris, Shanghai and Hong Kong. (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
Sunday, December 2
- THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW HOLIDAY SPECIAL – Victoria’s Secret’s legendary Angels take to the runway for “The 2018 Victoria’s Secret Holiday Special,” showcasing an all-star lineup of musical guests, including Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts. “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special” merges fashion, fantasy and entertainment. (10:00–11:00 p.m.).
Monday, December 3
- THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT – “603”/”604” – “The Great Christmas Light Fight” showcases the most spectacular and over-the-top Christmas displays in America. (8:00-10:00 p.m.)
- THE GOOD DOCTOR – Winter Finale – “Quarantine” – Dr. Shaun Murphy and Dr. Alex Park treat two patients who collapse at the local airport and whose symptoms point to an infection that may become airborne. The staff races to contain the infection before it spreads to the rest of the people in the ER, resulting in a hospital quarantine during the holidays. (Part one of a two-part episode) (10:00-11:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, December 4
- THE CONNERS – “Hold the Salt” – Dan questions Peter’s motives when he learns about the pricey Christmas gift Jackie purchased for her new, unemployed beau. Elsewhere, Mark and Mary write up their Christmas wish lists, while Darlene receives advice from an unlikely source. Matthew Broderick, Jay R. Ferguson and Juliette Lewis guest star. (8:00-8:31 p.m.)
Thursday, December 6
- A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS – Celebrate the joy of the holidays with the classic animated Christmas-themed PEANUTS special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” created by the late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. In the digitally remastered 1965 special, Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees everywhere during the Christmas season. Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant and Charlie Brown accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, Charlie Brown needs Linus’ help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is. In addition, another PEANUTS special based on the works of Charles Schulz, “Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tales,” will also air with the Emmy®-winning classic. (8:00-9:00 p.m.)
- THE GREAT AMERICAN BAKING SHOW: HOLIDAY EDITION – Season Premiere – “Cake and Pastry Week” – On your marks, get set, bake! It’s a double dose of spice this holiday season when the most festive and friendliest competition on television returns with new host Emma Bunton (Spice Girls), Anthony “Spice” Adams, veteran judge Paul Hollywood (“The Great British Baking Show”) and new judge, three-time James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Sherry Yard. The heat is on in the kitchen when 10 bakers enter the tent in the two-hour Season 4 premiere of “The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition.” Based on the hit U.K. series “The Great British Baking Show,” “The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition” features bakers from across the country battling through 18 total challenges with six challenges throughout each two-hour themed episode, all in the hopes of being crowned “America’s Best Amateur Baker.” (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
Sunday, December 9
- DANCING WITH THE STARS: JUNIORS – Season Finale – “The Finale (Holiday Special)” – The remaining celebrity kid couples advance to the finals on the holiday-themed season finale of “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.” The night kicks off with all 12 Juniors kid couples, their mentors, judges Mandy Moore, Val Chmerkovskiy and Adam Rippon, and hosts Jordan Fischer and Frankie Muniz dancing to Whitney Myer’s “Dancing in the Stars.” For their first dance, the finalist couples will each reprise a favorite dance they performed during the season, which will also feature their mentor. For their second dance, each couple will perform a no-holds-barred freestyle to a special holiday-themed song. At the end of the night, based on the studio audience vote combined with the judges’ scores, one couple will be crowned the champion, culminating an incredible season, and take home the all-new Juniors Mirrorball trophy. (8:00-9:00 p.m.)
Monday, December 10
- CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS – The ninth annual “CMA Country Christmas” features iconic entertainer Reba McEntire, who returns as host for the second year and will also perform during the holiday music special. Joining Reba are legendary acts and country favorites including Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs and Brett Young, taking the stage for a night filled with Christmas classics and festive one-of-a-kind collaborations. (8:00-10:00 p.m.)
- THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT – “607 – All Stars” – This special episode of “The Great Christmas Light Fight Clip Show” showcases the most spectacular and over-the-top Christmas displays in America. (10:00-11:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, December 11
- THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT – “Christmas 1972” – When Peggy’s successful brother, Tom (guest star Nat Faxon), drops in for Christmas, Mike immediately oozes with jealousy. Thus begins Mike’s one-sided competition with Tom, using his kids as pawns to help. After Tom gives the Clearys an extravagant Christmas gift, pride prevents Mike from taking it – putting him at odds with the rest of the family. Meanwhile, Timmy mistakenly receives $100 from his great-aunt for Christmas and contemplates whether he should do “the right thing” or keep it. Elsewhere, Eddie forgets to get Wendi a Christmas present and panic sets in. (8:31-9:00 p.m.)
- BLACK-ISH – “Christmas in Theater Eight” – The Johnsons have a tradition of going to the movies on Christmas and they can never agree on what to see. Dre wants to see an important film about Rosa Parks, but they all want to see the latest action-packed superhero blockbuster. Junior becomes embarrassed about taking a gap year after he runs into his ex-girlfriend Megan at the theater. (9:00–9:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, December 12
- THE GOLDBERGS – “Yippee Ki Yay Melon Farmer” – Much to Beverly’s chagrin, Barry is thrilled that he gets to celebrate Christmas now that he is engaged to Lainey. Meanwhile, Murray’s brother Marvin (guest star Dan Fogler returns) makes a promise to Adam with a surprising outcome. (8:00-8:30 p.m.)
- AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE – “Saving Christmas” – Katie strives to keep her long-separated parents apart when her father, Marty (Patrick Duffy), arrives in time to surprise the Otto family for Christmas. Anna-Kat does her best to help Trip win Taylor back but has a hard time getting past a very persistent Pierce (Milo Manheim). Meanwhile, Oliver thinks no one will remember him as the mask-wearing villain in the school’s production of “The Nutcracker” but quickly takes center stage when a series of mishaps damages his costume. (8:30-9:00 p.m.)
- MODERN FAMILY – “Stuck in a Moment” – Hayley wants to give the family a Christmas gift they will never forget if she can just figure out the perfect time. Meanwhile, Claire is mad that Phil has once again borrowed the family Christmas tree for a house-showing; and Jay, Gloria and Joe have to deal with some unwelcome visitors over the holidays. (9:00-9:31 p.m.)
- SINGLE PARENTS – “The Magic Box” – When Owen shows up unexpectedly on Christmas Eve with a gift for Angie, she desperately seeks out help from Will to find a present for Owen last minute. While doing so, Angie learns how bad Will is at giving Sophie good Christmas presents, or so it seems. While Graham begins to doubt the existence of Santa Claus altogether, the group worries Miggy may still believe in him. Meanwhile, Douglas invites Poppy, who is dealing with her first Christmas without Rory, to compete in a series of cutthroat Christmas-themed competitions. (9:31-10:00 p.m.)
- A MILLION LITTLE THINGS – Winter Finale – “christmas wishlist” – With the holidays quickly approaching, Delilah struggles with telling Sophie and Danny about her pregnancy; and although Jon’s absence makes this time of year especially difficult, the gang comes together to help the Dixons embrace the Christmas spirit. (10:00-11:00 p.m.)
Thursday, December 13
- DISNEY PREP & LANDING – Walt Disney Animation Studios brings you a half-hour holiday special tale of an elite unit of elves known as 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. During their Christmas Eve mission, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits. 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? (8:00-8:30 p.m.)
- 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! Desperate to prevent Christmas from descending into chaos, Wayne seeks out the foremost Naughty Kid expert to aid in the mission, a bombastic member of the Coal Elf Brigade who also happens to be his estranged brother, Noel. (8:30-9:00 p.m.)
- THE GREAT AMERICAN BAKING SHOW: HOLIDAY EDITION – “Cookie and Bread Week” – It’s sugar, spice and everything nice this holiday season when the bakers return to the tent for cookie and pastry weeks on “The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition” (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
Friday, December 14
- FRESH OFF THE BOAT – “Cousin Eddie” – The battle begins between mother and son when Eddie informs Jessica that he wants to spend Christmas with friend Nicole in New York. But Jessica insists that tradition prevails and he needs to spend the holiday with the family, so he does everything within his power to try and get her to crack and allow him to go. Meanwhile, Louis and Evan do their best to try and help an overwhelmed Emery decide on which one of his numerous friends to invite to the family’s Christmas Eve dinner. (8:00-8:30 p.m.)
- SPEECHLESS – “J-I–JINGLE T-H–THON” – A Christmas tree fire leads Maya to tell a small lie with big consequences. Meanwhile, Ray struggles to live in Pepper’s shadow as Dylan twists the knife, and JJ encourages Kenneth to stand up to his sisters (guest stars Niecy Nash and Lisa Leslie), on the holiday episode of “Speechless.” (8:30–9:00 p.m.)
Sunday, December 16
- THE SOUND OF MUSIC – The ABC Television Network 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.)
Monday, December 17
- THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT – Season Finale – “605/606” – “The Great Christmas Light Fight” showcases the most spectacular and over-the-top Christmas displays in America. (8:00-10:00 p.m.)
- IN MEMORIAM – ABC NEWS – Hosted by “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts and conceived by ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, “The Year in Memoriam 2018” celebrates the legendary stars and icons the world lost this year and the legacies they left behind. Roberts and Kimmel join forces once again for a unique tribute to learn more about these beloved stars, through stories shared by those closest to them, including Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson and Kelly Clarkson reflecting on the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin; Cindy McCain, Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham honoring politician and war hero John McCain; Loni Anderson, Marilu Henner, Lee Corso and John Schneider celebrating the iconic Burt Reynolds; Benedict Cumberbatch, Hank Azaria and Neil deGrasse Tyson memorializing physicist and pop-culture icon Stephen Hawking, as well as Jeb Bush, Reba McEntire and Condoleezza Rice remembering the former first lady Barbara Bush.? (10:00-11:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, December 19
- 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. Just when Shrek thought he could finally sit back, relax and enjoy his happily ever after with his new family, the most joyous of all holidays arrives. It’s Christmas Eve and everyone is filled with holiday cheer – except for Shrek. He isn’t exactly the picture of yuletide joy, but for the sake of Fiona and the kids, he tries to get into the spirit of things as only an ogre can. Unfortunately, everyone seems to have their own ideas about what Christmas is all about, so when Donkey, Puss In Boots, Gingerbread Man and the whole gang try to join in on the fun, Shrek’s plans for a cozy family celebration end up spiraling into one truly unforgettable Christmas. (8:30-9:00 p.m.)
Friday, December 21
- I WANT A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS, CHARLIE BROWN! – “I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!” centers on ReRun, the lovable but ever-skeptical younger brother of Linus and Lucy. It’s Christmas vacation and, as usual, ReRun’s big sister is stressing him out, so he decides to turn to his best friend, Snoopy, for amusement and holiday cheer. However, his faithful but unpredictable beagle companion has plans of his own, giving ReRun reason to ask Snoopy to invite his canine brother, Spike, for a visit. The cast of “I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!” includes Jimmy Bennett as ReRun, Adam Taylor Gordon as Charlie Brown, Ashley Rose Orr as Lucy Van Pelt, Corey Padnos as Linus Van Pelt, Hannah Leigh Dworkin as Sally, Nick Price as Schroeder, Jake Miner as Pig Pen/Franklin, Kaitlyn Maggio as the little girl and Bill Melendez as Snoopy. (8:00-9:00 p.m.)
Monday, December 24
- BEAUTY & THE BEAST – The 1991 classic animated film features an epic adventure with Belle, Beast and all the characters you love and the music you’ll never forget. (8:00-10:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, December 25
- DISNEY PARKS MAGICAL CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE – This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates the joy of the season as hosts Jordan Fisher and Sarah Hyland share this magical holiday tradition with families around the globe. Co-hosted by Jesse Palmer, the Christmas Day celebration will be merrier than ever before, bringing together the adored Christmas Day parade, special musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heartwarming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Joining the festivities as parade correspondents are Freeform’s “grown-ish” actor Trevor Jackson and star of Freeform’s upcoming series “Good Trouble,” Cierra Ramirez. (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CST/MST/PST; airtimes vary, check listings)
Thursday, December 27
- HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHARLIE BROWN – The ABC Television Network and the PEANUTS gang will ring in the new year with the animated PEANUTS special “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, along with “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown.” In “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” the PEANUTS gang is ringing in 1986, and Marcie and Peppermint Patty are throwing a big New Year’s Eve bash. Charlie Brown plans to celebrate the holiday by curling up with a big book that weighs nearly as much as he does, Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.” The book’s weight doesn’t stop him from lugging it to Lucy’s pre-party dance class, where he cuts a mean rug with a rollicking Patty. With just 1131 pages to go, Charlie Brown takes another break, this time for the party, and summons the courage to invite his true love, the little red-haired girl. She doesn’t respond, but hapless Chuck shows up anyway – with Tolstoy in tow. Then, he settles down with the book – on a porch swing in a snowstorm – and in so doing, misses the evening’s big surprise. In “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown,” disaster strikes as Peppermint Patty heads to her first major ice-skating competition with coach Snoopy and faithful companion, Marcie, by her side. As always, the unassuming Woodstock flies in to save the day. (8:00-9:00 p.m.)
- RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR – It’s Rudolph to the rescue when Happy, the Baby New Year, goes missing, in “Rudolph’s Shiny New Year,” the classic Rankin/Bass stop-motion animated holiday special. Father Time asks the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph, to find the next Baby New Year before midnight on New Year’s Eve. Red Skelton narrates and voices Father Time, while Frank Gorshin and Morey Amsterdam also provide voices for characters. (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Monday, December 31
- DICK CLARK’S PRIMETIME NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE WITH RYAN SEACREST – Ranked as the No. 1 music special of 2017, “Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” returns this year, marking the 47th anniversary of America’s largest celebration of the year and the most watched annual New Year’s tradition. The special will include 5½ hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe. Ryan Seacrest will serve as host and executive producer of the prime-time festivities and lead the traditional countdown to midnight from Times Square in New York City, as he has for the last 13 years, with live onsite reporting from actress and comedian Jenny McCarthy. Performers will be announced soon. (Beginning at 8 p.m.)
DAYTIME
Friday, December 21
- GENERAL HOSPITAL – “Toys for Tots” returns to Port Charles for its sixth consecutive year with a very special episode to support the “Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.” With the whole town in the holiday spirit, the in-story celebration includes a reading from “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a surprise visit from Santa and his helpers passing out gifts to the children at General Hospital. Meanwhile, Michael and Willow continue to grow closer; Cameron looks to make amends when his good deed goes horribly wrong; and Anna gets a second chance to make new holiday memories. (weekdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m.; check local listings)