ABC's Holiday Shows, Specials and Movies Schedule 2021
ABC announced its holiday programming lineup, a festive slate that delivers new specials, seasonal favorites and beloved classics perfectly curated to celebrate the most wonderful time of year. The network is unwrapping two new dazzling and delightful specials with the enchanting "The Magic Maker" and merrily melodic "A Very Boy Band Holiday." Additional highlights include the November staple "The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration"; the exciting return of Disneyland's Christmas parade on "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade"; "CMA Country Christmas" from Nashville; new holiday-themed episodes of ABC comedies and dramas; the previously announced "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2022," and all of the classic ho-ho-holiday favorites that families can curl up on the sofa with a warm cup of cocoa and enjoy. A sparkling new season of "The Great Christmas Light Fight" also returns, along with news of a season 10 pickup for 2022. Additional movies, musicals and specials round out the holiday season on ABC. Airdates are as follows (all times listed are Eastern/Pacific).
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17
"The Goldbergs" (watch the new holiday-themed episode)
"Home Economics" (watch the new holiday-themed episode)
HOME ECONOMICS PRESENTS "A THANKSGIVING DISH DILEMMA"
THURSDAY, NOV. 18
"Station 19" (watch the new holiday-themed episode)
"Grey's Anatomy" (watch the new holiday-themed episode)
ENJOY THANKSGIVING DINNER AT GREY SLOAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
THURSDAY, NOV. 25 (THANKSGIVING)
"The Magic Maker" (watch the new special)
FRIDAY, NOV. 26
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" (watch the classic special)
SUNDAY, NOV. 28
"The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration" (watch the `new special)
"The Great Christmas Light Fight" (watch the season premiere)
MONDAY, NOV. 29
"General Hospital" (check local listings) (new holiday-themed episode)
"The Great Christmas Light Fight"
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1
"The Wonder Years" (new holiday-themed episode) 8:30/7:30c
"Home Economics" (new holiday-themed episode) 9:30/8:30c
THURSDAY, DEC. 2
"The Great Christmas Light Fight" (season finale) 9/8c
SUNDAY, DEC. 5
"Something's Coming: West Side Story - A Special Edition of 20/20" (new) 7/6c
MONDAY, DEC. 6
"A Very Boy Band Holiday" (new) 8/7c
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8
"Olaf's Frozen Adventure" (rebroadcast) 8/7c
"Toy Story That Time Forgot" (rebroadcast) 8:30/7:30c
FRIDAY, DEC. 10
"Shark Tank" (new holiday-themed episode) 8/7c
SUNDAY, DEC. 12
"America's Funniest Home Videos" (new holiday-themed episode) 7/6c
"Supermarket Sweep" (new holiday-themed episode) 9/8c
THURSDAY, DEC. 16
"Station 19" (new holiday-themed episode) 8/7c
"Grey's Anatomy" (new holiday-themed episode) 9/8c
SUNDAY, DEC. 19
"The Sound of Music" (rebroadcast) 7/6c
TUESDAY, DEC. 21
"General Hospital" (check local listings) (new holiday-themed episode)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 22
"General Hospital" (check local listings) (new holiday-themed episode)
THURSDAY, DEC. 23
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" (rebroadcast) 8/7c
"A Very Boy Band Holiday" (rebroadcast) 9/8c
"CMA Country Christmas" (rebroadcast) 10/9c
FRIDAY, DEC. 24
"Olaf's Frozen Adventure" (rebroadcast) 8/7c
"Shrek the Halls" (rebroadcast) 8:30/7:30c
"Disney Prep & Landing" (rebroadcast) 9/8c
"Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice" (rebroadcast) 9:30/8:30c
SATURDAY, DEC. 25
"Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" (new) 10 a.m. ET/
9 a.m. PT
MONDAY, DEC. 27
"The Wonderful World of Disney: Frozen" (rebroadcast) 8/7c
THURSDAY, DEC. 30
"General Hospital" (check local listings) (new holiday-themed episode)
FRIDAY, DEC. 31
"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2022" 8/7c
Here's a more detailed breakdown of everything headed your way this holiday season!
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17
"The Goldbergs" - "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." (8:00-8:30 p.m.)
"Home Economics" - "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. Denise has some sibling drama of her own when her sister joins the Hayworth family celebration. (9:31-10:00 p.m.)
THURSDAY, NOV. 18
"Station 19" - "Little Girl Blue" – Station 19 and Station 23 each attempt to celebrate Thanksgiving following the fallout from the neighborhood explosion. The firefighters come together to cook, toast to loved ones they have lost and celebrate the families they have become. (8:00-9:00 p.m.)
"Grey's Anatomy" - "Every Day Is a Holiday (With You)" – It's Thanksgiving and while Meredith faces travel complications due to the weather, Nick steps in to help in more ways than one. Meanwhile, Richard and Bailey seek out emergency surgeries, and Amelia and Link reconnect. (9:00-10:01 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24
"General Hospital" – 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. (2:00-3:00 p.m., check local listings)
THURSDAY, NOV. 25 (THANKSGIVING)
"The Magic Maker" – This Thanksgiving, famed magician Adam Trent breaks the No. 1 rule of magic and puts magic in the hands of everyday people to help them with the biggest and most emotional moments of their lives. Whether it's helping a U.S. soldier "magically" reappear to his family after serving overseas or teaching a nervous young man to "walk on water" for his marriage proposal, Adam Trent spends this holiday amazing and astonishing viewers while making dreams come true as "The Magic Maker." (8:00-9:00 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. Plus, two girls excited about their first day of school miss their bus. (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
"America's Funniest Home Videos" – It's a Thanksgiving celebration on "America's Funniest Home Videos," including 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. (10:00-11:00 p.m.)
FRIDAY, NOV. 26
"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. (8:00-9:01 p.m.)
SUNDAY, NOV. 28
"The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration" – Returning for its sixth year with a dazzling array of all-new musical performances, this ABC holiday season staple 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. (7:00-9:00 p.m.)
"The Great Christmas Light Fight" – Season Premiere – Ready, set, glow. The most wonderful time of the year is here as ABC's hit decorating 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. The next installment of the "lit" series showcases America's brightest houses with the help of celebrity judges and Christmas décor aficionados – lifestyle expert Carter Oosterhouse and famed interior designer Taniya Nayak. In each merry and bright episode, the Christmas classic takes viewers across the country to the most elaborate and awe-inspiring holiday displays in the nation as viewers will once again see four fantastic families face off in each one-hour episode and compete to win $50,000. "The Great Christmas Light Fight," which also received a season 10 pickup, is produced by Fremantle. Brady Connell, Max Swedlow and Felicia Aaron White are executive producers for the series. (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
MONDAY, NOV. 29
"General Hospital" – 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. (2:00-3:00 p.m., check local listings)
"CMA Country Christmas" – "CMA Country Christmas" returns for its 12th 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. Hosts and performers will be announced at a later date. "CMA Country Christmas" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer and writer, and Paul Miller is the director. (8:00-9:00 p.m.)
"The Great Christmas Light Fight" – 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. In the back-to-back episodes, the competition heats up as four festive families show off their dazzling light displays for a chance to win $50,000 and the coveted Light Fight trophy. (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1
"The Wonder Years" - "Home for Christmas" – 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. (8:30-9:00 p.m.)
"Home Economics" - "Secret Santa Gift, $25 Limit" – 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. Meanwhile, Sarah receives an extravagant gift from the parents at her new school and has a hard time parting with it. (9:31-10:00 p.m.)
THURSDAY, DEC. 2
"The Great Christmas Light Fight" – 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. In the back-to-back episodes, four families face off as they showcase their extravagant displays to compete for the coveted Light Fight trophy and $50,000. (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
SUNDAY, DEC. 5
"Something's Coming: West Side Story – A Special Edition of 20/20" – 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. The special edition of "20/20" takes viewers into the world of "West Side Story" past and present as the iconic musical is adapted for the next generation. (7:00-8:00 p.m.)
MONDAY, DEC. 6
"A Very Boy Band Holiday" – "A Very Boy Band Holiday" brings together an all-star cast featuring members from your favorite boy bands to sing their holiday hits and celebrate the season. It's a festive night to reminisce, harmonize and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. More details about performances to come and expect some special surprises to keep spirits bright! (8:00-9:00 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8
"Olaf's Frozen Adventure" – In "Olaf's Frozen Adventure," Olaf teams up with Sven on a merry mission. 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. 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 (Broadway's "Book of Mormon," "Little Monsters"); Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell ("The Good Place," "Veronica Mars"); Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel (Broadway's "Rent" and "Wicked"; "Uncut Gems"); and Kristoff, voiced by Jonathan Groff (Broadway's "Spring Awakening" and "Hamilton," "Mindhunter"). (8:00-8:30 p.m.)
"Toy Story That Time Forgot" – Pixar Animation Studios' special for television "Toy Story That Time Forgot" 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 turns 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 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.)
FRIDAY, DEC. 10
"Shark Tank" – Holiday cheer heads into the Tank when four entrepreneurs try to glean some cash and 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. (8:00-9:01 p.m.)
SUNDAY, DEC. 12
"America's Funniest Home Videos" – Don't miss a special holiday episode of "America's Funniest Home Videos," 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. (7:00-8:00 p.m.)
"Supermarket Sweep" – Three-time Emmy® nominee and comedienne Leslie Jones celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with shopping, games and ugly holiday sweaters. (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
THURSDAY, DEC. 16
"Station 19" - "All I Want For Christmas Is You" – It's the most wonderful time of the year and the firefighters have their hands full responding to a number of crises throughout Seattle. Putting aside their differences and personal drama, they come together to try and achieve a Christmas miracle. (8:00-9:00 p.m.)
"Grey's Anatomy" - "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" – 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. (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
SUNDAY, DEC. 19
"The Sound of Music" – ABC airs 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.)
TUESDAY, DEC. 21
"General Hospital" – 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. (2:00-3:00 p.m., check local listings)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 22
"General Hospital" – The full range of human emotions is on display this holiday as Port Charles families come together to both hold each other close as they face tragedy and celebrate joyfully as they look to the future. (2:00-3:00 p.m., check local listings)
FRIDAY, DEC. 24
"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.)
"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? (9:00-9:30 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! 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. (9:30-10:00 p.m.)
SATURDAY, DEC. 25
"Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" – The parade is back! Disney's annual Christmas celebration returns with heartwarming stories, dazzling celebrity performances and the first telecast Christmas day parade since 2019, Christmas morning on ABC. The holiday special is executive produced by Disney Parks along with Endeavor Content's 45 Live. (10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.)
MONDAY, DEC. 27
"The Wonderful World of Disney: Frozen" – Why was Elsa born with magical powers? What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? The answers are calling her but also threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she'll face a dangerous but remarkable journey. (8:00-10:00 p.m.)
THURSDAY, DEC. 30
"General Hospital" – New Year's Eve plans shift and change, and although not everyone ends the night with a kiss, the celebratory atmosphere is undeniable and love is in the air as Port Charles rings in the new year. (2:00-3:00 p.m., check local listings)
FRIDAY, DEC. 31
"Dick Clark New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2022" – In his 17th year, multihyphenate headlining host Ryan Seacrest will oversee New Year's festivities in Times Square for "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2022." This year marks the 50th anniversary of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," America's go-to annual New Year's tradition, which celebrates the year's very best in music. The show sets the stage to ring in the new year with more than five and a half hours of dynamic performances airing until 2:00 a.m. EST and gives viewers a look at New Year's celebrations from around the globe. Details around co-hosts, performers in Times Square and additional locations will be announced closer to show night.
ABC IS YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS