ABC announces holiday programming schedule

ABC celebrates the joy of the holidays with special “25 Days of Christmas” programming starting December 1.

The countdown to “25 Days of Christmas” kicks off in late November with an ABC News “20/20” special edition, “Lights, Camera, Christmas: Inside Holiday Movie Classics,” perennial favorite “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” the musical celebration “CMA Country Christmas,” “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” and more.


WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22
LIGHTS, CAMERA, CHRISTMAS! INSIDE HOLIDAY MOVIE CLASSICS
– A special edition of ABC News’ “20/20,” features actor Peter Billingsley, best known as the character Ralphie in the seasonal hit movie “A Christmas Story.” This one-hour special will kick off the holiday season by bringing together the stars from classic holiday movies, and featuring behind-the-scenes looks at the most memorable moments from these films. (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

 

FRIDAY, NOV. 24
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.)

 

MONDAY, NOV. 27
CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
– Country music queen Reba McEntire will debut as host for the eighth annual “CMA Country Christmas” event from Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House. The two-hour holiday music celebration will feature performances by McEntire and a lineup of today’s best in country sharing their favorite sounds of the season. (8:00-10:01 p.m.)

 

THURSDAY, NOV. 30
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 re-mastered 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. (8:00-9:00 p.m.) 

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY: MAGICAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION – Join Emmy® Award-winner Julianne Hough along with multiplatinum recording artist Nick Lachey as they host the magical two-hour event from the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The primetime special kicks off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing incredible music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments. (9:00-11:00 p.m.)

 

MONDAY, DEC. 4
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT – Season Premiere
– “The Great Christmas Light Fight” returns for its fifth season, showcasing the most spectacular and over-the-top Christmas displays in America. In each episode, four families compete to win the coveted Light Fight trophy and a $50,000 prize, with a total of $300,000 given away for the season. Along with the incredible displays, this season also features the first-ever neighbors vs. neighbors episode, where side-by-side neighbors team up to compete against other side-by-side neighbors in a doubly epic battle of the bulbs! The series will air back-to-back episodes for three consecutive weeks.  (8:00-10:00 p.m.)

 

THURSDAY, DEC. 7
SHREK THE HALLS –
DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek the Halls,” a half-hour of entertainment starring America’s favorite ogre and his friends and featuring 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. (8:00-8:30 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 of “Toy Story That Time Forgot” 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 GREAT AMERICAN BAKING SHOW – Season Premiere – “Cake Week” & “Morning Treats” – On your marks, get set, bake! The most festive and friendliest competition on television is back. In a two-hour season premiere, “The Great American Baking Show” (formerly “The Great Holiday Baking Show”) returns with slices of cake and delicious morning treats. Based on the hit U.K. series “The Great British Bake Off,” “The Great American Baking Show” 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.” Ayesha Curry and Anthony “Spice” Adams host. James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini returns with best-selling cookbook author and baker Paul Hollywood as judges.   (9:00-11:00 p.m.)

 

SATURDAY, DEC. 9
MARY POPPINS –
Set in Edwardian London, the film features no-nonsense nanny Mary Poppins, who flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children of the wealthy and strict Banks family, Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber). With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the spirited nanny sets off on a series of fantastic adventures with Bert and the children, and teaches their parents some lessons about love along the way.  (8:00-11:00 p.m.)

 

SUNDAY, DEC. 10
AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS --
This week’s video highlights feature holiday-themed clips – including an ugly Christmas sweater that lights up and shorts the electricity in the house, and a toddler who tries to jump on the photo of the mini-trampoline she got for Christmas. Also, a little boy obliviously walks around his Christmas gift without realizing it’s right in front of him, a little girl is afraid of a face filter that turns her into a witch, and a dog’s collar gets entangled in the dishwasher causing a kitchen calamity, in a new holiday-themed episode. Also, host Alfonso Ribeiro presents a check to two Marines for the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. (7:00–8:00 p.m.)

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY – “Frozen” – Disney’s Academy Award®-winning “Frozen,” the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, airs on The Wonderful World of Disney. In “Frozen,” fearless optimist Anna (Kristen Bell) teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer, Sven, in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (Josh Gad) in a race to find Anna’s sister, Elsa (Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Can Anna save her sister and bring sunshine back to their home? Or will Arendelle be frozen forever? (8:00-10:00 p.m.)

 

MONDAY, DEC. 11
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT –
“The Great Christmas Light Fight” showcases the most spectacular and over-the-top Christmas displays in America. (8:00-10:00 p.m.)

 

TUESDAY, DEC. 12
THE MIDDLE – “
The Christmas Miracle” – It’s Christmastime, and Frankie and Sue are devastated after Axl informs them that he’s not going to church this year because he’s beginning to question his faith. Meanwhile, Mike goes to war with the Glossner kids after they keep defacing his new, giant inflatable snowman; and Brick goes all out in an attempt to wrap his first present for a planned Christmas Yankee Swap. (8:00-8:30 p.m.)

FRESH OFF THE BOAT – “Do You Hear What I Hear?” – As head of the HOA Christmas committee, Jessica threatens to cut the neighborhood caroling this year due to last year’s rocky performance. However, Deirdre says that her friend Holly (guest star Paula Abdul), who teaches “Performance and Movement,” will help get everyone into tip-top, melodic shape. Meanwhile, Marvin becomes suspicious of Honey when she goes to see “Titanic” at the movies without him; Nicole develops her first girl crush and struggles with how to get her attention. (8:30-9:00 p.m.)

BLACK-ISH – “Sugar Daddy” – Dre is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and after talking to Pops, he’s resolved to curing himself. Meanwhile, Jack is convinced that baby Devante hates him, so he enlists Junior and Diane’s help. (9:00–9:30 p.m.)

THE MAYOR – “Grey Christmas” – After visiting a homeless shelter on Christmas Eve, Courtney realizes things for the needy could be improved and pledges to make it a joyous Christmas that every family deserves. But when he learns he doesn’t have the budget to deliver on his promise, Courtney loses hope and his holiday spirit which leads to a magical “It’s A Wonderful Life” moment that makes him realize he has the gift needed to pull off a Christmas miracle. David Spade guest stars.  (9:30-10:00 p.m.)

 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13

SPEECHLESS – “S-I--SILENT NIGHT” – After leveraging JJ in an attempt to land a family dog, Dylan takes a vow of silence to better understand what it is to be her brother. Ray brokers a meeting between his girlfriend’s mother, Melanie (guest star Sarah Chalke), and Maya, only to realize they have a history. Jimmy drives Kenneth crazy by gaming a supermarket giveaway to score free Christmas turkeys. (8:30-9:00 p.m.)

AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE – “Blue Christmas” – When Doris goes into labor and Katie heads to the hospital to be with her, the Ottos struggle to be in the same place at the same time in order to open their Christmas presents together, as is the Otto family tradition. Meanwhile, Taylor coaches Oliver on the best way to ask out a crush, starting with the gift shop clerk. (9:31-10:00 p.m.)

 

THURSDAY, DEC. 14

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? (8:30-9:00 p.m.)

THE GREAT AMERICAN BAKING SHOW – “Desserts” & “Cookies” – On your marks, get set, bake! Tonight, “The Great American Baking Show” (formerly “The Great Holiday Baking Show”) showcases desserts and cookies. Based on the hit U.K. series “The Great British Bake Off,” “The Great American Baking Show” 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.” Ayesha Curry and Anthony “Spice” Adams host. James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini returns with best-selling cookbook author and baker Paul Hollywood as judges. This week’s episode has the bakers working on delicious surprises, including showstopper challenges of towers of macarons and gingerbread houses you won’t want to miss. (9:00-11:00 p.m.)

 

SATURDAY, DEC. 16

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.)

 

SUNDAY, DEC. 17

THE SOUND OF MUSIC --The ABC Television Network will air “The Sound of Music,” the Rodgers & Hammerstein cinematic treasure. 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, DEC. 18

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT – Season Finale – “The Great Christmas Light Fight” showcases the most spectacular and over-the-top Christmas displays in America. (8:00-10:00 p.m.)

 

TUESDAY, DEC. 19

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.)

 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20

A SPECIAL EDITION OF 20/20: CHRISTMAS CRIBS – A special edition of ABC News’ “20/20,” goes inside the homes of celebrities to reveal their festive holiday décor and favorite family traditions. This one-hour special will also go behind the scenes to explore how the sets of ABC comedies transform for the holiday season. (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

 

THURSDAY, DEC. 21

THE GREAT AMERICAN BAKING SHOW – Season Finale – “French” & “Finals” – On your marks, get set, bake! The temperature is rising in the kitchen this week as the remaining bakers enter French & Finals week where they will face their toughest challenges yet. From French fare to showstoppers like a tower of treats and numerous timed bakes, the heat is on, where only one baker will be named “America’s Best Amateur Baker” on the season finale.  (9:00-11:00 p.m.)

 

MONDAY, DEC. 25

DISNEY PARKS MAGICAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION – This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates the joy of the holiday season, as hosts Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street, U.S.A. and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas Day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. (10:00 a.m.-Noon)

 

TUESDAY, DEC. 26

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. Red Skelton narrates and voices Father Time, while Frank Gorshin and Morey Amsterdam also provide voices for characters. Father Time asks the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph, to find the next Baby New Year before midnight on New Year’s Eve. (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

 

SUNDAY, DEC. 31

DICK CLARK’S NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE – ABC will ring in the new year with the 46th annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2018.” The iconic holiday special, live from Times Square in New York City, will feature special performances and reports on New Year’s festivities from around the globe. Ryan Seacrest will lead the celebrated countdown to midnight, along with actress and comedian Jenny McCarthy, beginning at 8 p.m. Special performances to be announced soon. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2018” is produced by dick clark productions with Ryan Seacrest, Allen Shapiro and Mike Mahan serve as executive producers and Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco as co-executive producers. Larry Klein is the producer. (Beginning at 8 p.m.)

 

DAYTIME

GENERAL HOSPITAL – The holidays are both bitter and sweet for those in Port Charles. All are in shock when Andre’s lies finally catch up with him and, in an emotional moment of regret, we finally learn the truth about Patient 6’s identity. Alexis desperately tries to make amends for last year’s mistakes and start anew, yet can’t help but wonder if she’ll ever be able to shake her past. While Josslyn and Oscar get closer to the truth, Nelle continues to try and assert herself in Michael’s life. And as Laura finally accepts love again, Sam wonders if she really knows what’s in her heart. (Beginning Friday, Dec. 1)

Additionally, “General Hospital” will participate in ABC's “Share the Joy” campaign in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation for a fourth year. Each year, the Toys for Tots campaign is incorporated into several episodes throughout the Christmas holiday, helping to raise awareness about the organization.  (weekdays, 2:00-3:00 p.m; check local listings)

THE CHEW – It’s the most wonderful time of the year and your holiday headquarters are decking the halls this December. “The Chew”’s own little elves, Emmy Award-winning hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly and Carla Hall, are spreading the holiday spirit all month long by surprising their fellow New Yorkers with random acts of kindness; and Carla is sharing the joy of cooking in Houston when she teaches a culinary class to help a friend in need after Hurricane Harvey (12/6). ‘Tis the season to celebrate everyday heroes (12/4), cook in a Winter Wonderland (12/14); and for one special night, Carla will join the cast of “The Lion King” in its 20th epic year on Broadway (12/19). Get ready for over-the-top pageantry where tacky is tasteful and bedazzled is beautiful … it’s the “7th Annual Ugly Sweater Party” (12/7). The stars will be shining bright this holiday season on “The Chew” from the high-kicking Rockettes to Ayesha Curry, Kadee Strickland, Bobby Flay, Sara Evans, David Muir and Ginger Zee who we are counting on to let us know if it will be a white Christmas.  (weekdays, 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST; check local listings)

THE CHEW: SNOWED IN FOR THE HOLIDAYS – “The Chew” isn’t letting a snow storm squash the holiday spirit!  Despite being snowed in, they throw the ultimate holiday party! They’re whipping up festive dishes and crafts, while the incredible pop vocal group Human Nature serenades with fun holiday carols. The Chew: Snowed In for the Holidays airs Sunday, Dec. 3 at 3:00-3:30 p.m. EST/2:00-2:30 p.m. CST/1:00-1:30 p.m. MST/2:00-2:30 p.m. PST; Monday, Dec. 25 at 2:00-2:30 p.m. EST/1:00-1:30 p.m. CST/12:00-12:30 p.m. MST/11:00-11:30 a.m. PST.

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