ABC always delivers when it comes to holiday specials, and their 2022 lineup is no exception. Along with all the sitcom Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes, we’ve got lots of new and old favorites on the way.
Get ready for lots of Disney, along with some heartwarming concert specials. See some fabulous light displays and enjoy a cast reunion for a 20-year classic. And, of course, close it all out with a decades-long New Year's staple from Times Square.
Mickey Saves Christmas
Disney’s got plenty of ABC specials this season, including Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Toy Story the Time Forgot, and the broadcast premiere of Frozen II. But we really can’t wait for this brand-new stop motion animated special. According to ABC, Mickey, Minnie and their pals attempt to celebrate the perfect Christmas at their snowy cabin. However, when Pluto causes Santa to lose all the presents on his sleigh, the friends travel to the North Pole on a quest to save Christmas and find the true meaning of the holiday.
Mickey Saves Christmas Premieres November 27th at 7pm EST on ABC (and airs again on December 13th, 2022 at 8pm EST)
The Great Christmas Light Fight
America’s favorite holiday decorating competition is back for its tenth season. Join long-time hosts and judges Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak as they show you the biggest and brightest light displays across the country. Throughout six episodes, we’ll meet four different families who compete to win $50,000 the coveted Light Fight trophy.
The Great Christmas Light Fight Premieres on November 28th, 2022 at 8pm EST on ABC
Love Actually: 20 Years Later
For millions, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas if they didn’t sit down to watch 2003’s Love Actually. And now, ABC anchor Diane Sawyer will host the 20th anniversary special for the beloved holiday rom-com. While we don’t know much details yet we can expect plenty of cast members and with some great behind-the-scenes stories.
Love Actually: 20 Years Later Premieres November 29th, 2022 at 8pm EST on ABC
CMA Country Christmas
This holiday staple for country music fans returns for its 13th year in a row. Broadcasting all the way from Nashville, it’s an intimate night full of holiday classics from all the best performers. This year’s artists will be announced at a later date, and we can’t wait to see who’s performing.
CMA Country Christmas Premieres December 1st, 2022 at 9pm EST on ABC
A Very Backstreet Holiday
Looks like Backstreet really is back. Their first holiday album and accompanying tour were both huge successes. And now the Backstreet Boys have their own upcoming ABC special this December. Fans can expect plenty of songs off their newest release, along with some much-loved classics.
A Very Backstreet Holiday Premieres December 14th, 2022 at 8pm EST on ABC
Finding Harmony
The Finding Harmony project — and its founder, David Brown — have spent 13 years bringing people together by having them join a chorus. This time, EGOT winner John Legend asks him to work in his hometown of Springfield, OH. See if these men can perform a Christmas miracle and bring this fractured community together in time for the holidays.
Finding Harmony Premieres December 14th, 2022 at 10pm EST on ABC
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
What better way to start your Christmas Day than to watch the annual Disney Park parade as you open presents? Enjoy lots of heartwarming stories, guest appearances, and celebrity performances as you marvel at all your favorite characters.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade Premieres December 25th, 2022 at 10am EST and 7am PST on ABC
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than watching this yearly standard live from Times Square. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, watch your favorite artists brave the cold as they perform their biggest hits. And when the ball finally drops at midnight, join them in celebrating the start of 2023
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Premieres December 31st, 2022 from 8pm to 2:13am EST on ABC
ABC Full Christmas Lineup
Below is a complete lineup of this year’s ABC specials the Elf Squad, can’t wait to see. Which ones are you looking forward to the most?
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16
"The Conners" (Thanksgiving episode) - 8PM
"The Goldbergs" (Thanksgiving episode) - 8:30PM
"Home Economics" (Thanksgiving episode) - 9:31PM
TUESDAY, NOV. 22
"The Rookie: Feds" (Thanksgiving episode) - 10PM
SUNDAY, NOV. 27
"Mickey Saves Christmas" - 7PM
"Olaf's Frozen Adventure" - 7:30PM
“The Wonderful World of Disney: "Magical Holiday Celebration" - 8PM
MONDAY, NOV. 28
"The Great Christmas Light Fight" (season premiere) - 8PM
TUESDAY, NOV. 29
"Love Actually: 20 Years Later - A Diane Sawyer/ABC News Special" - 8PM
THURSDAY, DEC. 1
“The Wonderful World of Disney: "Frozen II" (broadcast premiere) - 8PM
MONDAY, DEC. 5
"The Great Christmas Light Fight" - 8PM
TUESDAY, DEC. 6
"Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" (holiday episode) - 8PM
"Press Your Luck" (holiday episode) - 9PM
"The $100,000 Pyramid" (holiday episode) - 10PM
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7
"The Conners" (holiday episode) - 8PM
"The Goldbergs" (holiday episode) - 8:30PM
"Abbott Elementary" (holiday episode) - 9PM
"Home Economics" (holiday episode) - 9:31PM
THURSDAY, DEC. 8
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" - 8PM
"CMA Country Christmas" - 9PM
MONDAY, DEC. 12
"The Great Christmas Light Fight" (season finale) - 8PM
TUESDAY, DEC. 13
"Mickey Saves Christmas" - 8PM
"Olaf's Frozen Adventure" - 8:30PM
"Disney Prep & Landing" - 9PM
"Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty Vs. Nice" - 9:30PM
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14
"A Very Backstreet Holiday” - 8PM
"Finding Harmony" - 10PM
TUESDAY, DEC. 20
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" - 8PM
"Toy Story That Time Forgot" - 9PM
"Shrek the Halls" - 9:30PM
SATURDAY, DEC. 24
The Wonderful World of Disney: "Home Alone" - 8PM
SUNDAY, DEC. 25
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" - 10AM EST, 7AM PST
MONDAY, DEC. 26
"The Year: 2022" - 9PM
SATURDAY, DEC. 31
"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023" - 8PM
Local Programming - 10PM
"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023" - 10:30PM
