ABC has announced their 2019 holiday programming for Daytime and Primetime. Starting on Sunday November 17, audiences will enjoy ABC’s exciting shows featuring themed episodes for the season, a new original holiday movie, classic cartoons, and so much more.
What’s happening:
- ABC has announced part of their Holiday programming lineup for 2019 into 2020.
- This season will feature Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah-themed episodes across several series and shows.
- Fans can also tune in for favorite animated classics such as A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.
- The network is also celebrating the season with the return of fan-favorites:
- The Great Christmas Light Fight
- The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition
- This year will see the debut of an all-new holiday movie, Same Time, Next Christmas, starring Lea Michele.
- Finally, the fun continues after Christmas with New Year’s-themed programming ringing in 2020.
- Stay tuned for more programming schedule updates as the holidays get closer!
ABC Primetime Holiday Schedule
Sunday, November 17
America’s Funniest Home Videos – 7:00-8:00 pm:
- “3008” – 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.
Kids Say the Darndest Things – 8:00-9:00 pm:
- “Turkey in Space” – In a special Thanksgiving-themed episode, Tiffany shares her favorite Turkey Day traditions and films an infomercial for “Gobble Gobble Wrapping Paper” with kids who frantically gift wrap everything from Thanksgiving leftovers to a live turkey. Later, Tiffany and an 8-year-old girl pitch movie ideas to her big shot Hollywood director friend Jack McBrayer.
Tuesday, November 19
The Conners – 8:00-8:30 pm:
- “Slappy Holidays” – Chaos ensues when Dan finally gets the entire family together for Thanksgiving dinner. Mixed feelings about the Lunch Box continue to build tension in the house, and Harris makes an unexpected move. Guest starring is Eliza Bennett as Odessa.
Wednesday, November 20
The Goldbergs – 8:00-8:30 pm:
- “Angst-Giving” – Even though Beverly’s patience with Pop Pop is put to the test due to his endless Thanksgiving demands, she is able to put aside her own feelings to help heal the long-standing rift between Murray and Pop Pop. Meanwhile, Barry and Erica are ready to return home for the holiday, but Uncle Marvin accidentally drives them to Pittsburgh. Marvin attempts to make it right not knowing if they will make it to Jenkintown in time to celebrate the holiday. Judd Hirsch and Dan Fogler return to guest star as Pop Pop and Uncle Marvin, respectively.
Schooled – 8:30-9:00 pm:
- “Friendsgiving” – CB celebrates Thanksgiving by having all of William Penn rally around him after a cooking incident at his house, while the alumni faculty football game brings out the competitive sides of Wilma and Coach Mellor.
Modern Family – 9:00-9:31 pm:
- “The Last Thanksgiving” – Cameron and Mitchell’s friends mistakenly assume they have split up and have definitely chosen a side, and Haley attempts to cook Thanksgiving dinner as a thank you for Claire and Phil’s support with the twins. Meanwhile, Jay invites Phil and Dylan out to fly his model plane, and Phil thinks this is his chance to reclaim his dignity after their first outing 10 years ago went so wrong.
Single Parents – 9:31-10:00 pm:
- “Every Thursday Should Be Like This” – When Will gets busy cooking Thanksgiving dinner at Douglas’ home, he asks Angie to hang out with Tracy Freeze (guest star Jama Williamson). Angie reluctantly does so, only to realize that Tracy is actually wonderful, except for a secret she’s keeping from Will. Meanwhile, Miggy shows up to Thanksgiving dinner with the kids’ teacher, Ms. Pronstroller (Sarah Yarkin), as his date, and he enlists Douglas’ assistance in helping them form an in-person connection, given all of their previous communication has been via texts, DMs and memes.
Stumptown – 10:00-11:00 pm:
- “November Surprise” – Dex goes undercover after she is hired by a local politician to dig up dirt on his political opponent. Meanwhile, Grey and Liz’s romance continues, and Dex celebrates Friendsgiving with the group.
Wednesday, November 27
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving – 8:00-9:00 pm:
- In the 1973 special, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown wants to do something special for the gang. However, the dinner he arranges is a disaster when the caterers, Snoopy and Woodstock, prepare toast and popcorn as the main dish. Humiliated, it will take all of Marcie’s persuasive powers to salvage the holiday for Charlie Brown.
- A special bonus cartoon This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers, will also air with the Peanuts classic. In “This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers, the year is 1620. After 65 grueling, sea-tossed days, the Pilgrims are in view of America’s shores – and Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew are with them as they experience firsthand the lifestyle of the early settlers and celebrate the first Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 28
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration – 8:00-10:00 pm:
- The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration kicks off the holiday season on ABC.
- Join celebrity hosts as they present the two-hour prime-time special on Thanksgiving night from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
- This magical celebration will feature musical performances with some of today’s top artists among a flurry of Disney holiday entertainment. During the prime-time special, viewers will also be treated to several Disney Parks sneak peeks, including a behind-the-scenes look into future attractions coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts
- Hosts and performers to be confirmed at a later date.
Sunday, December 1
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town – 8:00-9:00 pm:
- 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.
Monday, December 2
The Great Christmas Light Fight – Season Premiere – 8:00-10:00 pm:
- “701/704” – ‘Tis the season for ABC’s immensely popular decorating competition series, The Great Christmas Light Fight, which continues to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with celebrity judges—lifestyle expert Carter Oosterhouse and famed interior designer Taniya Nayak. Season seven of the holiday hit will once again showcase the most extravagant and utterly spectacular Christmas displays America has to offer! In each one-hour episode, four families with dazzling household displays will compete to win $50,000 and the coveted Light Fight trophy.
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Tuesday, December 3
CMA Country Christmas – 9:00-11:00 pm
- Trisha Yearwood will host and perform on the 10th annual CMA Country Christmas.
- The two-hour music celebration features a night filled with Christmas classics and festive one-of-a-kind collaborations by:
- Trisha Yearwood
- Kristin Chenoweth
- For King & Country
- Chris Janson
- Tori Kelly
- Lady Antebellum
- Rascal Flatts
- Runaway June
- CeCe Winans
- Brett Young
- Chris Young
Thursday, December 5
A Charlie Brown Christmas – 8:00-9:00 pm:
- Celebrate the joy of the holidays with the classic animated Christmas-themed PEANUTS special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.
- 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.
Same Time, Next Christmas – 9:00-11:00 pm:
- In this original holiday film, Olivia Anderson (Lea Michele) is a successful young woman who met her childhood sweetheart during her family’s annual Christmas visit to Hawaii. After being separated by distance and years, the two reunite at the same Hawaiian resort years later, and the old chemistry between them flares up anew—but circumstances conspire to keep them apart.
- Same Time, Next Christmas” stars:
- Lea Michele as Olivia Anderson
- Charles Michael Davis as Jeff Williams
- Bryan Greenberg as Gregg Harris
- George Newbern as Woody Anderson
- Nia Vardalos as Faye Anderson
- Phil Morris as Alec Williams
- Dannah Lockett as Madelyn Williams
Monday, December 9
The Great Christmas Light Fight – 8:00-10:00 pm:
- “703/706” – The Great Christmas Light Fight showcases the most extravagant and utterly spectacular Christmas displays America has to offer!
Tuesday, December 10
The Conners – 8:00-8:30 pm:
- “Smoking Penguins and Santa on Santa action” – Dan is disappointed when everyone but Becky forgets about his birthday. Meanwhile, Darlene is faced with another issue, and Dan excludes Jackie from the family Christmas Santa photo for mistreating Louise. Guest starring is Katey Sagal as Louise, Jay R. Ferguson as Ben and James Pickens Jr. as Chuck.
Bless This Mess – 8:30-9:00 pm:
- “Goose Glazing Time” – Mike and Rio are thrilled about having their first Christmas alone together as a married couple, but a wrench is thrown into their romanticized holiday plans as they are interrupted by crisis after crisis. Meanwhile, Kay invites Beau home for Christmas so that they can give Jacob a proper holiday.
Mixed-ish – 9:00-9:30 pm:
- “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Alicia and Paul strive to maintain their winter solstice traditions from the commune, but their parents want to have a more traditional Christmas with the kids. Meanwhile, Alicia’s dad, Lynwood (guest star Richard Lawson), competes with Harrison to be the kids’ favorite grandad.
Black-ish – 9:30-10:00 pm:
- “Father Christmas” – Pops doesn’t do Christmas, so when he shows up to the house full of holiday cheer with Lynette (Loretta Devine), Dre is thrown off. Pops wants to make up for lost time and go all out this Christmas. The whole family gets into the holiday spirit until someone from Lynette’s past shows up. Anthony Anderson directed the episode.
Wednesday, December 11
The Goldbergs – 8:00-8:30 pm:
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” – Hoping to outdo the Kremp family, Beverly decides the Goldbergs must do an even better family holiday card, but Geoff is surprised he is not invited to be in the photo. Meanwhile, a pranking war with Barry and JTP quickly spirals out of control.
Modern Family – 9:00-9:31 pm:
- “The Last Christmas” – Cameron is hoping to keep everyone happy for their annual Christmas dinner, but Mitchell is suspicious he is hiding an ulterior motive. Meanwhile, Claire tries to dodge Jay’s job offer to work at his dog bed company and Luke has to deal with the consequences of kissing Manny’s ex-girlfriend, Sherri.
Single Parents – 9:31-10:00 pm:
- “Good Holidays to You” – When Graham writes a letter to Santa asking for either a white Christmas or to meet his father, Angie goes on a mission to find snow in Southern California with the help of Will and Sophie. Meanwhile, after Rory, Emma and Amy find out that Poppy and Douglas are romantically involved, the kids use this knowledge to their advantage to guilt their parents into buying them more Christmas presents.
Thursday, December 12
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure – 8:00-8:30 pm:
- 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.”
Toy Story That Time Forgot – 8:30-9:00 pm
- 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.
The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition – Season Premiere – 9:00-11:00 pm:
- Cake and Bread Week” – On your marks, get set, bake! The most festive and friendliest competition on television returns with hosts Emma Bunton (Spice Girls) and Anthony “Spice” Adams, and judges Paul Hollywood and pastry chef Sherry Yard.
- The heat is on when 10 bakers enter the tent in the two-hour season five premiere of The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition.
Friday, December 13
American Housewife – 8:00-8:30 pm:
- “The Bromance Before Christmas” – Katie looks forward to sharing her favorite childhood Christmas tradition with Taylor, but a surprise visit from her mom, Kathryn (Wendie Malick), threatens her holiday cheer. Meanwhile, Greg is blindsided by Katie’s good intentions; and to make matters worse, Oliver and Anna-Kat break a family heirloom.
Fresh Off the Boat – 8:30-9:00 pm:
- “Jessica Town” – Jessica is thriving in the merriment of Christmas, the time of year she takes full control of the household and everything is perfect until Louis does the unthinkable—tries to help, turning her Christmas dream into a holiday nightmare. Meanwhile, Eddie, Emery and Evan find themselves on the naughty list for breaking an expensive gift, which might just require the assistance of elves, or Grandma Huang, to fix.
Sunday, December 15
The Sound of Music – 7:00-11:00 pm:
- ABC will air the Rodgers & Hammerstein cinematic treasure The Sound of Music. Celebrate the 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.”
Monday, December 16
The Great Christmas Light Fight – Season Finale – 8:00-10:00 pm:
- “702/705” – The Great Christmas Light Fight showcases the most extravagant and utterly spectacular Christmas displays America has to offer!
Tuesday, December 17
Shrek the Halls – 9:30-10:00 pm:
- 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.
Thursday, December 19
Disney Prep & Landing – 8:00-8:30 pm:
- 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?
Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice – 8:30-9:00 pm:
- 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.
The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition – 9:00-11:00 pm:
- “Spice and Dessert Week” – Eight bakers return to the tent this week.
- First up, “Spice Week” with the bakers challenged to create sweet and savory creations using spices. From cinnamon to saffron, the bakers put their best spice flavor combinations together.
- “Dessert Week” has the bakers creating delicious delicacies like cakes and cookies, including one of Paul Hollywood’s toughest challenges yet!
Sunday, December 22
I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown – 7:00-8:00 pm:
- 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.
Kids Say the Darndest Things – 8:00-9:00 pm:
- On a special holiday episode, Tiffany chats with the kids about their favorite holiday traditions. Later, Tiffany plays Santa’s helper to find out who is on the “Nice List,” and celebrates an 8-year-old magician who proves that big tricks can come in small packages.
The Year: 2019 – ABC NEWS – 9:00-11:00 pm
Wednesday, December 25
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade – 10:00 am-12:00 pm
- Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade continues Disney’s annual Christmas morning celebration tradition, on ABC.
- Join celebrity hosts for the two-hour Christmas day special as they follow the famous Christmas Day Parade down Main Street U.S.A., featuring performances by some of today’s top artists across Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
- Also during the Christmas Day Parade, viewers will be treated to several Disney Parks sneak peeks, including a behind-the-scenes look into future attractions coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
- Hosts and performers to be confirmed at a later date.
Thursday, December 26
Happy New Year Charlie Brown — 8:00-9:00 pm:
- ABC 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.
- 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.
The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition – 9:00-11:00 pm:
- “Pastry and Cookie Week” – The bakers are back and this week they are challenged to create deliciously flaky and flavorful pastries, as well as holiday cookies perfect for any Christmas celebration.
Tuesday, December 31
Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020 – Beginning at 8 pm
Thursday, January 2
The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition – Season Finale – 9:00-11:00 pm:
- “Semi-Final and Final” – The final five bakers remain. With six challenges ahead for these contestants to wow the judges, the pressure is greater than ever before. In the end, only one can be named “America’s Best Amateur Baker.” Find out who wins on the season finale of The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition.
ABC Daytime Holiday Schedule
Wednesday, November 27
General Hospital – 2:00-3:00 pm, check local listings:
- This Thanksgiving, while those in Port Charles reflect with gratitude on their many blessings, surprises both warm and shocking sweep through the town. The Quartermaines once again attempt a traditional celebration. Finn celebrates his first holiday with his daughter, and Sonny and Carly bask in the joys of their burgeoning family.
Monday, December 23
General Hospital – 2:00-3:00 pm, check local listings:
- The residents of Port Charles are reminded of the true meaning of the holiday season in this year’s Dickensian twist.