The DWTS Holiday Special is back to brighten up the season with sparkle, music, and unforgettable performances. ABC and Disney+ have officially confirmed that Dancing with the Stars will return this December with a holiday event full of joy, nostalgia, and breathtaking dance routines.
This year’s special will bring together favorite celebrities, professional dancers, and big-name artists for a night of festive entertainment. The ballroom will once again transform into a winter wonderland, delivering a mix of elegance, humor, and heartwarming holiday cheer.
When and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars. The DWTS Holiday Special 2025 airs on Tuesday, December 17, at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC. Fans can also stream it the next day on Disney+.
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return to lead the evening. Their lively energy and chemistry have made them a beloved duo among DWTS fans. Unlike regular competition episodes, this special has no eliminations — just pure celebration and entertainment from start to finish.
A Ballroom Reunion of Fan Favorites
The holiday special will reunite some of the most popular stars and pros from past seasons. These familiar faces are ready to bring their charisma back to the dance floor for one more night of magic.
Confirmed appearances include:
- Ariana Madix, who stole hearts with her fierce attitude in Season 32
- Jason Mraz, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and Season 33 finalist
- Charli D’Amelio, Season 31 champion and social media superstar
- Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson, performing a romantic new holiday dance
- Emma Slater and Alan Bersten, returning for a lively Christmas jive
This lineup represents the heart of DWTS — a family of dancers and celebrities who share their passion and creativity with fans year after year.
Holiday Music Takes Center Stage
The DWTS Holiday Special always brings music to life through dance, and 2025’s lineup of performers is one of the strongest yet. Viewers can expect a mix of classic holiday tunes and new releases, each paired with dazzling choreography.
Performances will include:
- Pentatonix, performing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
- Meghan Trainor, debuting her festive single “Merry and Bright”
- Michael Bublé, singing his timeless favorite “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
Each artist will share the stage with DWTS professionals, blending live vocals with stunning ballroom and contemporary dance numbers. These performances have become a signature part of the show’s holiday specials — combining rhythm, storytelling, and emotion in perfect harmony.
A Winter Wonderland in the Ballroom
The set design for the DWTS Holiday Special 2025 is one of the most ambitious in the show’s history. The ballroom will be completely transformed into a glowing winter paradise filled with snowflakes, twinkling lights, and rich holiday colors.
Themed performances planned for the night include:
- Seven group numbers, each celebrating a different holiday tradition
- A celebrity medley performance uniting stars from multiple seasons
- A grand finale, featuring all professional dancers performing to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
Disney+ viewers will also get enhanced visuals through augmented reality (AR) effects — from falling snow to virtual lighting effects that appear around the dancers on screen.
Honoring a DWTS Legend
The 2025 holiday special will include a heartfelt tribute to Len Goodman, the longtime head judge who passed away in 2023. Goodman was the voice of reason and warmth on Dancing with the Stars for nearly 20 years, and his legacy still resonates deeply with fans and the DWTS family.
The tribute will feature memorable clips of Goodman’s best moments, along with reflections from the current judges and professional dancers. It will serve as both a farewell and a celebration of his enduring influence on the world of ballroom dance.
Dancing for the Joy of It
What makes the DWTS Holiday Special so special is its focus on joy. Without the pressure of competition, the dancers and celebrities are free to perform purely for fun and emotion.
The routines are creative, festive, and full of life. Some tell heartwarming holiday stories through movement, while others are designed to make audiences laugh and dance along at home. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, playful, and filled with genuine happiness.
For many viewers, the DWTS holiday episode has become a December tradition — something to look forward to as the year winds down.
The Creative Magic Behind the Scenes
Every moment of the DWTS Holiday Special is the result of months of hard work by a dedicated creative team.
Costumes
Daniela Gschwendtner, the show’s lead costume designer, has outdone herself once again. This year’s wardrobe draws inspiration from classic holiday films and modern fashion trends. Expect to see flowing red gowns, sparkling tuxedos, and icy blue ensembles that capture the essence of winter.
The production team is also focusing on sustainability this year. More than 60% of costume materials were reused or recycled from previous seasons — a step that aligns with ABC’s commitment to environmentally responsible entertainment.
Choreography
Led by Mandy Moore, the choreography team has created an eclectic mix of ballroom, Latin, jazz, and contemporary dance. Each number is designed to reflect the emotion and rhythm of the music, from gentle waltzes to high-energy salsas.
The goal is simple — to make viewers feel the magic of the holidays through movement.
A Beloved TV Tradition
The Dancing with the Stars Holiday Special began in 2010 as a one-time event but quickly became an annual celebration. Each year, it brings together millions of families who gather to watch their favorite stars dance to holiday classics.
The 2024 special drew more than 5.3 million viewers, making it one of ABC’s highest-rated holiday programs. With the success of Season 33 and growing viewership on Disney+, the 2025 special is expected to reach an even wider audience.
This year’s event will also mark a reunion for some of DWTS’s most beloved pros, celebrating nearly two decades of the show’s legacy.
The Power of Connection
For the fans, the DWTS Holiday Special is more than just entertainment — it’s a celebration of connection. It reminds viewers of the joy that dance can bring, and how movement, music, and community come together during the holidays.
Social media is already buzzing with excitement. On X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, hashtags like #DWTSholiday and #DWTSChristmasSpecial are trending. Fans are posting memories from past specials and predictions for this year’s performances.
The DWTS community is one of the most passionate in television, and the holiday event has become their annual gift — a way to celebrate love, laughter, and creativity.
Broadcast Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Air Date | Tuesday, December 17, 2025 |
| Time | 8 PM ET/PT |
| Network | ABC |
| Streaming | Available next day on Disney+ |
| Hosts | Alfonso Ribeiro & Julianne Hough |
| Theme | “Dancing Through the Holidays” |
| Filming Location | CBS Television City, Los Angeles |
Whether you’re watching live on ABC or streaming on Disney+, the event promises to be an uplifting, family-friendly night of television that captures the true meaning of the holidays.
Why It Matters
The DWTS Holiday Special continues to remind audiences why Dancing with the Stars remains a cultural phenomenon. It’s not just about competition — it’s about storytelling, resilience, and joy.
Each dance tells a story, and each performer adds a touch of authenticity that makes the show so beloved. In a world where people crave positivity and connection, DWTS offers both through the universal language of dance.
The Perfect Way to Celebrate the Season
As the year comes to a close, the DWTS Holiday Special 2025 promises to deliver everything fans love — dazzling performances, emotional moments, and plenty of laughter. From the sparkling costumes to the heartfelt tributes, every part of the evening will reflect the warmth and joy of the holidays.
The DWTS Holiday Special 2025 is more than just a TV event — it’s a celebration of music, movement, and togetherness that captures the true spirit of the season.
Which performance are you most excited to see in this year’s DWTS Holiday Special? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the festive conversation!