The holiday magic took over the dance floor on December 2 as the first-ever Dancing with the Holidays — the inaugural “DWTS holiday special” — premiered on Dancing with the Stars’ beloved platform, wowing audiences with festive routines, musical performances, and surprise appearances from fan-favorite dancers and guests.
A New Holiday Tradition for DWTS Fans
Network ABC officially added “Dancing with the Holidays” to its December 2025 programming slate as the first annual holiday spin-off of Dancing with the Stars. The one-hour special aired Tuesday, December 2, at 8 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT simultaneously on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming availability on Hulu. The ballroom was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with festive-themed routines and seasonal cheer.
The show arrives just one week after Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars concluded — making the timing ideal for fans still riding high from the finale.
Stars, Pros, and Festive Energy: Who Shows Up
The holiday special featured a lineup that combined pros from the show, troupe members, and notable celebrity guests. Hosting duties fell to the familiar faces of Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, who guided viewers through a mix of dance styles, music, and holiday greetings.
Among the performances: veteran pro dancers including Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson returned to the ballroom. Their appearance carried personal significance: the special marked the television debut of their son, Rome Chmerkovskiy, making the event a heartfelt family milestone.
Meanwhile, fans of the franchise got more than dancing — the acclaimed a cappella group Pentatonix, along with other celebrity participants from recent seasons, added musical performances and festive flair to the night.
Dancing with the Holidays: What Viewers Can Expect
The holiday special diverged from the usual competitive format of Dancing with the Stars. Instead of eliminations and judges’ scores, the evening prioritized celebration: choreographed holiday-themed dances, musical numbers, and a warm, communal atmosphere.
The format aimed to evoke the spirit of the season, offering fans a joyful wrap-up to the year’s dance season. It also helped the show maintain momentum between regular seasons, giving audiences a reason to return even after the competition concluded.
Why This Matters: Expanding the DWTS Universe
By launching “Dancing with the Holidays,” ABC and Dancing with the Stars are signaling that the show is evolving beyond a once-a-year competition to a year-round entertainment brand.
This move may help retain and grow the show’s audience by offering fresh content during a traditionally crowded holiday broadcast schedule. The holiday special gives fans something festive and familiar — a way to reconnect with beloved dancers and celebrate the season without the stress of competition.
What did you think of Dancing with the Holidays? Share your favorite moments below — and stay tuned for next year’s sparkle.