The DWTS Holiday Special is lighting up screens this December with glitter, music, and plenty of holiday cheer. ABC and Disney+ have confirmed that this year’s event will feature fan-favorite dancers, celebrity guests, and a lineup of musical acts that bring the magic of Dancing with the Stars to the most wonderful time of the year.
Aired right after the Season 33 finale, the 2025 holiday episode continues a long-running DWTS tradition — blending world-class dance, live music, and heartfelt moments into one unforgettable night.
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When and Where to Watch
ABC announced that the DWTS Holiday Special 2025 will air on Tuesday, December 17, at 8 PM ET/PT. Fans can also stream it the next day on Disney+, making it easy to enjoy from anywhere.
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return to lead the special, bringing their signature energy and warmth to the ballroom. Unlike the regular competition episodes, this holiday event focuses purely on entertainment. There are no eliminations — just dazzling performances, celebrity reunions, and a full celebration of dance.
Who’s Returning to the Ballroom
This year’s DWTS Holiday Special is packed with familiar faces and crowd favorites. Some of the returning stars and pros include:
- Ariana Madix, the Vanderpump Rules star who became a DWTS fan favorite
- Jason Mraz, Grammy winner and Season 33 finalist
- Charli D’Amelio, social media icon and Season 31 champion
- Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson, performing a new romantic holiday routine
- Emma Slater and Alan Bersten, teaming up for a fun, festive jive
The cast list celebrates the DWTS family — both old and new — and brings together some of the most beloved personalities from recent seasons.
Music That Moves the Ballroom
No DWTS event would be complete without live music, and this year’s special is no exception. The 2025 DWTS Holiday Special will feature performances from top artists, including:
- Pentatonix, singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
- Meghan Trainor, debuting her cheerful new single “Merry and Bright”
- Michael Bublé, delivering his classic hit “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
These live numbers will be paired with choreographed routines from the professional dancers, creating magical moments that showcase the show’s signature blend of rhythm and emotion.
Inside the Holiday Ballroom
This year’s set design turns the ballroom into a Winter Wonderland, complete with shimmering snow, glowing trees, and an LED backdrop that transforms with each performance.
Viewers can look forward to:
- Seven themed group numbers, each representing different holiday traditions
- A special celebrity medley, featuring stars from multiple seasons
- A grand finale, uniting all the pros for an epic dance to “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
For 2025, DWTS is also introducing new augmented reality effects to enhance the home-viewing experience on Disney+. Expect snowflakes, lights, and even virtual holiday decorations that appear around the dancers in real-time.
Honoring Len Goodman’s Legacy
This year’s holiday special will include a touching tribute to Len Goodman, the longtime head judge who passed away in 2023. The segment will feature archival clips of his most iconic moments, along with messages from current judges and professional dancers.
Goodman’s legacy continues to influence the show’s spirit, reminding viewers that at its core, Dancing with the Stars is about connection, elegance, and joy.
A Beloved Holiday Tradition
The DWTS Holiday Special has become a fan favorite since its early beginnings more than a decade ago. It’s a chance for dancers and celebrities to let loose, celebrate the season, and connect with audiences in a more relaxed, heartfelt way.
Last year’s special attracted over 5.3 million viewers, making it one of ABC’s highest-rated holiday events. With the show’s growing presence on Disney+, 2025 is expected to draw an even larger audience — especially after Season 33’s success, which crowned Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles as champion.
Behind the Sparkle: How It All Comes Together
The production team works for months to make this one-night event possible. Costumes, lighting, and choreography are designed to capture the spirit of the holidays with a DWTS twist.
Costume designer Daniela Gschwendtner revealed that this year’s wardrobe was inspired by classic holiday films, mixing vintage glamour with modern sparkle. Expect everything from shimmering gowns to sequined suits and bold red-and-gold accents that pop on camera.
Sustainability is also in focus this year — over 60% of materials from previous seasons are being repurposed to create new costumes, reflecting the show’s growing commitment to eco-friendly production.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough
For many viewers, the DWTS Holiday Special is more than just another TV event — it’s a feel-good tradition. Fans love the mix of nostalgia, creativity, and emotion that defines the night.
Social media buzz is already building, with hashtags like #DWTSholiday and #DWTSChristmasSpecial trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Fans are sharing predictions, favorite pairings, and excitement for potential surprise performances.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect this year:
| Details | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Air Date | Tuesday, December 17, 2025 |
| Network | ABC (Streaming next day on Disney+) |
| Theme | “Dancing Through the Holidays” |
| Host | Alfonso Ribeiro & Julianne Hough |
| Filming Location | CBS Television City, Los Angeles |
How to Watch and Join the Fun
Fans can tune in live on ABC or stream the DWTS Holiday Special the next day on Disney+. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the show, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with music, movement, and joy.
Viewers are encouraged to share their favorite moments online using the official show hashtags and join the festive conversation as the ballroom comes alive with Christmas spirit.
A Night of Joy, Dance, and Celebration
As Dancing with the Stars celebrates another successful year, the 2025 holiday special serves as a heartfelt reminder of what makes the series so special — unity, creativity, and the power of dance to bring people together.
The DWTS Holiday Special 2025 promises an evening of laughter, nostalgia, and pure joy — the perfect gift for fans and families alike.
What dance are you most excited to see in this year’s DWTS Holiday Special? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation below!