Dancing with the Stars Launches First-Ever Holiday Special

"Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) is set to air its inaugural holiday special, titled "Dancing with the Holidays," on December 2 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. This one-hour event follows the conclusion of Season 34, which saw Aussie conservationist Robert Irwin and professional dancer Witney Carson crowned as champions. The holiday special aims to spread festive cheer through performances by beloved pro dancers, surprise guests, and musical acts.

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About DWTS Holiday SpecialDWTS holiday special brings first-ever festive celebration to the ballroom tonight with Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro as hosts, wait until you see who’s performing

The special will be hosted by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, both of whom will also perform during the event. Hough, a former professional dancer and current co-host, brings her expertise and energy, while Ribeiro, a past DWTS champion, adds his long-standing connection to the show. The lineup of professional dancers includes Emma Slater, Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, and several others, who will showcase holiday-themed routines.

DWTS holiday special brings first-ever festive celebration to the ballroom tonight with Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro as hosts, wait until you see who’s performing

Pentatonix, the renowned a cappella group, is set to perform, enhancing the holiday atmosphere with their popular holiday music. Their connection to the show is notable, as member Scott Hoying competed in Season 34. Other special guests include former contestants like Andy Richter and Scott Hoying, along with surprise appearances that are yet to be revealed.

DWTS holiday special brings first-ever festive celebration to the ballroom tonight with Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro as hosts, wait until you see who’s performing

Unlike regular DWTS episodes, which involve competition and scoring, the holiday special focuses solely on celebration and entertainment. There will be no judges or eliminations, allowing viewers to enjoy the joy of dance and music without the pressures of competition. This shift marks a significant milestone for the series, which has never dedicated an entire episode to holiday festivities before.

DWTS holiday special brings first-ever festive celebration to the ballroom tonight with Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro as hosts, wait until you see who’s performing

During the Season 34 finale, Ribeiro expressed excitement about the upcoming special, stating, “Next Tuesday night, we are decking the halls and the ballroom for our first-ever holiday celebration.” The official logline from ABC emphasizes that the ballroom will come alive with holiday magic, featuring festive-themed routines and dazzling musical performances.

DWTS holiday special brings first-ever festive celebration to the ballroom tonight with Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro as hosts, wait until you see who’s performingHere’s Everything You Need to Know About DWTS Holiday Special

While the holiday special has generated enthusiasm, some fans expressed disappointment regarding the upcoming DWTS tour lineup, noting the absence of certain popular contestants. This sentiment reflects a mix of excitement for the holiday special and concern over the tour's scheduling.

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About DWTS Holiday Special

The holiday special is expected to set a new tradition for "Dancing with the Stars," potentially leading to future holiday-themed events. Fans are eager to see how this inaugural celebration will influence the show's format and audience engagement in the years to come.

DWTS holiday special brings first-ever festive celebration to the ballroom tonight with Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro as hosts, wait until you see who’s performing

• “During the Season 34 finale, Ribeiro announced, “Next Tuesday night, we are decking the halls and the ballroom for our first-ever holiday celebration.” — Alfonso Ribeiro, Host

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About DWTS Holiday Special

• “The ballroom comes alive with holiday magic as Dancing With the Stars celebrates the season with festive-themed routines, dazzling musical performances and special holiday greetings.” — ABC Press Release

DWTS holiday special brings first-ever festive celebration to the ballroom tonight with Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro as hosts, wait until you see who’s performing