DWTS Holiday Special Debuts Tonight: Festive Performances and Star Guests

ABC’s hit dance competition is celebrating the season in a brand new way. “Dancing with the Stars” presents its first-ever holiday special tonight. The event, titled “Dancing with the Holidays,” airs on Tuesday, December 2.

It will be broadcast on ABC and available for streaming on Disney+. This one-hour special replaces the usual competition with pure festive entertainment.

A Non-Competitive Night of Pure Celebration

The special was announced during the Season 34 finale last week. Host Alfonso Ribeiro revealed the news to an excited studio audience. According to ABC’s official press release, the ballroom will be filled with holiday magic.

The night features festive-themed routines and dazzling musical numbers. There will be no judges’ scores or eliminations. This allows the professional dancers to perform purely for joy.

This marks a significant departure from the show’s standard format. It is a gift to loyal viewers after a intense season. The focus is solely on celebration and seasonal cheer.

Hosts and Professional Dancers Take Center Stage

Co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will guide the evening. Both have confirmed they will also perform dance numbers. Ribeiro is a former Mirrorball champion, adding to the spectacle.

They will be joined by a lineup of fan-favorite professional dancers. Dancers from Season 34 like Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson will perform. The troupe members will also showcase holiday-themed choreography.

The atmosphere promises to be warm and communal. It highlights the close-knit “DWTS” family. Their performances are set to classic and contemporary holiday music.

Musical Performance by Chart-Topping Group Pentatonix

The special includes a major musical guest performance. The Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix will take the stage. They are known for their popular holiday albums and harmonies.

Their involvement creates a nice full-circle moment. Group member Scott Hoying was a contestant on the just-concluded Season 34. He danced with professional partner Rylee Arnold.

Their performance is expected to be a highlight. It blends vocal excellence with the show’s visual flair. This addition ensures the special appeals beyond just dance fans.

How to Watch the Inaugural Holiday Event

Viewers can tune in on the ABC television network at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The special will also be available simultaneously on the Disney+ streaming platform. This follows the same release pattern as the regular season episodes.

For those who cannot watch live, Hulu typically offers next-day streaming. ABC may also re-air the special during the holiday season. Checking local listings is recommended for precise timing.

The runtime is a concise and festive one hour. It is designed to be a fun, family-friendly appointment. The show aims to kick off the December holiday season with energy and grace.

The “DWTS holiday special” represents a joyful new tradition for the long-running series, offering fans a stress-free night of spectacular dancing and musical merriment.

Thought you’d like to know

When does the DWTS holiday special start?

The special airs tonight, Tuesday, December 2, at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time. You can watch it live on ABC or stream it on Disney+ at the same time.

Who is performing in the holiday special?

Hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will perform, along with many Season 34 pro dancers. The a cappella group Pentatonix is the featured musical guest.

Is this a competition with judges and scores?

No. This is a non-competitive special. There are no judges, scores, or eliminations. It is purely a festive celebration with dances and performances.

Will the special be available to stream later?

Yes. Episodes are usually available on Hulu the day after they air on ABC. You can also check the Disney+ platform where it premieres simultaneously.

Are any former celebrity contestants appearing?

The focus is on the professional dancers and hosts. However, surprise appearances or video greetings from former stars are possible during the celebration.

Is this a one-time event or a new annual tradition?

This is the first-ever holiday special for DWTS. Its reception will likely determine if it becomes an annual tradition for the show moving forward.