Dancing with the Stars is bringing festive magic to the ballroom tonight with its first-ever holiday special, “Dancing with the Holidays.” The special airs on Tuesday, December 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, bringing together beloved pro dancers, surprise guests, and stunning musical performances. Hosted by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, who will also perform during the show, this inaugural celebration marks a new tradition for the competition series.
🔥 Quick Facts
- First-ever DWTS holiday special airs tonight on ABC and Disney+
- Special runs for exactly one hour of festive entertainment and dancing
- Pentatonix performs musical numbers, including their hit holiday song
- Features Season 34 pro dancers from Julianne Hough to Val Chmerkovskiy with holiday-themed routines
First-Ever Holiday Special Brings Magic to the Ballroom
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After the conclusion of Season 34 last week, ABC announced the exciting news during the finale that the ballroom would reopen for a special celebration. During his hosting duties, Alfonso Ribeiro announced, “Next Tuesday night, we are decking the halls and the ballroom for our first-ever holiday special.” This marks a significant milestone for the long-running competition series, which has never dedicated an entire special to holiday festivities before.
According to the official ABC press release, “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.” The one-hour special emphasizes celebration over competition, allowing viewers to experience the joy of the dance floor during the most wonderful time of year.
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Julianne Hough, the former professional dancer and current co-host, and Alfonso Ribeiro, the primary host who won Season 19 of DWTS back in 2014, will guide audiences through the festive evening. Both hosts announced they’ll be performing during the special, making this event even more memorable for fans excited to see the duo in action on the dance floor.
Ribeiro’s connection to the show spans years, and his participation tonight demonstrates his commitment to the DWTS family. Hough, who transitioned from being a professional dancer on the show to a judge and now co-host, brings her expertise and warm energy to this inaugural celebration.
Pro Dancers and Special Performances Headline Tonight’s Event
The special will showcase Season 34 professional dancers performing dedicated holiday-themed routines. Pro dancers including Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Jan Ravnik, Emma Slater, Pasha Pashkov, Jenna Johnson, and Val Chmerkovskiy will take the stage to deliver spirited dances set to festive music. Additionally, troupe members from Season 34 including Onye Stevenson, Carter Williams, Jaxon Willard, and Hailey Bills will perform.
| Performer Type | Details |
| Main Hosts | Julianne Hough & Alfonso Ribeiro (performing) |
| Pro Dancers | Multiple Season 34 professionals with holiday routines |
| Musical Guest | Pentatonix (a cappella group) |
| Special Feature | Surprise guests & former contestants |
Pentatonix Brings A Cappella Magic to the Celebration
The special will feature a musical performance by Pentatonix, the acclaimed a cappella group known for their stunning harmonies and holiday records. The group’s performance adds star power to the festivities, and the connection runs deep—Pentatonix member Scott Hoying competed on Season 34 of DWTS with professional partner Rylee Arnold. Their performance of holiday music sets the perfect tone for tonight’s celebration.
Pentatonix has become synonymous with holiday entertainment in recent years, making them an ideal choice for the special. Their appearance ties together the DWTS family and brings an extra layer of entertainment beyond dance to the ballroom.
What Makes Tonight’s Special Different from Regular Competition Episodes?
Unlike the regular Season 34 episodes that concluded last week with Robert Irwin crowned the Mirrorball champion, tonight’s special emphasizes pure celebration and entertainment over competition and scoring. There are no judges delivering critiques, no elimination pressures, and no competitive stakes—only the joy of movement and music during the holiday season.
The announcement during the finale surprised many fans who have followed DWTS for years without an official holiday special. This inaugural event represents the show’s evolution and its desire to give back to audiences during the festive season with quality entertainment featuring familiar faces from the dance floor.
