Mickey’s Christmas Carol to Return to ABC This November
The classic 1983 animated special returns to broadcast television for the first time in over two decades.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Television
Live Poll
Do you prefer watching classic holiday specials on broadcast television instead of streaming services?
ABC will broadcast the holiday special Mickey's Christmas Carol on November 25, 2026. This marks the first time the 26-minute feature has aired on broadcast television since 2003.
Why it matters
The re-airing highlights the enduring legacy of the short, which originally marked Disney's return to animated theatrical shorts following a 30-year hiatus.
The 26-minute special holds a significant historical place, having received a nomination for Best Animated Short Film in 1984. It previously broke a 30-year hiatus for Disney's animated shorts.
The players
ABC
The American Broadcasting Company is a major television network that serves as the broadcaster for this holiday programming lineup.
Disney
The Walt Disney Company is a global entertainment conglomerate responsible for the production and distribution of the featured animated content.
The details
The special, which originated as a 1983 theatrical release, will air at 8pm ET on the night before Thanksgiving. It is part of a larger holiday programming reveal that includes upcoming dates for Mary Poppins and Mufasa: The Lion King.
Timeline
The original release of Mickey's Christmas Carol occurred in 1983.
The special last aired on broadcast television in 2003.
The upcoming broadcast of Mickey's Christmas Carol is set for November 25, 2026.
Mary Poppins will air on ABC on November 26, 2026.
Mufasa: The Lion King is scheduled for a world premiere on December 27, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This return to broadcast television reflects broader trends in franchise longevity and the strategic repurposing of classic animated intellectual property. It mirrors the industry-wide practice of re-engaging multi-generational audiences with established studio legacy content.
Viewers can watch the broadcast for free on ABC at 8pm ET the night before Thanksgiving. This scheduling allows families to incorporate the short feature into their traditional holiday viewing plans.
The takeaway
Classic animated holiday specials continue to serve as essential anchor points for major network programming during the winter season. Audiences looking to revisit this 1983 feature should check local listings to confirm the 8pm ET airtime for their specific time zone.
Further reading
For more on upcoming network scheduling and seasonal media trends, visit Television.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Comicbook.
Live Poll
Do you prefer watching classic holiday specials on broadcast television instead of streaming services?
