Typical Runtime and Format
The Dancing with the Stars holiday special usually runs between 90 minutes and two hours, including commercials. The episode is structured as a single live broadcast with multiple performances, short judge commentary, and a results segment. The show follows the standard DWTS format but compresses the competition timeline to fit a holiday theme and a tighter broadcast window.
The special is produced by BBC Studios and distributed in the United States by Disney–ABC Domestic Television. It airs on ABC and is streamed on Hulu the next day. The runtime can shift slightly depending on the number of celebrity-producer pairs, musical guests, and choreographic segments included in that year's lineup.
Broadcast Schedule and Availability
The holiday special typically premieres in mid-December on ABC and is available for on-demand viewing on Hulu shortly after the live broadcast. Exact start times are announced by ABC closer to the premiere date, usually in the weeks leading up to the holiday season. The episode is scheduled to fit into the network's prime-time lineup alongside other seasonal programming.
Viewers can check the official ABC schedule or the Dancing with the Stars website for the latest air date and time. Streaming availability on Hulu usually begins after the live East Coast broadcast and remains accessible for subscribers according to Hulu's standard licensing window.
What to Expect in the Latest Holiday Episode
The latest holiday edition of Dancing with the Stars features a mix of classic and contemporary holiday-themed routines, guest performances, and celebrity interviews. The episode highlights the finalists' technical skills while incorporating festive music, costumes, and stage design. Judges provide feedback on both technique and holiday-themed interpretation.
Production details, including the number of performances and the presence of guest celebrities, are confirmed by ABC and the show's official social channels closer to the air date. The special is designed to serve as a seasonal entertainment event that fits within the standard DWTS broadcast framework while offering a holiday-themed twist Forbes coverage of the holiday edition and additional context on the show's format Hollywood Reporter runtime details.