Holiday Specials Bring New Music, Tours, and Festivities for 2026

The holiday season is officially underway with a robust lineup of festive television specials, musical performances, and live theatrical productions for 2026. Across the country, iconic holiday traditions are returning alongside brand-new programming and immersive experiences designed to bring seasonal cheer to audiences.

In New York City, the 2026 Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes kicked off at Radio City Music Hall, running through January 4. Marking their upcoming century milestone, the dance company debuted a new high-energy tap number titled 'Ring,' choreographed by Emmy Award-nominated Chloé Arnold and resident director Julie Branam. This addition brings the show's total number of Rockettes routines to ten, the most in the production's history.

The New York production also introduced advanced on-stage camera technology to provide audiences with real-time views from above, the wings, and upstage on side screens. Alongside the performances, visitors can explore archival displays celebrating the dance troupe's legacy, view a life-sized Wooden Soldier figure constructed from LEGO bricks by LEGOLAND New York Resort, and purchase expanded merchandise and themed food and beverage items.

On television and streaming platforms, holiday specials are rolling out new content for families. Apple TV released a trailer for its upcoming animated special 'Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy,' scheduled to premiere on November 13. In the new Peanuts special, the beloved beagle lands on Santa's naughty list and works to clear his name with just 12 days left until Christmas.

The Apple TV special features original music contributions from prominent artists including John Legend, Kamasi Washington featuring Leon Bridges, and Laufey. In addition to original programming, Apple announced plans to offer free streaming windows for classic holiday favorites, airing 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' on November 14 and 15, and 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' on December 12 and 13 without requiring a subscription.

In country music, the annual 'CMA Country Christmas' special is set to air on December 1 at 9:00 PM Eastern Time on ABC, with on-demand streaming available on Hulu and Disney+ starting December 2. This year's broadcast features performances by Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, and Trisha Yearwood.

For the first time, the country music trio Lady A will officially host the special while also performing during the broadcast. The hosting gig comes as band member Charles Kelley undergoes treatment for multiple myeloma, a rare form of bone marrow cancer diagnosed in September. Kelley and his bandmates plan to continue their musical commitments, including a December holiday tour, while managing his treatment schedule.